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

Standard started on March 15, 2021.

Public review expected in November 2024.

Publication expected in January 2026.

Technical committee members

Academic and research bodies

Catherine Hall, Student, University of Guelph

Harold Locke, Consultant, Locke & Locke Incorporated

Consumer and public interest

Mona Arsenault, Member of Patients Committee, Royal Victoria Hospital

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

Graham Rae Dulmage, Consultant for Codes, Standards and Regulation

Dominic Esposito, Senior Project Consultant, Jensen Hughes

Government and authorities having jurisdiction 

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

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

Business and Industry

Luke Andritsos, Architect, Andritsos Architect International

Jeevan Bains, Manager of Accessibility, Rogers Communications

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

Puneet Sharma, Project Consultant, Jensen Hughes

Non-governmental organizations

Allan Redford, President, Little People of Canada

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

Christopher Sutton, President and Chief Executive Officer, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

Sarah Eve De Lisle, Inclusive Design Consultant, Christelle Montreuil

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

Standard started on March 22, 2021.

First public review in fall 2022.

Second public review in spring 2025.

Publication expected in spring 2026.

Technical committee members

Academic and research bodies

Joyce Barlow, Workplace Accessibility Specialist, University of Waterloo

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

Consumer and public interest

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

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

Steve Foglia, Accessibility Advocate

Betty Dion, President, Betty Dion Enterprises Limited 

André Gordon, Principal Accessibility Strategist, FlashAbility Access

Matthew Shaw, Managing Partner, Disability Solutions

Government and authorities having jurisdiction 

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

Anna Valliant (Vice Chairperson), Senior Engineer, Guidelines and Standards, City of Ottawa

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

Business and Industry

Dominic Esposito, Senior Project Consultant, Jensen Hughes

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

Sean Crump, Chief Executive Officer, Universal Access

Non-governmental organizations

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

Sarah Eve De Lisle, Inclusive Design Consultant, Christelle Montreuil

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

Standard started on November 24, 2021.

Public review expected in fall 2024.

Publication expected in winter 2026.

Technical committee members

Academic and research bodies

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

Victoria Fast, Associate Professor, University of Calgary

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

Consumer and public interest

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

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

Graham Rae Dulmage (Vice Chairperson), Consultant for Codes, GRD Standards Services Inc.

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

Government and authorities having jurisdiction

Natasha Saltes, Director, Accessibility, Canada Post

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

Kirk Goodlet, Senior Director, InterVISTAS Consulting Inc. 

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

Business and Industry

Allison Moz, Wayfinding Partner, eyecandy SIGNS INC.

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

Non-governmental organizations

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

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

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

Standard expected to start in summer 2023.

Public review expected in fall 2025.

Publication 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

Standard expected to start in fall 2023

Public review expected in 2026

Publication expected in 2027

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.

CAN-ASC-2.7: Heritage Buildings and Sites - 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 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

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.

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.

Mapping Canada for All 

This research project is still underway.

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?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Accessibility Standards for Deaf and Deafblind Canadians 

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Canadian Association of the Deaf

What is the goal of this study?

This study will focus on the barriers faced by people who are deaf or deafblind. The goal is to determine where changes can be made to existing standards. The purpose of these changes will be to improve access and remove barriers for people who are deaf and deafblind.

Why does this study matter?

The deafblind community faces unique challenges. This study will improve our understanding of these challenges. This is needed to support the development of standards that support the accessibility needs of people who are deaf or deafblind.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

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

This research project is still underway.

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.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Interdisciplinary Study of Evacuating Persons with Disabilities from an Urban Centre 

This research project is still underway.

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?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Revising Accessibility Standards for Canada’s National Parks 

This research project is still underway.

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?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Providing Accessible Recreation Outdoors: User-driven Research on Standards (PARCOURS) 

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

University of British Columbia

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify how parks can be made more accessible for people with disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

Parks should be accessible to everyone, including people with all types of disabilities.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Developing Recommendations for the Standardization of Wayfinding Technologies 

This research project is still underway.

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?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

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 still underway.

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.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Heritage for All: Removing Accessibility Barriers in Federal Heritage Buildings 

This research project is still underway.

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?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

A Framework for Accessible Heritage Buildings and Structures Retrofits 

This research project is still underway.

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.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Heritage Standards Development: An Iterative Process 

This research project is still underway.

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?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Advancing Accessibility Standards through Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit

This research project is still underway.

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.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Hearing their Voices: From Isolation to Self-Determination 

This research project is still underway.

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.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

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.

Ensuring Accessibility for Persons with Hidden Mobility Disabilities 

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Hidden Mobility Disabilities Alliance Limited

What is the goal of this study?

This study will focus on people with hidden mobility disabilities. 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.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Informing Standards for Acoustics and the Built Environment 

This research project is still underway.

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?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

A Neurodivergent Lens: Recommended Practices for Neuro-Inclusivity 

This research project is still underway.

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.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

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.

Quiet waves: Seeing Communication Barriers in Inclusive Design

This research project is still underway.

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?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Go Barrier-Free: A Study of Gaps and Best Practices in Information and Communication Technology Accessibility Solutions

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

New Brunswick Community College

What is the goal of this study?

This research will support accessibility standards for information and communication technologies. The work will include assessing these technologies, identifying gaps in accessibility, and making recommendations. The study will also explore how these technologies can improve accessibility within the built environment and transportation.

Why does this study matter?

Information and communication technologies are essential to our everyday lives. They need to be accessible to all Canadians.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Accessible Canada, Accessible World: Co-creating a Global Standards Community

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Ontario College of Art and Design University

What is the goal of this study?

This project will build resources for research informed by the experience of people with disabilities. These resource will be created through in-person and online events. 

Why does this study matter?

Including the lived experience and expertise of people with disabilities allows for a more inclusive approach to accessibility. Increased accessibility can be achieved when the people who face barriers are included in the research and standards development process.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Enhancing Social Cohesion by Creating Accessible Festivals and Events

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Independent Living Canada

What is the goal of this study?

This study will explore the accessibility of festivals and other events in Canada. It will also look at the experiences and job opportunities for youth with disabilities who want to work at such events.

Why does this study matter?

Arts and cultural activities are a part of everyday life. They also offer interesting employment opportunities. Such activities need to be accessible to everyone—regardless of ability.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Developing Principles, Guidance, and Good Practices for Community-Based Emancipatory Research on Accessibility Standards

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Council of Canadians with Disabilities

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify how to add the voices and lived experience of people with disabilities to community-based research. This includes the experiences of those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Why does this study matter?

The lived experience of people with disabilities is important to research. In the past, disability-related research has been “about” disability; it has not focused on the thoughts or experiences of people with disabilities. Including the perspectives of people with disabilities will inform research.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.