Roadmap to 2040
A plan to guide the work of Accessibility Standards Canada
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 2 of 33
Roadmap to 2040: A plan to guide the work of Accessibility Standards
Canada
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2021
Government of Canada catalogue Number AS4-25/2021E-PDF
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) 978-0-660-40871-2
Accessibility Standards Canada aims to meet the highest standard of
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Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 3 of 33
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................ 4
Context .................................................................................................... 5
Benefits ................................................................................................... 7
A Guiding Vision ..................................................................................... 8
Structure................................................................................................ 11
1. Develop World-Class Standards ...................................................... 14
2. Be a Strong Leader, Partner and Influencer..................................... 19
Conclusion ............................................................................................ 21
Appendix A: Information on Technical Committees ............................. 22
Appendix B: Visual Version of Roadmap ............................................. 25
Appendix C: Descriptive Text Version of Roadmap to 2040 ................ 26
Appendix D: Development Criteria ....................................................... 28
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 4 of 33
Executive Summary
Accessibility Standards Canada was created under the Accessible Canada
Act (Act). Its role is to develop accessibility standards among other things. It
then recommends these standards to the Minister responsible for
accessibility. These standards fall into the priority areas listed in the Act.
The development of standards is driven by the idea of “Nothing about us,
without us.” For that reason, people with disabilities, other members of
diverse disability communities and allies are involved at all stages of
development. This includes deciding which standards should be developed.
It includes participating as experts in the research and processes to develop
standards. The disability community also helps educate the rest of Canadian
society on why it is necessary to remove barriers to accessibility.
The Roadmap to 2040 was written to guide Accessibility Standards Canada’s
work. The Roadmap has 2 work streams:
1. Develop world-class standards. This stream breaks down the criteria
for deciding on the standards to be developed in the short, medium,
and long term.
2. Position Accessibility Standards Canada as a strong leader,
partner and influencer. This includes activities required to support
standard development and the key partnerships that need to be built. It
also includes the role of the organization in promoting a culture shift in
Canada.
The Roadmap contains rough timelines for the activities within the 2 work
streams. It is designed to be flexible so that it can be adapted to address
emerging priorities. This includes emerging needs facing diverse disability
communities. This tool will be used to guide the organization’s activities and
contribute to the goal: a Canada without barriers by 2040.
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Context
Accessibility Standards Canada was created to develop
accessibility standards.
Accessibility Standards Canada was created to help build a Canada
without barriers by January 1, 2040. Its role is to develop standards to
remove the barriers to access that people with disabilities face. These
standards fall within the priority areas listed in the Act.
Four groups will be involved in developing standards: The Accessibility
Standards Canada Board of Directors (Board); Technical Committees;
Accessibility Standards Canada staff; and diverse disability communities.
1. Board. Board members provide lived experience and professional
expertise. Their role is to decide on the priorities for standards. Their
role is also to approve the selection criteria and terms of reference for
Technical Committees.
2. Technical Committees. These committees follow a process to develop
standards. This process includes balanced representation, consensus,
and other important elements. See Appendix A for more information.
3. Accessibility Standards Canada Staff. Staff members recommend to
the Board which standards will be developed and in what order
based
on public consultations and other considerations. They support the
formation and operation of committees. They also confirm that
committees follow the right process.
4. Diverse disability communities. People with lived experience will be
consulted. This means their voices will be heard when standards are
being developed. It also means their knowledge will be shared. This is
in line with the Standards Council of Canada requirement that public
consultation be included in the development process.
To develop standards, the organization will work with other standards
development organizations, such as the Canadian Standards Association.
This will enable Accessibility Standards Canada to tap into the strengths and
expertise of others. For example, the organization plans to work with this
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 6 of 33
association to co-brand some standards and to avoid duplicating efforts. The
organization brings its values to this work.
How much impact will the new standards have? That will depend
on the regulations and where the standards are adopted.
The Government of Canada may make regulations under the Act.
Regulations are a tool for making requirements that must be followed in order
to achieve policy goals. This could include making standards into regulations
to remove barriers and to improve accessibility.
The Act makes Accessibility Standards Canada responsible for
recommending standards to the Minister. Standards are voluntary unless
they are made into regulations. Only the Government of Canada can make
standards become mandatory regulations.
