Design and delivery of programs and services

CAN-ASC-5.1 Emergency Measures

Areas of focus

Areas where people with disabilities may face barriers in emergency measures include:

• emergency planning
• inclusivity (i.e. people with disabilities participating in all aspects of emergency measures)
• guidance (e.g. emergency preparedness guides for people with disabilities)
• training (i.e. training for emergency policy makers, responders, employers, etc.)
• communication (methods/technology)
• shelters
• services (i.e. service animals, assistive devices, etc.)
• medical Assistance (i.e. medical supplies, equipment and devices, ground medical evacuations, etc.)
• transportation
• evacuation

This standard is in development

• The standards development process started on: TBD
• The public review period is scheduled to start: TBD
• The publication of the final standard is expected: TBD

Technical committee members

To be established.

CAN-ASC-5.2.1 - Part 1: Design and Delivery of Accessible Programs and Services: Accessible Service Delivery – Accessibility for federally regulated entities as defined by the Accessible Canada Act 

Areas of focus

The Accessible Service Delivery service standard covers 7 main topics: 

• General requirements 
• Communication 
• Built environment 
• Support persons 
• Guide dogs and service dogs 
• Training 
• Feedback

This standard is in development

• The standards development process started on November 2023
• The public review period is scheduled to start in Winter 2027
• The publication of the final standard is expected in Spring 2028

Technical committee members

Lucille Berlinguette-Saumure (Chairperson), Accessibility Professional, City of Ottawa

Lisa Snider (Vice chairperson), Senior Digital Accessibility Consultant and Trainer, Access Changes Everything Inc.

Alicia Jarvis, Senior Product Manager, Accessibility Portfolio, Bell Canada

Angie Conrad, Manager, Accessibility Policy, Canada Post

Cameron Stockdale, Chief Executive Officer and President, Work Wellness Institute

Cara Wilkie, Principal Accessibility Consultant, Left Turn Right Turn Ltd.

Jameson Jones-Doyle, Executive Director, Capitals Hub Canada

Jessica Burylo, Regional Outreach Coordinator, Elections Canada

Kenneth Aquin-Abboud, Senior Program Analyst, Accessibility Readiness Team (ART), Health Canada

Majid Turmusani, Volunteer, Board of Directors, Every Canadian Counts Coalition

Marie-Claude Gagnon, Director (interim), Human Rights Office, University of Ottawa

Melanie Stone, Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor, City of London

Mitchell Wanless, Assistant Director, Service Policy, Insights and Digital Channel Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Monica Ackermann, Head of Accessibility, Scotiabank

Niki Ramesh, Senior Manager, Product Accessibility & Equity, Canadian Broadcasting Corportation (CBC)

Teresa Lee, Service Design Lead, British Columbia Public Service

CAN-ASC-5.2.2 - Part 2: Design and Delivery of Accessible Programs and Services Including Customer Service

Areas of focus

The Accessible Service Delivery service standard covers 7 main topics: 

• General requirements 
• Communication 
• Built environment 
• Support persons 
• Guide dogs and service dogs 
• Training 
• Feedback

This standard is in development

• The standards development process started on November 2023
• The public review period is scheduled to start in Winter 2027
• The publication of the final standard is expected in Spring 2028

Technical committee members

Lucille Berlinguette-Saumure (Chairperson), Accessibility Professional, City of Ottawa

Lisa Snider (Vice chairperson), Senior Digital Accessibility Consultant and Trainer, Access Changes Everything Inc.

Alicia Jarvis, Senior Product Manager, Accessibility Portfolio, Bell Canada

Angie Conrad, Manager, Accessibility Policy, Canada Post

Cameron Stockdale, Chief Executive Officer and President, Work Wellness Institute

Cara Wilkie, Principal Accessibility Consultant, Left Turn Right Turn Ltd.

