Skip to content
Menu
  • English Selected
  • Français

 

Header secondary

  • Sign up for eNews
  • Donate

Header

  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Our Programs
    • Leadership Team
    • Board Members and Committees
    • Donors
    • Annual Reports
    • 2021-23 Strategic Plan
    • FAQ
    • Work With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Champion's Circle
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • About Rick
    • About Rick
    • Rick's Story
    • Man In Motion World Tour
      • Man In Motion World Tour
      • The Dream
      • Tour Timeline
      • Tour Gallery
      • Tour Team
      • 35th Anniversary
    • Rick’s Work and Vision
    • A Conversation with Rick
    • Awards & Honours
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Legacy Giving
    • Fundraise
    • Help make Canada accessible
    • Everyone Everywhere
    • National AccessAbility Week
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • Become Accessible
    • Become Accessible
    • Rating & Certification 
      • Rating & Certification 
      • Rating Request Form
      • RHFAC FAQ
      • RHFAC v3.0
    • Accessibility Training and Education
      • Professional Training
      • Accessibility Training and Education
      • Tuition Grants
    • APN 2023 Conference
    • Accessibility Resources
    • Accessibility Professional Network
      • Accessibility Professional Network
      • FAQ: Accessibility Professional Network
      • Login
      • RHFAC Professional Directory
    • Post an Accessibility Job
    • Accessibility Advisory Services
    • Buildings Without Barriers Challenge
    • Leaders in Accessibility
    • 2022 B.C. Accessibility Grants
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • Schools & Communities
    • Schools and Communities
    • Create an Inclusive School Year
      • Start with Awareness
      • Concentrate on Kindness 
      • Boldly Take Action
    • Resource Library
    • Ambassador Presentations
      • Ambassador Presentations
      • Book a Presentation
      • About Our Ambassadors
    • Difference Maker Awards
      • Difference Maker Awards
      • Difference Maker Winners
    • Supplementary Resources
    • Our Partners
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • News & Stories
    • News & Stories
    • Blog
    • Media Centre
    • Newsletter
    • Disability Reports
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • Search

Breadcrumb

  1. Rick Hansen Foundation
  2. News & Stories
  3. Blog
  4. Currently selected Accessibility: A key focus for new boarding school in Kimberley, B.C.
A front perspective rendering of Purcell Collegiate's front entrance, with blue skies in the background, wooden cladding, and white walls. People are seen walking towards the entrance. The Purcell, BC, and Canadian flags are flying on 3 masts.

Accessibility: A key focus for new boarding school in Kimberley, B.C.

RHF By RHF On January 25, 2022 Access & Inclusion

Perched on a bluff among the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges in Kimberley, British Columbia, the site of Purcell Collegiate School (PCS) sits, awaiting the moment it can open its doors to students from all over the world.  

Purcell Collegiate is a boarding school that will invite both Canadian and international students in Grades 7 – 12 to learn not just academic courses, but elective classes in sustainability, outdoor education, STEM, business and entrepreneurship, leadership, and fine arts. There will also be advanced coaching and training opportunities for student athletes. 

One of the features of the school that makes it so unique is its focus on accessibility and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to study at the school. Purcell Collegiate is targeting Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) Accessibility Certified Gold to ensure the entire campus is as accessible as possible.  

Perspective rendering of Purcell Collegiate with three flag posts, wooden and white building cladding.

Accessible Design with an Inclusion Lens

For Duncan MacLeod, CEO and Head of School of PCS, this was a very important factor.  

In his previous work in international education, MacLeod had been aware of students who wanted to study abroad in Canada, but had difficulty finding programs that could accommodate students with disabilities. He remarked that providing options for these students was difficult, especially if they were to be residing in a homestay – the challenge arises to find a host family with an accessible home, and having contingencies if something was to fall through or not be the right fit.  

This was a challenge that MacLeod wanted to meet head on– ensuring students with disabilities can study abroad in Canada.  

Kimberley is the perfect place for a facility such as PCS because of its history with accessibility and sport. Kimberley Alpine Resort is home to the Paralympic Training Centre. In addition, the municipality is designated by The Athlete Training Centre, a world-class training centre based in Ontario, as the only place in North America where athletes with disabilities can train for all winter disciplines, including, Nordic Skiing, Wheelchair Curling, Sledge Hockey, and Alpine Skiing. 

MacLeod was born and raised in Kimberley, and as such, accessibility features have always been a part of his experience. He remarked that the community itself was relatively ahead of the curve on accessibility inputs, such as graded curbs. To him, being accessible is part of what makes a community welcoming and open. Something he brought to the initial discussions for PCS.  

artist's rendering of the interior of a building with wide, bright hallways and seating

Collaboration with Architects and the Rick Hansen Foundation

MacLeod was pleased to say right from the start, they were on the same page with the architectural team.  

George Berry, architect and CEO of Berry Architecture + Associates, remarked that accessibility has been a part of the firms mandate for 23 years. Berry’s father had Polio, so Berry saw first hand some of the accessibility challenges he faced – something that continues to inspire and inform his work.  

“We believe any human being should be permitted to go into any building without obstacles,” Berry said. “A built object should never restrict mobility.”  

This is when the team reached out to the Rick Hansen Foundation. MacLeod said that working with RHF was the missing piece of the puzzle and really helped expand what was possible in terms of accessibility.  

“Working with RHF has been very educational.  They helped us push our accessibility knowledge over the line,” Berry said of the relationship with RHF. 