The standards developed by Accessibility Standards Canada will apply only to
federally regulated and Government of Canada entities, unless they are
adopted elsewhere, such as by a province or territory. The best approach is to
harmonize standards across Canada. To further that goal, the organization
will build relationships with the provinces and territories. This will be done to
promote the harmonizing of federal, provincial, and territorial standards.
Accessibility Standards Canada developed the Roadmap to 2040
to guide its work.
The Roadmap is designed to help Accessibility Standards Canada fulfill its
mandate. It includes milestones, timelines, and a clear plan to guide the
organization’s work until January 1, 2040.
The Roadmap was developed with input from the Board, the Strategic
Planning Committee, and staff of Accessibility Standards Canada. It was
guided by the spirit of “Nothing about us, without us.” The Roadmap reflects
the organization’s mission, vision, and values. It emphasizes engaging with
both diverse disability communities and industry.
The plan is to review and adjust the Roadmap at least every 3 years. This will
ensure it reflects changes in technology, society, and elsewhere. The
Roadmap outlines activities within the organization’s areas of responsibility.
However, the vision is much broader: to have a barrier-free Canada by 2040.
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Benefits
The Roadmap will guide Accessibility Standards Canada until 2040.
The Roadmap sets out a rough timeline for developing standards in the
areas that are named in the Act. The exact timing of activities may change.
To meet the needs of people with disabilities in Canada, Accessibility
Standards Canada will need to adapt to changes in Canada and the
world. The Roadmap notes that standards should be maintained and
reviewed at least every 5 years to see if they need to be updated. This a
requirement for accredited standards development organizations.
The Roadmap can be used to measure progress. It can also educate the
public on how the organization is helping to remove barriers by 2040. To fulfill
its mandate, it is vital for the organization to work with external stakeholders
and communicate with them often. Among these groups are diverse disability
communities, allies, other levels of government and government entities,
federally regulated entities, and standards development organizations.
The Roadmap will benefit various stakeholder groups.
The primary groups that will benefit from the Roadmap are Canadians, the
Government of Canada, and Accessibility Standards Canada.
•
Canadians will benefit because the Roadmap outlines a plan for
barriers to be reduced. The goal is for positive impacts to be felt
before 2040.
•
The Government of Canada will benefit because the Roadmap will help
inform plans for regulatory development.
•
Accessibility Standards Canada will benefit because the Roadmap will
help set priorities, support annual business planning, and
maintain focus from now to 2040. This is key. Board members and
staff will change over time, so the Roadmap will ensure continuity. The
Roadmap will also help the organization work and coordinate with
stakeholders, such as other standards development bodies.
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A Guiding Vision
The goal is for Canada to be barrier-free by 2040. Accessibility
Standards Canada’s role is to develop accessibility standards.
The goal is for Canada to be barrier-free for all people by 2040. People
with disabilities should not have to ask for the things they are entitled to.
People with disabilities should not be denied the same opportunities or
services as people without disabilities.
The first step is to develop accessibility standards. But for standards to
improve quality of life and benefit all of society, they must be followed.
Accessibility Standards Canada’s role is to create standards. The
organization helps remove barriers in Canada by encouraging the use of
standards. The Government of Canada is responsible for converting these
standards into regulations that will remove barriers.
To support this process, the organization’s efforts must be aligned with the
Government of Canada’s plans for implementing regulations once they come
into force. The organization needs to have strong relationships with all
entities under the Act. This includes the Canadian Transportation Agency
(CTA), the Canadian Radio-television Commission (CRTC), and Employment
and Social Development Canada (ESDC), in particular. ESDC is the
Government of Canada’s lead for a range of regulatory, policy, program and
engagement functions related to the implementation of the Act and to
broader accessibility initiatives.
The Roadmap focuses on the priority areas listed in the Act.
Addressing these will remove the most common barriers
experienced by people with disabilities.
The 7 priority areas under the Act are:
1. Employment.
2. The built environment.
3. Information and communication technologies.
4. Communication (other than information and communication
technologies).
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 9 of 33
5. The procurement of goods, services, and facilities.
6. The design and delivery of programs and services.
7. Transportation.
Accessibility Standards Canada will create standards that support the
following areas:
•
Employment. When it comes to jobs, everyone has equal access and
opportunities, from before they are hired until they retire. Standards will
help people with disabilities find work and be productive and engaged
while working. Everyone has equal access to advancement
opportunities throughout their careers.