Jameson Jones-Doyle, Executive Director, Capitals Hub Canada

Jessica Burylo, Regional Outreach Coordinator, Elections Canada

Kenneth Aquin-Abboud, Senior Program Analyst, Accessibility Readiness Team (ART), Health Canada

Majid Turmusani, Volunteer, Board of Directors, Every Canadian Counts Coalition

Marie-Claude Gagnon, Director (interim), Human Rights Office, University of Ottawa

Melanie Stone, Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor, City of London

Mitchell Wanless, Assistant Director, Service Policy, Insights and Digital Channel Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Monica Ackermann, Head of Accessibility, Scotiabank

Niki Ramesh, Senior Manager, Product Accessibility & Equity, Canadian Broadcasting Corportation (CBC)

Teresa Lee, Service Design Lead, British Columbia Public Service

CAN-ASC-5.3 Accessible Tourism

Areas of focus

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

• Communication
• Accessibility of information
• Accessibility of buildings, facilities, outdoor spaces, and paths of travel
• Travel accommodations
• Delivery of services, such as tourism operations, travel agencies, and food and beverage services
• Self-service machines, such as ticketing kiosks and dispensing devices

This standard is in development

• Standard started on February 23, 2023
• Public review - TBD
• Publication - TBD

Technical Committee Members

To be established

Research and Inform Standards for Next-Generation 911

This research project is completed.

Who is leading the research?

Neil Squire Society

What is the goal of this study?

This study will review emerging technologies that enable accessible communication. This information will be used to optimize the accessibility of the upcoming Next-generation 911. (Next-generation 911 is to integrate new services that will allow users to send and receive text, photos, and video as well as make voice calls from mobile devices.)

Why does this study matter?

Next-Generation 911 needs to be accessible to people with all types of disabilities.

What are the key findings?

• There are many options for integrating emerging technologies to make Next-generation 911 services more accessible.
• All new 911 services require an education and outreach program. This will ensure more people know about these services and how to use them.
• To improve accessibility, the new 911 services should be consistent across the country. Also, when using a mobile device to communicate with 911 services, there should be no charge for data usage.

Researchers surveyed 493 people with disabilities. The results indicate they would prefer a 911 service that combines live video with a phone call. 

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

Communication Access within the Accessible Canada Act

This research project is complete.

Who is leading this research?

Inclusive Design Research Centre - Ontario College of Art and Design University

What is the goal of this study?

People with various communication disabilities face barriers when accessing federal services. This study will gather information on these barriers. It will also gather information on accommodation requirements. The goal will be to use this data to inform future standard development.

Why does this study matter?

Federal services need to be accessible to people with communication disabilities.

What are the key findings?

• We do not always know when someone has a communication disability. Therefore, all communication should use plain and accessible terms.  
• Training, service delivery, and program design need to be flexible. This will help address the needs of those who use augmentative and alternative ways to communicate. (These are methods that supplement or replace speech or writing.) 
• Automated services and phone services need to allow for the use of augmentative and alternative communication methods. For example, a live phone operator is a more inclusive form of support because they can adjust their approach based on the needs of the caller.  

Not all individuals have the same levels of literacy or ability to write or speak. Therefore, service and program design must not assume that they do.

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

Ensuring access and understanding of public information for people with disabilities

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Université du Québec à Rimouski

What is the goal of this study?

People with disabilities face barriers to accessing and understanding online information. This study will focus on the barriers that hinder access to legal and communication services online. It will assess best practices and recommend ways to develop the next generation of model accessibility standards as they relate to communication and technology.

Why does this study matter?

Governments have a responsibility to communicate with all Canadians. They must also ensure equitable access to information.

What are the key findings?

• Documents in electronic format on public websites need to be accessible. This means making sign language and written captions available for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. It will provide them with the same information that is available to the general population.
• To increase accessibility, media communications should use sign language and captions simultaneously. This is particularly important in emergency situations. 
• Full access to information should be offered to people who are Deaf or hard of hearing at the same time as others. Access to information cannot depend on how many people request it.

“People who are Deaf or hard of hearing want personal control over how they choose to access information.” 

If you would like a full copy of the report, 

please email us.

Accessibility Standards for Deaf and Deafblind Canadians

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 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?

• Emergency alert systems for people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing need to be consistent. They also need to be accessible in all public buildings across the country. 
• People who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing should have equal access to information that is being communicated through sound. For example, information could be provided using:
  • text messages sent in real time
  • captions and subtitles
  • visual notifications
  • sign language interpreters

This would apply to emergency broadcasts and other settings. This includes transportation hubs, entertainment venues, museums, and federal websites.

