(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

NESD accessibility plan

NESD develops accessibility plan to address current shortcomings

Dec 5, 2025 | 2:43 PM

The North East School Division (NESD) is looking to improve all facets of accessibility across the division.

They have introduced their new North East School Division Accessibility Plan, as they look to meet the requirements of The Accessible Saskatchewan Act.

Director of Education Stacy Lair told northeastNOW it is their goal to create a more accessible space in all NESD facilities. She said they are asking communities and stakeholders for their input in achieving this accessibility, especially those with lived experiences.

The division had held focus groups with community members to ask them what accessibility means to them.

“Essentially, what are barriers, what are things that might exist in our schools that are stopping you from fully participating and being involved in all of the ways as a family, or your individual student should be,” Lair said.

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One challenge for the division is the age of their facilities. Many NESD schools are decades-old and weren’t made at a time when accessibility was taken into account.

“The requirements and the codes were different at those times, and so there’s lots of facility considerations we have,” Lair said.

However, it’s not just physical accessibility that is an issue for the division. Lair said there was good discussion from families and other stakeholders as to non-physical concerns, such as making NESD digital content more accessible. Lair added that it’s also important to champion inclusion through the division’s leadership.

“Through this process we really did uncover that unless we engage those who are affected, we don’t know the answers to those kinds of things, and we really have to ask,” said Lair. “Another example that came out is if we need something to be more accessible or if we need supports – learning supports and access in that way – then what is the process for the school division to be able to have some additional support in that way.”

Lair said open communication is also important for students and families and NESD support staff. She added that it’s vital for families to be aware of the supports that may be needed.

The division’s aging infrastructure also doesn’t give them much leeway in regard to funding. Lair said the funds they are given for preventative maintenance for schools is used for essential items like roof replacements and keeping the buildings lit, heated, cooled, and dry. She said there isn’t much money left to be able to tackle accessibility.

The school board has done some work with the Saskatchewan School Board Association to advocate for dedicated funding to address accessibility shortcomings without divisions dipping into current infrastructure money. Lair said those funds are currently limited and spread thinly.

NESD is looking for feedback on their accessibility plan, and input on ways they can reduce barriers in the division’s schools. Residents can contact the division in person, by phone or via email at divisionoffice@nesd.ca.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com