•
The built environment. New buildings are accessible by design, and
barriers within existing buildings are removed. Harmonizing standards
across Canada is especially important in this area. Accessibility
Standards Canada will work to further this goal. Organizations and
federal, provincial, and territorial bodies across the country are involved
to make this happen.
•
Information and communication technologies. Accessibility
Standards Canada will work with the CRTC. Accessibility Standards
Canada will do so to ensure the two organizations’ approaches are
aligned as much as possible. In areas where there is overlap,
Accessibility Standards Canada could provide support and/or could co-
lead standards aimed at removing barriers.
•
Communication (other than information and communication
technologies). People with all types of disabilities are able to access
and be engaged in all forms of communication. Canadians are aware
that accessible communication benefits everyone.
•
Procurement of goods, services, and facilities.
Government of
Canada purchasing processes are accessible to all. The products,
services and facilities that are bought, leased or contracted are fully
accessible. Vendors that are inclusive of people with disabilities are
given preference. It is important to note that different organizations are
responsible for setting federal contracting rules.
•
Design and delivery of programs and services. People with
disabilities are treated as equal citizens. They have equal access to all
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 10 of 33
services and programs. Potential standards could consider having
accessibility champions. These people would train service delivery staff
and ensure barriers are removed within delivery processes.
•
Transportation. Accessibility Standards Canada will work with the
CTA. Accessibility Standards Canada will do so to ensure the two
organizations’ approaches are aligned as much as possible. In areas
where there is overlap, Accessibility Standards Canada could provide
support and/or could co-lead standards aimed at removing barriers.
Success will mean that, by January 1, 2033, initial standards in priority areas
will have been developed in consultation with people with disabilities. This
will allow time for the standards to be added to regulations, implemented, and
have an impact before 2040. However, the work will not end in 2033 or 2040.
Standards will continue to be developed, revised, adopted into regulation,
and implemented.
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Structure
The visual version of the Roadmap can be found in Appendix B. The
descriptive text version can be found in Appendix C.
The Roadmap begins in 2021. However, it includes the standards already
under development. It also includes the other work done by Accessibility
Standards Canada, such as building partnerships, conducting research, and
working with the disability community.
The focus of the Roadmap is on priority areas for standards
development. It is also focused on Accessibility Standards
Canada’s related responsibilities.
The Roadmap includes 2 work streams.
Stream 1: Develop world-class standards
In this stream, standards are divided into 3 rounds of development. This is to
ensure adequate resources are available. This also reflects the fact that
some standards are less complex and can be developed sooner. Others are
more complex. For complex standards, more time will be needed to acquire
the necessary resources.
Developing standards in later rounds also provides flexibility. Standards can
be prioritized and developed based on emerging needs. For example, any
accessibility issues identified by the Chief Accessibility Officer and the
Accessibility Commissioner may happen later, after those positions have
been filled.
The 3 rounds are as follows:
1. Standards that have an immediate impact. These are standards that
should be (or will start to be) developed within 1 to 3 years (by the end
of 2024).
2. Standards that have a high impact and will be developed in the
medium term. These are standards that should be (or will start to be)
developed within 2 to 5 years (by the end of 2026).
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3. Standards that address the remaining areas causing barriers and other
emerging priorities. These standards will be developed in the longer
term. These should be (or will start to be) developed within 4 to 7 years
(by the end of 2028).
By the end of 2028, the development of the standards in all 3 rounds will
have started or been completed. The target date for completing the initial
standards in the priority areas is January 1, 2033. This is to allow time for
complex or broad standards started in 2028 to be completed. These types of
standards could take 3 years or more. This is also to allow time for standards
to be added to regulations by 2035 as well as time for them to be
implemented and have an impact before 2040.
Of course, changes may happen in the future and standards may need to be
adjusted. During the remaining years, Accessibility Standards Canada will
focus on adjusting standards affected by major changes in the environment.
Regular maintenance work will also continue.
Stream 2: Position Accessibility Standards Canada as a strong leader,
partner and influencer
This work must be within the scope of Accessibility Standards Canada’s
mandate. There are 5 types of activities in this stream:
1. Conduct and share ongoing research. This includes research led by
and done in consultation with people with disabilities. Then, update
standards and monitor and report on progress. This includes
developing indicators for what success looks like in terms of the impact
of standards and seeking feedback from all stakeholders to make sure
standards are working.
