Built environment

CAN-ASC-2.2 Emergency Egress (Exit)

Areas of focus

There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility in emergency egress. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Information and awareness of available accommodations in the event of an emergency
• Clear emergency egress solutions, which may include visual fire alarms, proper signage, areas of refuge, accessible egress routes, evacuation plans, etc.

This standard is in development

• The standards development process started on February 12, 2020
• The public review period is scheduled to start in Winter 2025
• The publication of the final standard is expected in Spring 2025

Technical committee members

Betty Dion (Chairperson), President, Betty Dion Enterprises Limited

John Siggers (Vice Chairperson), Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs – Building Codes Committee

Allan Redford, President, Little People of Canada

Catherine Hall, Student, University of Guelph

Dion Regular, Provincial Peer Support Specialist, Spinal Cord Injury Newfoundland and Labrador

Dominic Esposito, Senior Project Consultant, Jensen Hughes

Giuliana Faggion, Manager of Accommodations Centre of Expertise, Canada Border Services Agency

Graham Rae Dulmage, Consultant on Codes, Standards and Regulations, GRD Standards Services Inc.

Harold Locke, Consultant, Locke & Locke Incorporated

Jeevan Bains, Manager of Accessibility, Rogers Communications

Jo-Ann Bentley, Director, Accessibility Services, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

Luke Andritsos, Architect, Andritsos Architect International

Mona Arsenault, Member of Patients Committee, Royal Victoria Hospital

Puneet Sharma, Senior Consultant, Senez Consulting Limited

Samantha Ryan, Principal and Technical Accessibility Specialist, ABE Factors Incorporated

Tom Littlechild, Accomplished member, National Fire Protection Association

CAN-ASC-2.3 Model Standard for the Built Environment - Accessibility for federally regulated entities as defined in the Accessible Canada Act

Areas of focus

There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility in the built environment. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Building entrances
• Paths of travel
• Access to storeys
• Parking and loading zones
• Controls
• Power door operators
• Assistive listening devices
• Signage
• Washrooms and universal washrooms (including showers)

This standard is in development

• The standards development process started on March 4, 2021.
• The public review period is scheduled to start in Fall 2025
• The publication of the final standard is expected in Winter 2027

Read the draft standard

Technical committee members

Carrie Anton (Chairperson), Coordinator, Accessibility Services, Athabasca University

Sophia Li (Vice Chairperson), Staff Scientist and Manager of Partnerships and Strategic Partnerships, KITE Research Institute of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – University Health Network

André Gordon, Principal Accessibility Strategist, FlashAbility Access

Candice Young, Project Manager – Accessibility, Employment and Social Development Canada

Dominic Esposito, Senior Project Consultant, Jensen Hughes

Hans (Uli) Egger, Accessibility Certification Specialist/Adjudicator, Rick Hansen Foundation

Jacques Courteau, Accessibility Advocate and Retired Grievance Adjudicator, Royal Canadian Mounted Police 

Joyce Barlow, Associate Director, Disability Inclusion, University of Waterloo

Massimo Cimini, Principal and Lead Strategy Officer, Janus Construction Group of Companies and bphealth Accessibility Incorporated

Sean Crump, Chief Executive Officer, Universal Access

Steve Foglia, Accessibility Advocate

Tracy Kirkwood, Supervisor, Project Management Office, Regional Municipality of York

CAN-ASC-2.4 Wayfinding and Signage

Areas of focus

There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility in wayfinding and signage. These include, but are not limited to:

• Tactile walking surface indicators 
• Signage (indoor and outdoor)
• Accessible paths of travel
• Wayfinding cues
• Lighting
• Audible beacons

This standard is in development

• The standards development process started on September 15, 2021.
• The public review period is scheduled to start in Winter 2025
• The publication of the final standard is expected in Spring 2026

Technical committee members

Elizabeth (Betty) Nobel (Chairperson), Retired Teacher of students with visual impairments, Braille Literacy Canada

Graham Rae Dulmage (Vice Chairperson), Consultant on Codes, Standards and Regulations, GRD Standards Services Inc.

Allison Moz, Wayfinding Partner, eyecandy SIGNS INC.

Cliff Feng, Associate Project Manager, Campus Development, Vancouver Island University

Grant D. Johnson, Senior Advisor, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat 

Joël R. Dazé, Independant Consultant, The Little House Studio

Kirk Goodlet, Senior Director, InterVISTAS Consulting Inc.

