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 expected to start February 6, 2024
Public review expected Summer 2026
Publication expected Fall 2027
Technical committee members
To be established
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.
Accessible and Inclusive Procurement and Supply Chain Model
Accessible and Inclusive Procurement and Supply Chain Model
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 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.
What are the key findings?
Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.
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.
New projects
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.