Key Accessibility Features and Adaptive Technology

Some of the accessibility features integrated into the design of the school include hallways wide enough for students with wheelchairs, accessible suites in the boarding houses, wayfinding, including braille in both English and Ktunaxa language, hearing loops for enhanced communication on the entire campus, and accessible outdoor learning spaces. A green roof area of the school will also be accessible to those with mobility challenges.  

Berry explained that a lot of research over the years has gone into finding very specialized equipment to aid in accessibility. For example, many individuals with mobility disabilities can find getting in and out of chairs difficult, something Berry’s father found challenging, so the team sourced classroom chairs designed with handles for those who need the support. 

Rendering of Purcell Collegiate exterior, showing wheelchair ramps, people sitting, and greenery.

The team behind PCS wants it to be a “completely enabling environment for everybody” and MacLeod said that it is one of the most important, affirming and uplifting parts of the entire project. In addition to ensuring the school is accessible to all students, staff and visitors, they are also targeting LEED® Gold for sustainability and learning experiences will be guided and facilitated by the ʔaq̓am Community of the Ktunaxa Nation.   

MacLeod said fostering an educational opportunity like PCS has been rewarding and inspiring for him.  Between his experience growing up in Kimberley and his career in international education, creating a school “that is going to be able to say “yes” when a student with a disability inquires about coming to Canada to study” supports the realization of PCS as a lighthouse project that is accessible, inclusive, and empowering.     

Related articles

Vancouver City Hall, a large beige building with a clock at the top. It is surrounded by trees.
City of Vancouver Incorporates RHFAC into Policy
Woman wearing a teal shirt reading a metal braille sign that is mounted on a wall.
The Importance of Braille on World Braille Day
The Salt Spring and Southern Gulf Islands Community Services Society (SSICS) McPhillips Building. It is a large brown building with three peak windows on top.
Addition of an Elevator Gives a Lift to Accessibility for Members of the Salt Spring Community
Row of books in bins.
Winter Reading List 2022: Stories From Authors With Disabilities

About the Author

Our mission is to create and deliver innovative solutions that lead to a global movement to remove barriers and liberate the potential of people with disabilities.

Back to top

Next Story

Looking Back as We Move Forward
Rebecca Blissett By Rebecca Blissett
Read More

Stay in Touch

Receive Foundation emails to stay up-to-date on our impact and programs.

Contact Us

1-800-213-2131
info@rickhansen.com

Rick Hansen Foundation
300-3820 Cessna Drive
Richmond, BC
Canada V7B 0A2

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Imagine Canada

The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under license by the Rick Hansen Foundation.

About Us - EN

  • About Us
  • Our Programs
  • Leadership Team
  • Board Members and Committees
  • Donors
  • Annual Reports
  • 2021-23 Strategic Plan
  • FAQ
  • Work With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Champion's Circle

About Rick - EN

  • About Rick
  • Rick's Story
  • Man In Motion World Tour
    • Man In Motion World Tour
    • The Dream
    • Tour Timeline
    • Tour Gallery
    • Tour Team
    • 35th Anniversary
  • Rick’s Work and Vision
  • A Conversation with Rick
  • Awards & Honours

Get Involved - EN

  • Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Legacy Giving
  • Fundraise
  • Help make Canada accessible
  • Everyone Everywhere
  • National AccessAbility Week

Become Accessible - EN

  • Become Accessible
  • Rating & Certification 
    • Rating & Certification 
    • Rating Request Form
    • RHFAC FAQ
    • RHFAC v3.0
  • Accessibility Training and Education
    • Professional Training
    • Accessibility Training and Education
    • Tuition Grants
  • APN 2023 Conference
  • Accessibility Resources
  • Accessibility Professional Network
    • Accessibility Professional Network
    • FAQ: Accessibility Professional Network
    • Login
    • RHFAC Professional Directory
  • Post an Accessibility Job
  • Accessibility Advisory Services
  • Buildings Without Barriers Challenge
  • Leaders in Accessibility
  • 2022 B.C. Accessibility Grants

Schools & Communities - EN

  • Schools and Communities
  • Create an Inclusive School Year
    • Start with Awareness
    • Concentrate on Kindness 
    • Boldly Take Action
  • Resource Library
  • Ambassador Presentations
    • Ambassador Presentations
    • Book a Presentation
    • About Our Ambassadors
  • Difference Maker Awards
    • Difference Maker Awards
    • Difference Maker Winners
  • Supplementary Resources
  • Our Partners

News & Stories - EN

  • News & Stories
  • Blog
  • Media Centre
  • Newsletter
  • Disability Reports

Legal

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ethical Reporting Policy
  • Complaints Policy
  • Imagine Canada Certification
  • Accessibility Commitment
  • Diversity and Inclusion
Imagine Canada

The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under license by the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Charitable Registration Number: 10765 9427 RR 0001 © 2023 Rick Hansen Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

Back to Top
Hero

Our programs and initiatives work to create an accessible and inclusive world where people with disabilities can live to their full potential. 

Learn more
Hero

When Rick set out to wheel around the world in 1985, he had three missions: to raise awareness about the potential of people with disabilities, create accessible and inclusive communities, and find a cure.

Read more
Hero

Receive updates from RHF on the impact we’re making for people with disabilities across Canada.

Subscribe
Hero

Have your site rated and certified for meaningful access for people with physical disabilities. Make your community more welcoming and inclusive for all!

Get Started
Hero

Receive free educational resources that teach youth about the importance of access and inclusion.  

Learn more
Hero

Browse the latest stories about access and inclusion from Rick and our team of bloggers. 

Read our Blog