Priority areas that guide our work

Centre of expertise

The Accessible Canada Act has 7 priority areas to remove barriers and promote inclusion. These areas guide our work to make Canada more accessible for everyone.

Below, you’ll find a short description of each priority area. Click on any of them to learn more about accessibility standards, funded research projects, technical guides, and more.

Project engineer with a Spinal Cord Injury in a wheelchair working on his tablet

Employment

This priority focuses on making workplaces inclusive and barrier-free at every stage of the employment journey. The goal is to ensure persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to use their skills, grow, and succeed at work.

Built environment

This priority focuses on making federally regulated physical spaces like buildings, parks, and washrooms accessible, safe, and usable for everyone. The goal is to create barrier-free environments where people can live, work, travel, and gather with dignity and independence.

Girl with Down Syndrome in wheelchair using digital tablet

Information and communication technologies (ICT)

This priority focuses on making digital tools and platforms, like websites, apps, software, and online services, accessible to everyone. The goal is to create barrier-free digital spaces that work with assistive technologies, support inclusive communication, and are easy for all to use.

Boy signing the phrase 'I Love You ' in American sign language while communicating with his brother

Communication (other than ICT)

This priority focuses on making all types of communication accessible, from conversations and public announcements to meetings, emails, and printed materials. The goal is to ensure everyone can receive, understand, and share information with confidence.

Teen with a Cognitive Disorder talking on phone in an office

Procurement of goods, services, and facilities

This priority focuses on including accessibility in every step of the buying process. It means making sure the goods, services, and facilities the government purchases are inclusive and usable by everyone.

Design and delivery of programs and services

This priority focuses on making programs and services accessible from the start, whether delivered in person, online, or by phone. The goal is to ensure everyone can use them, understand the information, and get the support they need.

Young woman using wheelchair waving from city bus station

Transportation

This priority focuses on making every stage of the travel journey accessible, from planning and booking to boarding. The goal is to ensure everyone can travel safely, independently, and with dignity.