Leo Bissonnette, National Vice-President, Canadian Council of the blind

Luna Bengio, Senior Accessibility Expert and Strategic Advisor (retired public service executive)

Mark Rankin, National O&M Professional Practice Lead, Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada

Natasha Saltes, Director, Accessibility, Canada Post

Ryan Lee Ollis, TAPS DeafBlind Coordinator, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility 

Sabitha Rajan, Senior Analyst, Centre of Expertise for Accessible Transportation, Canadian Transportation Agency

Stéphanie Gamache, Occupational therapist (O.T., PhD), accessibility and universal design consultant

Taghreed Al-Zubaidi, Accessibility Specialist of the Built Environment, City of Mississauga

Victoria Fast, Associate Professor, University of Calgary

CAN-ASC-2.5/ICC A118 Acoustics in the Built Environment

Areas of focus

There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience acoustics-related barriers to accessibility. These include, but are not limited to:

• Types of noise
• Sound level, reverberation time, sound absorption and transmission
• Noise levels from:
  • internal sources, such as equipment in the room, reverberation, and echo; and
  • external sources, such as impact noise, environmental noise, and a building’s heating and cooling equipment.
• Acoustics of specific spaces, such as workspaces, common areas, training spaces, and service counters
• Assistive technologies, including assistive listening systems and captioning systems, and the interoperability of these devices with personal technologies

This standard is in development

• The standards development process started in summer 2022.
• The public review period is scheduled to start in fall 2025.
• The publication of the final standard is expected in fall 2026.

Technical committee members

To be established

CAN-ASC-2.6: Existing Built Environment - Accessibility for federally regulated entities as defined in the Accessible Canada Act

Areas of focus

There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility in the existing built environment. These include, but are not limited to:

• Service spaces (spaces in which service is the primary function)
• Egress (exiting a space)
• Notifications (for example, visual signals and two-way communications) 
• Washrooms (including showers) 
• Lighting

The barriers listed above may be present in different types of existing buildings and facilities. These include, but are not limited to:

• Office and retail spaces
• Lecture and concert halls and other gathering (assembly) places
• Clinics within office buildings
  Note: Heritage and historical buildings will not be included in this standard. 

This standard is in development

• Standards development process started on May 25, 2023
• The public review period is scheduled to start in Fall 2026
• The publication of the final standard is expected in Fall 2027

Technical committee members

To be established

CAN-ASC-2.7: Heritage Buildings and Sites

Areas of focus

There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility in heritage buildings and sites. These areas include, but are not limited to:

1. Inaccessible areas within the built environment, including, but not limited to:  
   • entrances
   • interior and exterior paths of travel
   • washrooms and sanitary facilities
   • stairs
   • wayfinding and signage
   • means of emergency egress (exit)
2. A lack of accessible communications related to, for example: 
   • heritage site descriptions and tours 
   • communication documents 
   • information products available to the public at heritage sites.
3. Inaccessible information and communication technologies, such as websites, that do not align with existing accessibility standards (where relevant).

This standard is in development

Standard started: TBD

Public review expected: TBD

Publication expected TBD

Technical committee members

To be established

CAN-ASC-2.8: Accessible-Ready Housing

Areas of focus

There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility in housing that can be addressed by creating recommendations for accessible ready housing. These areas include, but are not limited to:

• entrances
• interior and exterior paths including ramps
• washrooms
• kitchens
• laundry rooms
• stairs
• doors and doorways
• means of emergency egress (exit)

The standard will then establish technical requirements related to the elements for accessible ready housing, including but not limited to:

• entrances
• interior and exterior paths including ramps
• washrooms 
• kitchens
• laundry rooms
• stairs
• doors and doorways
• means of emergency egress (exit)

This standard is in development

• Standard started: 2023
• Public review completed: Winter 2025
• Publication expected: Winter 2026

Read the draft standard

Technical committee members

Betty Dion (Chairperson), President, Betty Dion Enterprises Limited

John Siggers (Vice Chairperson), Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs – Building Codes Committee

Allan Redford, President, Little People of Canada

Catherine Hall, Student, University of Guelph

Dion Regular, Provincial Peer Support Specialist, Spinal Cord Injury Newfoundland and Labrador

Dominic Esposito, Senior Project Consultant, Jensen Hughes

Giuliana Faggion, Manager of Accommodations Centre of Expertise, Canada Border Services Agency

Graham Rae Dulmage, Consultant on Codes, Standards and Regulations, GRD Standards Services Inc.

