Design and delivery of programs and services

CAN-ASC-5.1 Emergency Measures

Areas of focus

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

• 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

Standard started on November 24, 2021

Public review expected in winter 2024

Publication expected in spring 2025

Technical committee members

Academic and research bodies

Paulette Langdon, MBA, OT Reg (NS), Case Manager, Occupational Therapist, Veterans Affairs Canada

Robert Dupuis (Chairperson), Architect, Robert Dupuis Architect

Business and industry

Ryan Tobiassen, Managing Director, HSE International 

Consumer and public interest

Alfiya Battalova, Researcher, TBD

Amy Ma, Member, Advisory Committee, CASCADES Canada

Gina Kennedy, University Secretary and Director, Office of the President, Northern Ontario School of Medicine

Laura Ballantyne, 911 operator, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (retired)

Roy Green, Quality and Standards professional (retired)

Wade Watts, President, WAC-Watts Accessibility Consulting and WFSI-Wheelchair Friendly Solutions Incorporated

Government and authorities having jurisdiction 

Jean-Aubry Morin, Vice President, External Relations, The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation

Linnie Tse, Barrier-Free Administrator, Government of Alberta

Howard Wax, Accessibility Advisor, Toronto Transit Commission - City of Toronto

Non - governmental organizations

Shea-Lee Latchford (Vice chairperson), Chair, Clarington AAC

Rohini Peris, President & CEO, Environmental Health Association of Quebec

CAN-ASC-5.2 Design and Delivery of Accessible Programs and Services Including Customer Service

Areas of focus

There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility in the design and delivery of accessible programs and services including customer service. These include, but are not limited to:

• Costs related to programs and services
• Policies that do not take accessibility into account
• Attitudinal barriers
• Accessibility of information
• Customer service
• Accessibility of buildings and outdoor spaces
• Communication with providers
• Accessibility of technology and systems

This standard is in development

Standard expected to start in winter 2024

Public review expected in fall 2025

Publication expected in fall 2026

Technical committee members

To be established

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 expected to start in winter 2024

Public review expected in fall 2025

Publication expected in fall 2026

Technical Committee Members

To be established

Research and Inform Standards for Next-Generation 911

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.

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

Communication Access within the Accessible Canada Act

Who is leading this research?

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.  

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

Accessibility Standards for Deaf and Deafblind Canadians

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.

Guide Dog Access in Canada

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?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

First Nations Accessibility Standards: A Path Forward to Inclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 rights 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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.

Ensuring access and understanding of public information for people with disabilities

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?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Accessibility Futurisms: Analyzing Access through a Disability Justice Modality

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.

Inclusive Airports 

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.