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 Guide

Read the technical guide

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, Coordinator, Accessibility and Inclusion, National Gallery of Canada  

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)

Eric  Fortier, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Persons with disabilities still experience numerous barriers to travel. Barriers, or features of the tangible and non-tangible travel environment, can lead to the exclusion of persons with disabilities and support persons from experiencing places away from their home. For example, attitudinal barriers (such as discriminatory behaviour from a customer service agent) and physical barriers (such as stairs leading to a boarding area), among many others, can keep persons with disabilities from safely and enjoyably participating in the travel journey.

These guidelines apply to travel providers, including but not limited to terminal operators, air carriers, rail car carriers, inter-provincial ferry and bus carriers, and outdoor travel space operators.

Read the technical guide

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?

• 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.

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

Reducing Risk of Damage to mobility devices during air travel and determining safe slopes for passenger vessel gangways

Who is leading this research?

University Health Network

What is the goal of this study?

This study will look at the travel experience of people with disabilities. Specifically, this study will look at how mobility devices get damaged during flights and provide recommendations for safer handling of mobility devices. The study will also look at safety for walkways that connect ships to land, making them safe for people with disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

Mobility devices are an extension of a person and essential for independence. All types of travel can present barriers for people with disabilities, so improving all aspects of the journey is important.

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.

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email ASC.IMPACT.RESEARCH-RECHERCHE.IMPACT.NAC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

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.

AXC2Fly: Welcome Aboard

Who is leading this research?

Université Laval

What is the goal of this study?

This project will identify barriers that people with disabilities face when using washrooms (lavatories) on Canadian aircraft. It will recommend that manufacturers design aircraft washrooms to be accessible. These designs should apply to different aircraft models, including those having only one aisle.

This will ensure that passengers with disabilities can use airplane washrooms comfortably and safely. This includes passengers who are obese, autistic, or have mobility-related disabilities (including mobility issues related chronic pain). It will also include those with visual, hearing, or intellectual disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

People with disabilities have unique accessibility needs. They have the right to fly with ease and dignity.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.