Harold Locke, Consultant, Locke & Locke Incorporated

Jeevan Bains, Manager of Accessibility, Rogers Communications

Jo-Ann Bentley, Director, Accessibility Services, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

Luke Andritsos, Architect, Andritsos Architect International

Mona Arsenault, Member of Patients Committee, Royal Victoria Hospital

Puneet Sharma, Senior Consultant, Senez Consulting Limited

Samantha Ryan, Principal and Technical Accessibility Specialist, ABE Factors Incorporated

CAN-ASC-2.9: Accessible Childcare Centres

Areas of focus

The standard will establish accessibility criteria leading to the creation of accessible childcare centres across Canada. This does not include childcare centres offered in people’s homes. The accessibility criteria for this standard includes but is not limited to: 

• building site and external spaces, including parking and pathways and sidewalks building entrances and exits, such as automatic doors and door widths, accessible evacuation routes; 
• interior layout and navigation which includes maneuvering spaces, stairs, doors and doorways, bathrooms, kitchen and other interior spaces;
• acoustics;
• outdoor play areas and landscaping; and
• health and safety considerations.

This standard is in development

• The standard development process started on: March 12, 2025
• The public review period is scheduled to start on: To be determined
• The publication of the final standard is expected on: To be determined

Technical committee members

To be established.

CSA/ASC B651 Accessible Design for the Built Environment

We have collaborated with CSA group to publish this new standard. You can find out more about our co-branded standards from our news release. You can read the full standard on the CSA site.

CSA/ASC B651.2 Accessible design for self-service interactive devices including automated banking machines

We have collaborated with CSA group to publish this new standard. You can find out more about our co-branded standards from our news release. You can read the full standard on the CSA site.

CSA/ASC B652 Accessible dwellings

We have collaborated with CSA group to publish this new standard, which was also supported by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. You can find out more about our co-branded standards from our news release. You can read the full standard on the CSA site.

Indigenous Communities and Federal Accessibility Standards: A Situational Review

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

First Nations National Building Officers Association

What is the goal of this study?

This study will look at how programs and services aimed at removing barriers for people with disabilities can be improved in Indigenous communities.

Why does this study matter?

This study will provide a better understanding of Indigenous perspectives on disability and accessibility. This knowledge can then be applied to future standards.

What are the key findings?

• Few studies exist on the barriers faced by people with disabilities living in Indigenous communities.
• Many public buildings in Indigenous communities were not designed to be accessible. This is especially true for older buildings.

Designing public space in Indigenous communities needs to involve people from the community, especially people with disabilities.

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Recommendations for Evacuating Individuals with Disabilities from the Built Environment

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

University Health Network

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify best practices for evacuating people with disabilities from any type of building. It will also include creating a tool to assess the readiness of a building to evacuate people with disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

It is important to plan ahead to ensure people with all types of disabilities can be evacuated safely from buildings. This can save lives.

What are the key findings?

• Egressibility is a measure of how easy or difficult it is to exit a building. Egressibility for people with disabilities in an emergency is an issue that has been largely overlooked.
• Most egressibility guidelines focus only on evacuating during a fire. However, they need to include a range of possible emergencies that require different responses.
• Many solutions exist that can overcome barriers to egressibility.

Knowledge on how to safely evacuate people with disabilities needs to be shared with building staff, developers, and end users.

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Sustainable Environment Needs to be Accessible: Understanding the Knowledge Base for Accessibility of Buildings and the Built Environment

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

McMaster University

What is the goal of this study?

This study will review the most recent and relevant information on accessibility in the built environment for people with all types of disabilities. It will also identify existing barriers. 

Why does this study matter?

The built environment needs to consider the accessibility requirements of people with all types of disabilities. This will ensure that all people with disabilities can access and move around the built environment.

What are the key findings?

• Accessibility standards and guidelines have a heavy focus on physical disabilities. They rarely consider intellectual, cognitive, and sensory disabilities.
• Education is key to understanding disabilities and creating an accessible built environment.

