Accessibility

Introduction:

The Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan (The Archives) is committed to removing barriers for people who use our services. To improve accessibility, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced The Accessible Saskatchewan Act. The Act requires The Archives to create a plan to remove accessibility barriers.

The Archives created a working group to develop our plan. A survey gathered feedback about our accessibility barriers. The results of the survey were used to determine the actions of our Accessibility Plan.

Please note: The Archives building is managed by the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement. The accessibility of 2440 Broad Street falls within the Government of Saskatchewan Accessibility Plan 2024-2027, Goal 2: Make government buildings more accessible.

Definitions from the Accessible Saskatchewan Act

What is accessibility?

• Accessibility means that all people can take part in their communities through work, play and other daily activities.
• Accessibility is about removing barriers so people can feel included and have independence.
• Accessibility is important for everyone, especially people with disabilities.

“disability” is defined as: any impairment that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders an individual’s full and equal participation in society, and includes:

• a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, or sensory impairment; and
• a functional limitation; whether permanent, temporary, or episodic in nature, or evident or not.

“barrier” is defined as: anything that hinders or challenges the full and equal participation in society of persons with disabilities.

Types of Barriers

Physical barriers 
Physical barriers make it difficult for people to access buildings or other spaces.

Examples include:

• Hosting events at a venue that is only accessible by stairs.
• Parking lots with no curb cuts.
• Washrooms that lack accessible stalls.
   

Information and communications barriers 
Information and communication barriers can exist when information is not provided in a way that everyone can access or use.

Examples include:

• Using small print that is hard to read.
• Websites that are not usable for screen readers.
• Videos that do not have closed captioning.

Technology barriers
Technology barriers can exist when technology is designed in a way that is not accessible for persons with disabilities.

Examples include:

• Difficulty using devices like keyboards due to limited mobility.
• Interfaces that are not user-friendly.
• Lack of reliable internet to access information.

Attitudinal barriers
Attitudinal barriers can exist when people think, or act based on false assumptions.

Examples include:

• Not including persons with disabilities in decisions that impact them.
• Making assumptions about a person’s ability to communicate or do things for themselves.
• Avoiding a person with a disability.

Goals and Actions (2026-2029)

This accessibility plan lists the actions that the Archives will focus on over the next three years. These actions will reduce barriers that people currently experience. An accessibility committee will work together to complete the actions outlined in this plan.

Progress will be ongoing as we receive guidance to plan our way forward.

1) Attitudinal Barriers

The Archives is working to improve attitudinal barriers by:

• Increasing staff knowledge.
• Supporting an inclusive workforce.

Achievements to date:

• Staff participated in training from the Rick Hansen Foundation.
• The Archives follows all Public Service Commission guidance.
• The Archives supports staff through the Employee Family Assistance Program.

Actions for 2026-29:

• Encourage accessibility training for staff.
• When Government of Saskatchewan training for staff is available, review if the training should be mandatory. 

2) Physical Accessibility

The Archives recognizes that removing physical accessibility barriers is important. 

The Archives’ building is managed by the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement. The accessibility of 2440 Broad Street falls into the Government of Saskatchewan Accessibility Plan 2024-2027, Goal 2: Make government buildings more accessible.

Achievements to date:

• The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement (SBP)is planning accessibility construction in our building.

Actions for 2026-29:

• Work with SBP on any accessibility related construction.
• Review our spaces to remove any physical accessibility barriers.

3) In-Person Programs and Services

The Archives is working to remove accessibility barriers to in-person programs and services.

Achievements to date:

• Public Wi-Fi is available for free.
• An electronic magnifying system is available in our Reading Room.
• The Archives accommodates easier access for clients when possible.

Actions for 2026-29:

• All future print items will be reviewed for accessibility. Legacy materials will be reviewed as they are updated.
• The Archives will review Government of Saskatchewan standards for use in our programming.
• The Archives will consider accessibility for all in-person programming.
• The Archives will work to remove accessibility barriers in our Reading Room. 

4) Online and Distance Services

It is important to make sure that digital content is clear and accessible on the devices that people use.

Achievements to date:

• The Archives’ website was updated in June 2023. The website now displays clearly on multiple devices.

Actions for 2026-29:

• Review the Government of Saskatchewan’s “Digital Public Services Policy.”
• New content will be judged for plain language and reading level.
• Explore making a guide for when plain language cannot be used.
• Review all future service changes for accessibility.
• Explore making online content more accessible, such as using closed captioning and alt text. 

5) Government of Saskatchewan’s Guidance on Accessibility 

The Archives plans to follow the Government of Saskatchewan’s guidance in the Government of Saskatchewan Accessibility Plan.

Actions for 2026-29:

• Use the “Guide for Hosting Accessible Events” created by the Government of Saskatchewan.
• Follow Government of Saskatchewan guidance.

Next Steps for The Archives

The Archives will work to improve accessibility and will review this plan every three years. 
We will establish an accessibility committee to work on these action items. 
This plan is intended to improve the accessibility of our services and remove barriers. 
As we move forward, we want to continue to hear from our community about barriers that impact their lives.

Contact us

Please contact us to share any feedback, questions, or comments you have or to request a different format of this document.

Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan
2440 Broad Street
REGINA SK S4P 0A5 

Phone: 306-787-4068 
Toll-free 1-833-382-4068
Email: accessibility@archives.gov.sk.ca