• Accessibility for this group also means improving the work environment. Education is key. Employers could provide regular Deaf awareness training for supervisors and employees. They could also offer sign language lessons and employment accommodations.

“Communication and the availability of information are essential for deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Canadians.”

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

Guide Dog Access in Canada

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 review the existing barriers faced by guide dogs and their handlers in accessing programs and services. The goal will be to present solutions to address these barriers.

Why does this study matter?

A clear understanding of the technical barriers to guide dog access in Canada is needed.

What are the key findings?

• Everyone who serves the public should understand and respect the needs of people who are blind, deaf-blind, or partially sighted. 
• Employees who work with the public need to be aware of their obligations with respect to guide dogs. They also need to understand the rights of guide dog users. This requires training.
• Training should be provided not only to businesses and service providers but also to police forces and the general public.
• When training programs are being developed, members of the Canadian guide dog community should be consulted. This would ensure the challenges that people with guide dogs face are addressed in the training material. 

“A guide dog is a symbol of independence and empowerment.”

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

Reducing Risk of Damage to mobility devices during air travel and determining safe slopes for passenger vessel gangways

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

University Health Network

What is the goal of this study?

This study will look at the travel experience of people with disabilities. Specifically, this study will look at how mobility devices get damaged during flights and provide recommendations for safer handling of mobility devices. The study will also look at safety for walkways that connect ships to land, making them safe for people with disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

Mobility devices are an extension of a person and essential for independence. All types of travel can present barriers for people with disabilities, so improving all aspects of the journey is important.

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.

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.

Accessible and Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Decision-Making

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 develop best practices. The goal is to integrate accessibility considerations when making decisions related to artificial intelligence.

Why does this study matter?

Decisions are increasingly being made based on artificial intelligence. The impact of this on people with disabilities needs to be studied. This will ensure that everyone is treated equally.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Communication in Service Provision for the Deafblind Community

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

DeafBlind Community Services

What is the goal of this study?

The Deafblind community faces barriers to accessibility. This study will develop best practices for designing services that remove and prevent these barriers.

Why does this study matter?

A better understanding of the preferences of people who are deafblind is needed to provide accessible services.

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.

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.

SURF: Sourcing Understanding Thru Research for Future Talent

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work

What is the goal of this study?

This study will investigate what youth with disabilities experience when they transition from school to work. Specifically, it will look at how students with disabilities can be better supported during this period.

Why does this study matter?

Students with disabilities often face greater barriers when they leave school and enter the workforce. When students have the right supports, they can successfully enter the workforce.

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?

Inclusive Design Research Centre - 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 resources 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.

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.

Mapping Accessible Employment Pathways for Youth with Disabilities: National and International Best Practices

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

McGill University and the Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify best practices in transitioning youth with disabilities from school to work. It will also look at the specific barriers faced by Indigenous youth with disabilities and youth living in non-urban communities.

Why does this study matter?

Youth with disabilities can have intersecting identities. For example, they could be Indigenous or located in a rural or remote area. This can increase the barriers they face when they transition from school to work.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Exploring the Use of Navigators to Advance Access to Federal Programs and Services for People with Disabilities

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Inclusion Canada

What is the goal of this study?

A navigator is a person who guides others to help them access a service or program. This study will look at the experience of people with disabilities in accessing federal services and programs. It will look at the role that navigation plays and explore whether navigators could improve access and remove barriers. 

Why does this study matter?

People with disabilities rely on federal programs and services, as do all Canadians. They require increased access to get what they need.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Accessibility of Canadian Emergency Alerts: Study of Unmet Needs

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Neil Squire Society

What is the goal of this study?

This study will look at ways to make emergency alert systems in Canada accessible to people with disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

All Canadians need to receive emergency alerts at the same time. In some cases, a person with a disability may need more time and resources to respond to an emergency.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Virtual Communication Project

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify the factors that make it harder or easier for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf/Blind to communicate. This includes communication that takes place in person, virtually (online), or both (hybrid environment).

Why does this study matter?