Research needs to focus on all types of disabilities. It needs to consider solutions for people with different types of disabilities.

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Mapping Canada for All 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Accessibility Now

What is the goal of this study?

This study will look at accessibility in the built environment in urban areas. It will identify how these environments can present or remove barriers for people with disabilities.  

Why does this study matter?

This study will support planning decisions to make urban areas more accessible.

What are the key findings?

• More than 50% of the buildings in Canada are either not accessible or only partially accessible. Non-accessible buildings can be found in both urban and rural areas.
• Technology in the built environment presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of accessibility. More research is needed to understand the barriers that technology can create.
• It is important to understand the factors that motivate building owners to improve accessibility. It is also important to know what factors help ensure success in improving accessibility.

“People with disabilities need information about the accessibility of the places where they live, work, learn, and play.”

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Interdisciplinary Study of Evacuating Persons with Disabilities from an Urban Centre 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Dalhousie University

What is the goal of this study?

This study will gather information about the needs of people with disabilities during an evacuation. This includes information on the support they need to transition back to their communities.

Why does this study matter?

People with all types of disabilities need to be able to safely evacuate. They also need to be able to return to their communities.

What are the key findings?

• Many emergency managers may not be aware of the access needs in their communities. They may not know who might be the most vulnerable in an emergency and where these people are located.
• Some shelters may have functional barriers. Information about a shelter’s accessibility needs to be readily available. This will help people with disabilities decide where they should shelter.
• It is important to have a plan in place to enable people with disabilities to return to their communities after an evacuation.

Most people with disabilities have not experienced an evacuation or are not aware of what to expect in an emergency situation.

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Revising Accessibility Standards for Canada’s National Parks 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

University Health Network

What is the goal of this study?

This study will focus on current accessibility in national parks. The goal is to develop recommendations for making national parks barrier-free by 2040.

Why does this study matter?

The Government of Canada is committed to accessibility. To support this, Parks Canada is looking at the accessibility of its visitor services and experiences. The goal is to ensure that national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas are accessible to all Canadians.

What are the key findings?

• Supporting accessibility requires being open and responsive to a visitor’s needs. It also means thinking creatively to solve problems and being willing to exceed minimum requirements when needed.
• Accessibility-related information should be readily available on park websites. Having access to maps, photos, and measurements for key areas would help people with disabilities plan their trip. For example, information should be provided on trails, parking, and washroom facilities, and on a park’s emergency procedures.
• People with lived experience must be included in the process of identifying and removing barriers to accessibility. This means that hiring employees with disabilities should be a priority.

People with different disabilities should be able to take part in all activities offered in the park.

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Heritage Standards Development: An Iterative Process 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Design For All Incorporated

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify how to advance accessibility in federal heritage buildings. It will also consider heritage and conservation standards and guidelines.

Why does this study matter?

In heritage buildings, both heritage and accessibility requirements are equally important. They need to be considered together.

What are the key findings?

• Heritage buildings and sites are found in all parts of Canada. This includes both urban and remote areas. Each has unique historical features. These must be considered when putting accessibility solutions in place.
• Removing barriers to accessibility at a heritage building or site requires a creative approach.
• It is important for working groups to review the accessibility needs of heritage buildings and sites.  These groups should include people with disabilities, heritage experts, building and site designers, and accessibility consultants.

“The designation of ‘heritage status’ does not exempt building owners from the commitment or legal requirement for accessibility and inclusion.”

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Ensuring Accessibility for Persons with Hidden Mobility Disabilities 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Hidden Mobility Disabilities Alliance Limited

What is the goal of this study?

This study focuses on people who have limited mobility. This is also known as having a “hidden” mobility disability. Limited mobility means someone is unable to safely walk a distance of more than 15 metres or stand unsupported for more than 1 to 2 minutes. The goal is to find ways to improve their access to federal programs and services.

Why does this study matter?

Hidden mobility disabilities are harder to identify. Federal programs and services need to accommodate the accessibility requirements of people with hidden disabilities. This disability is often overlooked.

What are the key findings?

