Accessibility Standards Canada launches its first public consultation on priorities for engagement, accessibility standards and research

Accessibility Standards Canada federal identity signature (CNW Group/Accessibility Standards Canada)

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 3, 2020 /CNW/ - The principle of "Nothing without us" is at the core of Accessibility Standards Canada's mandate. Today, Accessibility Standards Canada is launching its first public consultation. It focuses on priorities for engagement, accessibility standards and research from 2020 to 2022.

Objective
The feedback obtained from this consultation will enable Accessibility Standards Canada to determine:

1. How to engage with Canadians
2. The research priorities for its next call for proposals
3. The priorities for the development of upcoming accessibility standards

The organization looks to draw from the experience and expertise of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, Indigenous peoples, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, technical experts, as well as members of the industry and the public. This process will help Accessibility Standards Canada to align with Canadians' most pressing accessibility priorities.

How to participate
Canadians can share their views and ideas during this consultation online, by mail, by e-mail, in American Sign Language or Langue des signes québécoise. Anyone interested in participating can provide feedback. The consultation will close on September 25, 2020.

Quote
"We are thrilled to launch our first consultation, which will inform priority setting for all of our programs. As we aim to contribute to a barrier-free Canada, we must learn from the expertise and lived-experience of persons with disabilities, other experts and partners."

– Philip Rizcallah, Chief Executive Officer, Accessibility Standards Canada

Quick facts

• The consultation opened on September 3, 2020 and will close on September 25, 2020.
• Accessibility Standards Canada was created under the Accessible Canada Act.
• Its mandate is to develop accessibility standards for organizations under federal jurisdiction, to promote research on the identification and elimination of accessibility barriers, and to share information on accessibility standards.
• Approximately one in five Canadians, or about 6.2 million people aged 15 and over, report having a disability that limits them in their daily activities.

Associated Links

Consultation page 
Accessibility Standards Canada

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SOURCE Accessibility Standards Canada

For media inquiries: Christina Richard, Manager of communications, Accessibility Standards Canada, 613-371-5239