2. Work closely with the regulators to support the timely and effective
addition of standards into regulations. Work with federally regulated
entities to encourage adoption of accessibility standards that are not
already added into regulations. This includes engaging with industry.
3. Liaise and coordinate with other standards development organizations
and government entities within Canada and abroad. This will enable
the organization to exercise leadership and influence to leverage
expertise, maximize sharing, and avoid duplication.
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 13 of 33
4. Foster the harmonizing of accessibility standards across Canada. Do
this by consulting and working with provincial and territorial
governments.
5. Work with other organizations, diverse disability communities and
industry to create a culture shift. This includes providing information,
products and services about new and revised standards. It also
includes sharing best practices for removing and preventing
accessibility barriers.
Accessibility Standards Canada will become an accredited standards
development organization. This will be obtained through the Standards
Council of Canada. This will formally recognize the policies and processes
that the organization follows when developing standards. It will also show
that these processes align with best practices in Canada and abroad. This
will open the door to having federal accessibility standards become part of
the National Standards of Canada. It will also show that the organization is a
leader in accessibility standards development.
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1. Develop World-Class Standards
Several criteria can be used to decide when standards should
be developed.
The following can help decide when standards should be (or should start to
be) developed. There are 3 timeframes: the short term (by the end of 2024),
the medium term (by the end of 2026), and the long term (by the end of 2028):
•
Timing. This refers to the standard development period. This also
considers the effect of technology and the risk of standards becoming
outdated. This is to avoid acting too soon if, for example, a standard
will be affected by advances in technology.
•
Resources. This refers to the time it takes to form the Technical
Committee that will develop the standard. It also refers to the research
and other resources needed. A standard can be developed only if
resources are available. To that end, it is estimated that no more than
9 technical committees should be operating at the same time. This
number considers the current context as well as timing and resources.
Ensuring there are enough qualified members for the technical
committees is also a factor. This number does not include standards
that Accessibility Standards Canada works on with other standards
development organizations. It also does not generally include the work
to review standards depending on the scope of each review process.
See Appendix A for more information.
•
Safety. This refers to whether the standard addresses a safety concern
experienced by people with disabilities.
•
Priorities of Canadians. This refers to the results of the public
consultations that the organization held. These took place to learn how
the public prioritizes the 7 areas listed in the Act. More consultations
and different forms of engagement will be held in future. Being aligned
with the priorities of diverse disability communities is critical. More
opportunities for input will be provided through meetings with
stakeholders, events, email, and other means. Continuing engagement
is essential to reflect emerging barriers that people with disabilities face
as the future unfolds.
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 15 of 33
•
Building positive relationships with other federal organizations as
they develop regulatory plans and accessibility initiatives. This will
help ensure a productive working relationship with ESDC and other
departments and agencies.
•
Alignment with the priorities of the Minister responsible for
accessibility. The Minister responsible for accessibility under the Act
may issue general direction to the organization. The Minister may also
send mandate letters to the Board. These could include direction
related to standards development.
•
Alignment with the accessibility issues identified by the
Accessibility Commissioner and the Chief Accessibility Officer.
Because these positions are not yet filled, they will not affect the
standards developed in round 1.
Many federal partners are working to achieve a barrier-free Canada.
When prioritizing standards, the findings of reports made by the
Accessibility Commissioner and the Chief Accessibility Officer should
be taken into account. These reports could be on systemic or emerging
accessibility issues. These reports and other work could also inform
standards development in the key areas where accessibility complaints
are being made under the Act.
Prioritizing standards should also be informed by disability-related
complaints made under the Canadian Human Rights Act to the Canadian
Human Rights Commission that align with the key areas in the Act.
•
Working together with the CTA and CRTC. This refers to the
organization working with the CTA on standards related to
transportation, and with the CRTC on standards related to information
and communication technologies.
Appendix D explains the criteria that will be used to decide whether a
standard should be developed in the first, second, or third round.
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The standards in round 1 are those that will have an immediate
impact. They can be developed (or start to be developed) by the
end of 2024.
The standards in round 1 are those that can have an immediate and
significant impact. These standards would aim to reduce barriers within the
first 3 years.
