Accessibility Standards Canada: 2023 to 2024 Departmental Plan - Sustainable Development Goals

• The Canadian Indicator Framework 1.1.1:  By 2030, a 50% reduction in the rate of poverty, compared to the 2015 level.
• UN Global Indicator Framework: 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.

Public review of the Emergency Measures, Plain Language, Information and Communication Technologies standards. 

The technical committees developing these standards will be ready to launch public reviews this fiscal year. The purpose of these standards is to ensure Canadians living with disabilities can easily access the tools they need to communicate at a level and in a format that accommodates their needs. These standards will also ensure the right accommodations are in place to enable a quick response in emergency situations.

All these standards are being developed to improve the quality of life and well-being of Canadians living with disabilities.

• The Canadian Indicator Framework 3.5.1: Percentage of Canadians who are satisfied or very satisfied with their life.
• UN Global Indicator Framework, 3d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries, for early warning and risk reduction.

This standard contributes to advancing the:

• The Canadian indicator Framework, 8.3.1: Proportion of youth not in education, employment or training.
• UN Global Indicator Framework 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

Accessibility Standards Canada’s mandate is to contribute to the realization of a Canada without barriers, on or before January 1, 2040.

The organization will realize its mandate through the development of Accessibility Standards.

It is important to note that the organization is still in its infancy and while it is developing several standards, they are yet to be published.

Developing a standard can take anywhere from 18 to 36 months.

All the standards contribute to advancing equal opportunities for all. 

• The Canadian Indicator Framework, 10.2.1: Proportion of the population reporting discrimination or unfair treatment.
• The UN Global Indicator Framework 10.2 & 10.3: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of disability, age, sex, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• 10.3, Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.

A Model Standard for the Built Environment- Accessibility. A 2nd public review for this standard will be launched this year. The purpose of this standard is to ensure that Canadians with disabilities can access the built environment safely and that the environment accommodates their needs.

The Outdoor Spaces Technical Committee.
The technical committee is working on developing this standard. It will be ready for public review this year. The purpose of this standard is to ensure that outdoor spaces including parks, playgrounds and public gardens are designed to accommodate the needs of Canadians with disabilities.

The standard on the built environment and the outdoors spaces standards contribute to advancing:

• Canadian Framework Indicator 11.2.1; Vulnerable populations can access safe, adequate, affordable and suitable built environments and outdoor spaces suited to their needs.
• UN Global indicator Framework 11.3; By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning.

A model accessible office space with automated lighting and water faucets, which automatically turn off when not in use.

Adoption of a digital office with reduced printing capacity to reduce paper consumption and recycling.

Adoption of a hybrid working model with reduced commuting and staff working in the office with 2 to 3 days a week of office time. Reduction of commute time contributes to reduced vehicle emissions.