• People with limited mobility need to be able to plan their in-person visits. For example, they need to know how far they must walk to access a service and the wait time to receive a service. Having access to such information online could help them.
• Employees need to be trained in how to address barriers for those with limited mobility. This includes giving employees tips on how to identify and accommodate those with hidden mobility challenges.
• Aids could be provided to people with limited mobility. For example:
  • Install railings throughout public areas and inside elevators that users could lean on for support.
  • Enable visitors to sit and rest. Place seating at the entrance to buildings and offices, in front of elevators, and at service windows and desks. 
  • Provide mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, and cane seats. (A cane seat is a folding chair that can be used as a cane.) Make aids readily available at the entrance to the facility. 
• Most people think that having a mobility disability refers only to wheelchair users; however, this study found that 13% of Canadians aged 15 and older struggle with a mobility disability that is hidden.

Every effort should be made to provide easy access to people who have a hidden mobility disability.

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Developing Recommendations for the Standardization of Wayfinding Technologies

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

University Health Network

What is the goal of this study?

This study will review existing wayfinding technologies. It will also look at the barriers faced by people with disabilities in using these technologies. The goal of this study is to inform future wayfinding standards.

Why does this study matter?

Wayfinding technologies guide people through the built environment. It is important to ensure they are accessible to people with all types of disabilities.

What are the key findings?

• New technologies can help guide people with disabilities through unfamiliar environments. This can enable them to move around spaces safely and confidently.
• It is important for these technologies to provide enough good-quality information to help people find their way. People should also be able to change the settings to suit their needs and interact with the tool. For example, they could allow them to save or transfer information to another device.
• Technologies that are similar need to be built and used in the same way. People with disabilities should be able to rely on such technologies to find their way regardless of the environment.

“It is important for people with disabilities to be able to find their way on their own in different environments.”

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Advancing Communication through Signage and Wayfinding 

This research project is complete.

Who is leading this research?

Eyecandy SIGNS Incorporated

What is the goal of this study?

This study will develop recommendations for accessibility requirements for signage and wayfinding. It will use evidence based on the experience of people with various disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

Signage and wayfinding are used to guide people through the built environment. It is important to ensure this communication is accessible to people with all types of disabilities.

What are the key findings?

• Current standards can be improved by adding criteria that consider where a sign will be installed (for example, indoors versus outdoors, in a large facility versus a small one).
• The results support having text and icons that are larger than current size recommendations. Larger text and icons are better for people of all heights.

The current standards and guidelines for signage in Canada are consistent with the preferences of the people that were surveyed.

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Informing Standards for Acoustics and the Built Environment 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Carleton University

What is the goal of this study?

This study will look at the impact of the acoustic environment on people with disabilities. It will explore ways to reduce noise. It will also examine assistive listening technologies. The goal is to contribute to the removal and prevention of acoustics barriers.

Why does this study matter?

Finding the right balance between the built environment and assistive listening devices is important. This will improve access and increase the comfort of people with disabilities.

What are the key findings?

• Acoustics are the effects of sounds in a building. Better technology and acoustics can reduce distracting and harmful noise. They can also improve the sounds we want to hear. 
• Acoustics impact how people with disabilities interact with an environment. Construction materials and room shapes can affect acoustics. They can make it easier for people with disabilities to be in and move around a space.
• It is easier to design a building or space with acoustics in mind rather than trying to fix it later.

“Sound and noise can impact the experiences of people with different types of disabilities.”

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Heritage for All: Removing Accessibility Barriers in Federal Heritage Buildings 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Quadrangle Architects Limited

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify the barriers people with disabilities face when accessing federal heritage buildings in urban centres. It will recommend design solutions to make these buildings more accessible.

Why does this study matter?

The federal government owns many heritage buildings. It is committed to making them more accessible.

What are the key findings?

• Accessibility of heritage buildings and sites should be informed by people with disabilities who are experts in their own experience. 
• Accessibility planning should consider all types of disabilities including physical, sensory, and cognitive, as well as their intersections.
• All employees working at heritage buildings and sites should receive training on how to interact with people with visible and non-visible disabilities.  

“There are only rare occasions when nothing can be done to improve or facilitate access”.

If you would like a full copy of the report, 

please email us.

Clearing Our Path: Evidence-Based Guidelines on Accessibility in the Built Environment 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Canadian National Institute for the Blind

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify best practices for removing barriers and increasing access for people who are blind or partially sighted. It will also identify how people with other types of disabilities may have needs that conflict with the needs of those who are blind or partially sighted. It will find ways to reduce these conflicts.

Why does this study matter?

