Standards and technical guides database
Centre of expertise
Document type descriptions
Upcoming standard:
An upcoming standard means a new standard is planned but still in the very early stages. Some early details may be available, like its areas of focus or who’s on the technical committee.
Overview:
An overview gives a quick look at a draft standard, highlighting its purpose and main points. It’s also available in sign languages.
Draft standard:
A draft standard is a standard that hasn’t been finalized yet. It may be under public review or may have already gone through that stage. The technical committee reviews the feedback and prepares the final version.
Summary:
A summary provides a detailed explanation of an approved standard, including its key objectives, requirements, and impacts. It’s also available in sign languages.
Standard:
A standard is an official document that goes through a rigorous development process before it is finalized and approved. It can be approved by Accessibility Standards Canada on its own or jointly recognized by the Standards Council of Canada as a National Standard of Canada. This broader recognition gives the standard more official status across the Canadian standards system.
Technical guide:
A technical guide shares useful information as soon as it’s available, so the public can benefit from research and best practices. It helps people understand accessibility barriers and offers practical tips to remove them.