2025 Call for Access Design Sub-Committee Volunteers is Now Open

How to apply

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Who we are and what we do

The Access Design Sub-Committee is a sub-committee of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility. Their purpose is to review and make recommendations on issues that relate to accessibility for people with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, the review of major public projects (e.g., infrastructure, public spaces, parks) to ensure the greatest level of accessibility for persons with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities. As such, this Subcommittee and its members have a significant impact on the accessibility of spaces within Calgary.

Your role as a volunteer

For members:

  • Attend and actively participate in monthly committee meetings members are expected to attend at least 70% of meetings.
  • Provide advice on City of Calgary projects as requested, using the City of Calgary’s Access Design Standards and related policies & guiding standards & practices.
  • Identify emerging issues and key priorities related to accessibility in Calgary.
  • In coordination with the Advisory Committee on Accessibility, serve as subject matter experts available for consultation with City Administration.
  • Serve as ambassadors in the community for the Access Design Sub-Committee regarding a range of accessibility issues as needed.
  • Consult with City Administration as needed.

For the Co-Chairs:

  • Collaborate with City Administration to develop agendas for monthly meetings.
  • Collaborate with the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility as needed.
  • Co-Chairs facilitate the monthly meetings.

Requirements

Must be:

  • Resident of Calgary; or
  • Indigenous persons who may reside outside of Calgary but are residents of the Calgary surrounding area within the Treaty 7 region, including those Indigenous persons who belong to the Blackfoot Confederacy, made up of the Siksika, Piikani, Amskaapipiikani and Kainai First Nations; the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and those persons who are Métis, including citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis government residing in Foothills Métis District 1, Medicine Hat Métis District 2, Red Deer Métis District 3, Rocky View Métis District 4, Calgary Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6; and
  • At least 18 years of age.

Note: members are expected to sign a Confidentiality Agreement to protect sensitive information, as projects are reviewed during early design stages, before details are made public.

Desired Experience & Skills

Can be one or a combination of attributes:

  • Person with a physical, sensory and / or cognitive disability
  • Person from the seniors’ community
  • Person who may or may not have a disability but interested in accessibility and disability initiatives
  • Person who experiences a disability related to brain injury
  • Person with lived experience in issues related to neurodiversity
  • Person who experiences a disability related to mental health
  • Knowledge / experience with disability inclusion
  • Understanding of intersectionality
  • Advancing accessibility for persons with disabilities
  • Training, education, knowledge, or experience with accessibility and identifying barriers

Resolution of Council (1999 April 26)

Terms of Reference

To review and make recommendations on issues that relate to accessibility for people with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, the review of major public and private projects (e.g., properties, buildings, barrier free walkways, pathways, and parks) to ensure the greatest level of accessibility for persons with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities. 

Composition

  • Total Membership: 15
  • Approved by the Advisory Committee: 15
    • Six members with disabilities representing a range of people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities
    • One member representing the seniors community
    • Two members of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility
    • Five members of City administration

Term

  • 2 years (subsequent terms would be staggered)

Meetings

  • Monthly
    Day: Wednesdays
    Time: 1:30 - 3:30 PM
    Location: Online with occasional site visits

Resource Staff

  • Community Strategies

Reports to: