Transportation
Here is Accessibility Standards Canada’s standard and funded grants and contributions research related to transportation. Check here often for new information related to this priority area.
Standards
CAN-ASC-7.1 Accessible Travel Journey
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
Standard started October 5, 2023.
Public review expected in fall 2025.
Publication expected in winter 2027.
Technical Committee Members
Maayan Ziv (Chairperson), Founder CEO, AccessNow
Jonathan Marriott (Vice chairperson), Director, Accessibility Advisory Services, Rick Hansen Foundation
Adam Spencer, President & CEO, AbleDocs Inc
Fatoumata Bah, Associate Director, Open Collaboration for Cognitive Accessibility, University of Ottawa
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, President, Paralee property tax consultants (Calgary) Ltd
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)
Tracy White, Policy Advisor, Transport Canada
Grants and Contributions Research
Advancing Accessibility Standards through Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
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.
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.
Accessibility Futurisms: Analyzing Access through a Disability Justice Modality
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.
Inclusive Airports
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.
Go Barrier-Free: A Study of Gaps and Best Practices in Information and Communication Technology Accessibility Solutions
Go Barrier-Free: A Study of Gaps and Best Practices in Information and Communication Technology Accessibility Solutions
This research project is still underway.
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.
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.