Communication is essential for all Canadians, including people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf/Blind. Being able to communicate enables them to participate meaningfully in society.

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.

Inclusive Airports 

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Université Laval

What is the goal of this study?

This study will explore what people with disabilities experience when navigating airports. It will also make recommendations to support the employment of people with disabilities at airports.

Why does this study matter?

All Canadians should have easy access to airports and the services they provide. This includes having access to employment opportunities at airports. 

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.

Mapping Representation and Barriers to Participation by People with Disabilities in the Screen-Based Media and Broadcasting Sectors

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Disability Screen Office/Office de la représentation des personnes handicapées à l’écran

What is the goal of this study?

The screen industry produces content for cinemas, television, and streaming platforms. This study will identify the barriers that people with disabilities who work in this sector face in Canada. This includes those who work on or off screen. The study will also propose guidelines on how to:

• include more people with disabilities in the screen industry, and
• improve the on-screen representation of people with disabilities.

These guidelines will be aimed at the entire screen-based sector in Canada. 

Why does this study matter?

Increasing the participation of people with disabilities in content production and improving their representation on screen is important. It can increase public awareness and understanding of disability.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Identifying barriers to accessing federal financial services and programs for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Disability Screen Office/Office de la représentation des personnes handicapées à l’écran

What is the goal of this study?

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities face barriers to accessing federally-regulated financial services and programs. This study will identify these barriers. It will make recommendations for future standards. It will also identify best practices for making these services and programs more inclusive. 

Why does this study matter?

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities need barrier-free access to federally-regulated financial services and programs that could benefit them.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Advancing fire and life safety in a built environment for all

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify accessibility barriers in buildings and other structures. Specifically, it will focus on barriers related to how emergencies are managed. The research will identify best practices. It will also make recommendations on how to develop accessibility standards that improve fire safety and the management of emergencies.

Why does this study matter?

Climate emergencies and wildfires are increasing. This has led to an increase in the number of evacuation orders. Other changes, such as more people living in at-risk areas, also result in more people having to be evacuated. This has highlighted the need for emergency personnel to consider accessibility when responding to different types of emergencies. 

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Addressing accessibility standards in the criminal justice system

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

DisAbled Women's Network of Canada - Réseau d'action des femmes handicapées du Canada (DAWN-RAFH Canada)

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify the accessibility needs of Indigenous and Black women with disabilities who are involved in the justice system. It will make recommendations for accessibility standards for federal correctional institutions and other parts of the justice system. 

Why does this study matter?

Women with disabilities face barriers in the justice system. They can face additional accessibility barriers if they are Black or Indigenous.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Accessible Communications of the Needs of Persons with Disabilities

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Parametric Human Project

What is the goal of this study?

Virtually all building standards have accessibility requirements. This study will show how these requirements can be improved to support the planning and construction of buildings. 

Building standards are used by architects, engineers, and construction workers. The project team will propose solutions to help these users better understand accessibility requirements. People with disabilities will test the proposed solutions, such as best practices and guidelines, to ensure they are practical. 

Why does this study matter?

Accessibility standards and guidelines need to be understood by the people who apply them. However, some accessibility requirements do not clearly state how they are intended to be used. Having clearer standards will help create safer and more accessible spaces. This will help people with disabilities.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

A roadmap for upgrading existing transit accessibility standards and their implementation

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Council of Canadians with Disabilities / Conseil des Canadiens avec déficiences (CCD)

What is the goal of this study?

This study will identify travel barriers faced by people with disabilities. It will include travel by air, train, inter-provincial bus and ferry, and transportation within terminals. It will recommend changes to the current accessibility standards used in the federally regulated transportation industry.

Why does this study matter?

People with disabilities often experience travel barriers. All modes of travel should be accessible to all Canadians.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

All Standards With Us: Integrating Accessibility and Disability Inclusion in All Standards

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 study will identify barriers that prevent people with disabilities from helping to create accessibility standards. The research will be used to develop recommendations and practical steps on how to include people with disabilities when developing these standards.

Why does this study matter?

Accessibility is often not considered when standards are developed. When accessibility is considered during this process, barriers can be prevented.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.