Round 1 standards relate to employment, plain language and emergency
services under the area of communication. They also relate to outdoor
spaces under the area of built environment. These were key priorities
identified by people with disabilities. That input informed the development of
the Act. To align with these findings, the Board identified the following as
priority areas for standard development in the short term:
•
employment;
•
plain language;
•
emergency egress (exit); and
•
outdoor spaces.
Standards in round 1 may also fall within the “top 3 priority” areas. These are
areas identified by 30% to 50% of the people who participated in the public
consultations led by the organization. These areas include:
•
emergency measures (particularly in the time of a pandemic);
•
wayfinding including signage (finding out where you are and how to get
to your final location);
•
procurement; and
•
acoustics (sound quality).
By reducing barriers in the short term, the quality of life of people with
disabilities could begin to improve well before 2040.
Round 2 standards are those that will have a high impact. These
are standards that can be developed (or start to be developed) by
the end of 2026.
These standards are in areas where removing barriers will have a high
impact but are more complex to develop.
Standards developed during this round will fall within the priority areas
identified by the Board. They will be based on consultations with Canadians.
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Round 3 standards will aim to reduce barriers in the remaining and
emerging priority areas. These are standards that can be
developed (or start to be developed) by the end of 2028.
The standards developed in round 3 will fall within priority areas identified by
the Board. They will be informed through public consultations.
Standards in this round may also address accessibility issues identified by
the Chief Accessibility Officer and the Accessibility Commissioner.
Development of these standards will begin near the end of round 2. For them
to be added to regulations, implemented, and have an impact before 2040,
the target date for standards in round 3 to be completed is January 1, 2033.
The development process for all standards will be the same.
•
The Board decides the priority areas for the standards. It also approves
the selection criteria and terms of reference for Technical Committees.
•
Accessibility Standards Canada staff recommend to the Board which
standards will be developed and in what order. They support the
formation and operation of technical committees. They also confirm
that the committees follow the right process.
•
The Technical Committees handle the details of the standards.
At every step, it will be critical to engage and consult with people with
disabilities.
Accessibility Standards Canada is responsible for developing standards.
These are voluntary standards only. They become mandatory only once they
are made into regulations. This generally takes 2 years or more. The
timelines set out in the Roadmap can be affected by different factors and
may vary as a result.
Some standards depend on others. Some share similar goals.
Standards can relate to more than 1 priority area. For example, an
employment standard may touch on technology and communication in round 1.
Then in round 2, a specific technology-focused standard could be created.
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A standard developed in an earlier round may need to be updated
before a related standard can be created. Each standard is reviewed at
least every 5 years. Sometimes, this will reveal a major update is needed
because it will shape a future standard. This could delay the timing of the
future standard.
All of the standards will work to remove barriers by 2040. As that
happens, “inclusion for all” will become an accepted part of Canadian
society. For example, it will be a given that all websites and mobile
applications are accessible. As well, inclusion will be built into such tasks as
getting and keeping a job, navigating buildings, and getting from place to
place. Thus, every new standard will have the same outcome: ensuring equal
opportunity for participation in society and in the economy.
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2. Be a Strong Leader, Partner and
Influencer
Stream 2 includes activities that will position Accessibility
Standards Canada as a strong leader, partner and influencer.
Accessibility Standards Canada is only one player involved in creating a
barrier-free society by 2040. The organization will need to work with other key
players to achieve the vision. This includes a need for the organization to work
closely with diverse disability communities to conduct research and develop
standards that will remove and prevent barriers. Additionally, engagement
with these communities is required to create a Canada-wide culture shift.
Activities in stream 2 will support the work performed in stream 1.
2.1 To assess priorities, Accessibility Standards Canada will need to
conduct ongoing research, including research led by and done in
consultation with people with disabilities. Research will ensure the
standards are relevant and continue to apply. Plus, it will support having
a built-in cycle to review standards at least every 5 years. This cycle
applies to all accredited standards development organizations.
The organization will need to monitor its progress and report on the
impact being made by the standards and how they improve the lives of
Canadians. This includes developing indicators for what success looks
like in terms of the impact of standards.
To ensure that its work continually improves the lives of Canadians, the
organization must be flexible and adapt to change. This may result in
priorities shifting and new ones being added.
Other federal leaders may inform decisions about priorities for
standards. This includes the Accessibility Commissioner and the Chief
Accessibility Officer. Once they are appointed, they will report on
systemic and emerging accessibility issues.
