Transportation

CAN-ASC-7.1 Accessible Travel Journey

Areas of focus

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

• Paths of travel (from parking and/or drop-off zones to terminals)
• Washrooms
• Emergency egress (exit)
• Luggage carousels
• Security screenings
• Communications, including terminal and gate announcements, information on boarding, in-service entertainment and communication, and general communication with employees
• Customer services
• Online services and technologies, including:
  • websites; 
  • self-service counters; and
  • check-in processes.
• Boarding, including the handling of assistive devices, shuttles, and transfers
• Services such as service counters, food kiosks, and shops

This standard is in development

• The standards development process started on December 13, 2022
• The public review period is scheduled to start in fall 2025
• The publication of the final standard is expected in winter 2027

Technical Committee Members

Maayan Ziv (Chairperson), Founder CEO, AccessNow

Jonathan Marriott (Vice chairperson)

Adam Spencer, President & CEO, AbleDocs Inc

Christine Dwyer, Policy Advisor, Transport Canada

Fatoumata Bah, student

Giuliana Faggion, HQ Accommodation Manager, Center of Expertise, Canada Border Services Agency

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

Julian Lum-Smith, Universal Design Lead, Arcadis IBI Group

Kerianne Wilson, Senior Counsel, Customer Regulatory & Resolution, Air Canada

Kirk Goodlet, Senior Director, InterVISTAS Consulting Inc.

Lauri Brunner, Baord member & Consumer Advocate, March of Dimes Canada

​​​Lisa Anderson, Business Development Associate, 360 Direct Video

Nicole Diakite, Executive Director, Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasauqtiit Society

Ruth Warick, Director, Programs and Services, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

Sabitha Rajan, Senior Analyst, Canadian Transportation Agency

Sandra Gualtieri, President, AbleFly

Tommy Leung, Program lead, Advocacy, Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Investigating the Development of Accessibility Standards in Canada and the Inclusion/Exclusion of Episodic Disabilities

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.

Accessible Communications of the Needs of Persons with Disabilities

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

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

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.