Procurement of goods, services, and facilities
Here is Accessibility Standards Canada’s standard and funded grants and contributions research related to procurement of goods, services and facilities. Check here often for new information related to this priority area.
Standards
CAN-ASC-4.1 Accessible Procurement
CAN-ASC-4.1 Accessible Procurement
Areas of focus
There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility in procurement. Such barriers can prevent the full participation of people with disabilities including both employees and clients. These include, but are not limited to:
- Accessibility of goods and services purchased or leased
- Lack of flexibility throughout the procurement process
- Accessibility of the bidding and evaluation criteria
- Accessibility of procurement-related communications and documents
This standard is in development
- Standard development process started May 25, 2023
- Public review expected Summer 2026
- Publication expected Fall 2027
Technical committee members
Andrea Zervos (Chairperson), Manager, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Gilles LeVasseur(Vice Chair), President, Federal Court Challenge Program
Cheryl Stacey, retired, former public servant
Harry Lew, Manager of Research and Development, Neil Squire Society
Martin Chénier, Président, Procurement Alliance of Canada
Brytani McLeod, NorQuest College - ACT! Consulting, Incluion & Accessibility Consultant, Career Coach
Katya Pereyaslavska, Associate Librarian, Western University
Hilton Schwartz, National Board Member, Alliance for Equality for Blind Canadians
Elizabeth (Liz) Laidlaw, Director, Accessibility Office, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Ontario
Sarah Anne Hrycenko, Procurement Advisor, Procurement Assistance Canada: Public Service and Procurement Canada
Diane Morrell, Accessibility Coordinator, City of Sault Ste. Marie
Jeffrey Panasuik, Executive Director S5 Dynamic Learning Initiative
Audrey, Beauchamp, Directrice générale, Services linguistiques CB
Cynthia Benoit, Présidente, Eversa
Guillaume Dore, Director, KPMG
Amy Ross, Accessibility Advocate, City of Waterloo
Grants and Contributions Research
Accessible Mobile Device Procurement
Accessible Mobile Device Procurement
This research project is completed.
Who is leading this research?
Neil Squire Society
What is the goal of this study?
This study will look at what features or specifications are needed to ensure mobile devices are accessible. The study will also develop ways to assess and test the accessibility of mobile devices. These methods could then be used to confirm a device is accessible before making a decision to buy it.
Why does this study matter?
Mobile devices need to be accessible to people with all types of disabilities. Both buyers and manufacturers need to know what types of built-in features make a device accessible.
What are the key findings?
- A persona is a set of characteristics for a specific group of users. Using personas is one of the best ways to understand the needs of different types of people. For example, personas can help designers and procurement staff better understand the needs of people with disabilities.
- The current European Standard for Digital Accessibility (EN 301 549) needs a number of additions to ensure the accessibility of mobile devices.
The purchasing process for buying mobile devices needs to be flexible. This will allow buyers to adjust to evolving technology. For example, an accessibility feature that is available today might be replaced with a better one tomorrow.
If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.
Accessibility Standards for Deaf and Deafblind Canadians
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.
Accessible and Inclusive Procurement and Supply Chain Model
Accessible and Inclusive Procurement and Supply Chain Model
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 develop recommendations on accessible and inclusive procurement practices for the federal public service. These will also be aimed at federally regulated industries. The goal is to ensure that procurement practices are fully inclusive of people with disabilities.
Why does this study matter?
Accessibility in procurement practices will support accessible services and employment. Accessible procurement will lead to goods and services accessible to people with disabilities.
If you would like a full copy of the report, please email ASC.IMPACT.RESEARCH-RECHERCHE.IMPACT.NAC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.
Accessible Procurement: Models for Driving Inclusion and Innovation
Accessible Procurement: Models for Driving Inclusion and Innovation
This research project is still underway.
Who is leading this research?
Adaptability Canada Corporation
What is the goal of this study?
This study will look at barriers in the procurement process that impact people with disabilities, including those who own businesses. It will make recommendations on what can be done to remove these barriers.
Why does this study matter?
People with disabilities, including those who own businesses, should have equitable access to procurement opportunities.
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
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.
Investigating the Development of Accessibility Standards in Canada and the Inclusion/Exclusion of Episodic Disabilities
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.
A roadmap for upgrading existing transit accessibility standards and their implementation
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
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.
Mapping Representation and Barriers to Participation by People with Disabilities in the Screen-Based Media and Broadcasting Sectors
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.