The built environment needs to consider and balance different accessibility requirements for people with all types of disabilities. This is needed to make the built environment accessible to all.

 

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email asc.impact.research-recherche.impact.nac@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

First Nations Accessibility Standards: A Path Forward to Inclusion 

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society

What is the goal of this study?

This study will develop recommendations for removing and preventing barriers. It will look specifically at barriers in the built environment and in current programs and services for people with disabilities in First Nation communities.

Why does this study matter?

Accessibility standards need to consider the unique needs of First Nation communities.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Reconciling Heritage Buildings Preservation with Accessibility 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Université Laval

What is the goal of this study?

This study will look at the accessibility of heritage buildings for people with disabilities. It will use evidence based on the experiences of people with disabilities. The goal is to develop solutions and best practices to make heritage buildings accessible.

Why does this study matter?

There is interest in preserving heritage buildings while also making them accessible so they can be visited by anyone.

 

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email asc.impact.research-recherche.impact.nac@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

A Framework for Accessible Heritage Buildings and Structures Retrofits 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

McMaster University

What is the goal of this study?

This study will develop a tool to help with decision-making. The purpose of the tool is to support decisions that consider both heritage and accessibility.

Why does this study matter?

In heritage buildings, both heritage and accessibility requirements are equally important. They need to be considered together.

 

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email asc.impact.research-recherche.impact.nac@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

Advancing Accessibility Standards through Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society

What is the goal of this study?

This study will gather information on how accessibility standards are used in Nunavut. It will identify barriers faced by people with disabilities from an Indigenous perspective.

Why does this study matter?

A better understanding of Indigenous perspectives on disability and accessibility is needed. This will make future standards more relevant to Indigenous communities.

 

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email asc.impact.research-recherche.impact.nac@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

Hearing their Voices: From Isolation to Self-Determination 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Mawita’mk Society

What is the goal of this study?

This study will gather information on accessibility and disability from an Indigenous perspective. It will identify barriers to accessibility and the needs of Indigenous people in First Nation communities in Nova Scotia.

Why does this study matter?

A better understanding of what is important to First Nation Peoples from an accessibility perspective is needed. This will make future standards more relevant to these communities.

 

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email asc.impact.research-recherche.impact.nac@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

Quiet waves: Seeing Communication Barriers in Inclusive Design

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Canadian Association of the Deaf

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify best practices in communication that help remove barriers faced by the Deaf community. It will also include a review of technology-based solutions. This review will look at both policy-based and cost-sharing solutions.

Why does this study matter?

People who are Deaf and use sign language must have equitable access to communication. This will enable them to connect with others wherever they go.  

What are the key findings?

If you would like a full copy of the report, 

please email us.  

British Columbia’s First Nations Perspectives on Accessibility 

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

First Nations Health Authority

What is the goal of this study?

This study will gather information on Indigenous perspectives and approaches to disability and accessibility. It will focus on First Nation communities in British Columbia. 

Why does this study matter?

A better understanding of what is important to First Nation Peoples from an accessibility perspective is needed. This will make future standards more relevant to First Nation communities.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

A Neurodivergent Lens: Recommended Practices for Neuro-Inclusivity 

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Carleton University

What is the goal of this study?

This study will develop a set of recommended practices. The goal is to integrate a neurodivergent perspective into standard development.

Why does this study matter?

The neurodivergent community faces unique barriers in the built environment. Currently, this important subject is understudied.

 

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email asc.impact.research-recherche.impact.nac@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

Defining the Built Environment Considering People with Disabilities: Building a Canadian-Focused Database of Anthropometric Space Requirements 

This research project is still underway. Key findings will be shared once research is completed.

Who is leading this research?

University Health Network

What is the goal of this study?

This study will define the space requirements needed in public spaces. The goal will be to ensure that public spaces are accessible to people with mobility and sensory disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

The built environment needs to reflect changes in technology and modern assistive devices and aids. This will ensure that new barriers to accessibility are not created.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Status Report: Accessibility of Child Care in Canada for Children with Disabilities Aged 0 to 5

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Université de Laval

What is the goal of this study?

This study will look at the current accessibility-related gaps in childcare. It will develop best practices for the built environment and educational programming. The goal will be to make childcare more inclusive and accessible. 

Why does this study matter?

All children should have equal access to childcare services. All children need to be able to participate in childcare programming.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Co-creating Housing Accessibility Priorities for People with Disabilities

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Sunnybrook Research Institute

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify the barriers to creating physically accessible housing. It will also explore how to remove barriers that hinder the construction of accessible housing.

Why does this study matter?

All Canadians deserve housing that meets their needs. This includes people with disabilities. Accessible housing for people with disabilities helps them be more independent.

 

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email asc.impact.research-recherche.impact.nac@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

Enabling Independence: Assessing Activities of Daily Living to Inform Safety Standards for Built Environments

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Carleton University

What is the goal of this study?

This study will create a set of best practices for integrating technology into built environments, such as buildings and other structures. This will help people with disabilities be more independent.

Why does this study matter?

Built environments that support independence can improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. It can also increase their participation in the community.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Brain Injury and Accessibility of the Electoral Process in Canada

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Brain Injury Canada

What is the goal of this study?

People with brain injuries experience barriers to participating in election-related activities. This study will identify ways to remove and prevent these barriers.

Why does this study matter?

Every Canadian has the right to vote and be involved in the electoral process.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace: Barriers to Inclusion

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada

What is the goal of this study?

Some people have disabilities that are not visible. This study will identify the barriers these people face in the workplace. It will also identify best practices for including and supporting them at work.

Why does this study matter?

When they are at work, people with invisible disabilities often experience different barriers than those faced by people with visible disabilities.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Accessible Indoor Air in the Built Environment

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Environmental Health Association of Québec

What is the goal of this study?

This study will explore whether policies that support fragrance-free and scent-free spaces can help reduce or remove barriers in the built environment for people with environmental sensitivities. People with environmental sensitivities may have adverse reactions to something in the environment such as chemicals and perfumes.

Why does this study matter?

People with environmental sensitivities face unique barriers when accessing public spaces. (People with environmental sensitivities may have adverse reactions to something in the environment, such as chemicals and perfumes.)

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Benchmarking Spatial Access for Community-Level Accessibility Standards

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Dalhousie University

What is the goal of this study?

This project will explore the accessibility of communities. This includes access to services and places and how people move around the community. The project will also identify the features a community needs to be accessible.

Why does this study matter?

People with disabilities have more opportunities to engage and interact with their community when it is accessible. When a community is inclusive, it benefits all of its members.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Accessibility Futurisms: Analyzing Access through a Disability Justice Modality

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

The Youth Project Society of Nova Scotia

What is the goal of this study?

A disability justice framework centres the experiences of excluded groups. This study will explore the intersecting experiences of young 2SLGBTQIA+ people with disabilities. It will study the increased barriers they may face in their communities. The study will include recommendations to increase accessibility. These will focus on buildings, outdoor spaces, programs and services, communication, and transportation.

Why does this study matter?

Everyone deserves equal access and support within their community.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Investigating the Development of Accessibility Standards in Canada and the Inclusion/Exclusion of Episodic Disabilities

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Realize

What is the goal of this study?

Some disabilities come and go. These are known as episodic disabilities. This study will look at how accessibility standards can address the barriers faced by people with episodic disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

Most people think of disabilities as visible, permanent, and unchanging. Episodic disabilities challenge that belief.

There is a need for more focused action to address a broader range of conditions. Increasing our understanding of the types of episodic disabilities will help spur such action.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Enabling Science: Accessible Infrastructure Through Knowledge Mobilization

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

University of Toronto

What is the goal of this study?

This study will gather data on the barriers faced by people with disabilities who work in federal science laboratories. Scientists with disabilities will be involved in assessing the research findings. This will improve our understanding of the impact of barriers. It will also inform the development of accessibility standards in the built environment. 

Why does this study matter?

People with disabilities are underrepresented in the scientific community. The physical environment and the equipment used in laboratories can pose many barriers to people with disabilities. These barriers could prevent students with disabilities from entering science programs.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Assessing the Accessibility of Proactive and  Reactive Emergency Management Standards

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Carleton University

What is the goal of this study?

This project will identify the barriers that people with disabilities can face in emergencies. It will include recommendations to inform future emergency management standards. This will help those who plan for and respond to emergencies be better prepared to support people with all types of disabilities. 

Why does this study matter?

People with visible and non-visible disabilities have unique needs. These needs must be considered in emergency planning.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.