2.2 Accessibility Standards Canada will need to work closely with the
regulators. This will support the timely addition of standards into
regulations. It will also support effective implementation. The
organization may suggest proposed timelines for the addition of
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 20 of 33
standards into regulations such as two years within their
recommendation to the Minister responsible for accessibility.
The organization will also need to work closely with federally
regulated entities to generate support as the standards are developed.
These entities should be involved in the development process. This
could make it more likely for them to adopt voluntary standards once
they are developed.
2.3 Accessibility Standards Canada will work with other government and
standards development bodies (in Canada or abroad). This will allow
the organization to leverage the expertise of these entities. It will also
avoid duplication. For example, the organization will work with the CTA
on transportation standards, with the CRTC on information and
communication standards, and with the National Research Council and
Canadian Standards Association on standards related to the built
environment. This also includes working with the Canadian Standards
Association to co-brand some standards and leverage the standards
each organization develops.
2.4 Accessibility Standards Canada will work with other levels of
government to harmonize standards across Canada and share best
practices. Having the organization accredited by the Standards Council
of Canada will be key. This will increase the organization’s influence as a
leader in the development of accessibility standards, both in Canada and
abroad. It will also foster partnerships.
2.5 Accessibility Standards Canada will play a role in creating a barrier-free
society by supporting barrier removal throughout the country. It will do so
by providing information, products and services about new and revised
standards. It will also do so by sharing best practices for removing and
preventing accessibility barriers. Where possible and reasonable to do
so, every effort will be made to have training and education led by
people with lived experience.
It will also foster and support an inclusive Canadian culture. Such a
culture would eliminate attitudinal barriers that hinder accessibility.
Obtaining accreditation will increase the organization’s credibility as a
driver of culture change.
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Conclusion
Momentum for a barrier-free Canada is building. Accessibility
Standards Canada has an important role to play.
Accessibility Standards Canada will work hard to develop standards that help
achieve Canada’s vision of a barrier-free society by 2040. The organization
will also support this vision by working closely with others. This includes
diverse disability communities, governments across Canada, federally
regulated entities, and other standards development organizations. The
Roadmap is a key tool for guiding these activities.
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 22 of 33
Appendix A: Information on Technical
Committees
Technical Committee Selection Process
Overview
Standards development organizations, both in Canada and abroad,
commonly form Technical Committees to develop standards. These
committees are balanced groups of experts who develop the technical
content of a standard.
Committee members are Canadian citizens or employees of an organization
with Canadian interests. This is so they can represent Canadian viewpoints.
In that regard, balanced representation is key. It ensures that committees
represent the views of varied communities. The Standards Council of Canada
defines this as “a representation of interest groups in a Technical Committee
such that no single category of interest can dominate the voting procedures.”
Accessibility Standards Canada is creating balanced committees that include
people with disabilities as a separate category to add their expertise and
knowledge. 30 percent of committee members must be people with disabilities.
Lived experience is considered an asset for members of other categories.
Each committee has 12 to 18 members who represent the following:
•
people with disabilities;
•
industry and commerce;
•
federal, provincial, and territorial governments and authorities;
•
consumers and the public interest;
•
labour and unions;
•
academic and research bodies;
•
non-governmental organizations;
•
standards development organizations;
•
federally-regulated public sector;
•
federally-regulated industries and workplaces; and
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 23 of 33
•
territorial private-sector firms and municipalities.
The organization can create additional stakeholder groups and categories if
such additions are relevant to the committee.
Technical Committees are created in 3 steps:
1. The organization publishes a call for experts for a committee.
2. Reviewers carefully assess applications based on selection criteria pre-
approved by the Board of Directors (Board). This application review
process includes 3 stages. Lower levels of the organization complete
the first 2 stages of review. A selection panel that includes the Chief
Operating Officer completes the third stage. The selection panel
proposes 12 to 18 members after their review. They also propose at
least 1 alternate member for each stakeholder category. The Chief
Executive Officer approves the members. The Board is not involved
with review or selection.
3. The organization offers membership to approved applicants. Once 12
to 18 members agree to participate, the process is closed. Remaining
applicants are told the positions have been filled.
Applicant Information
Applicants provide the following:
•
Their contact information: Name, telephone number, email address,
and physical address.
•
The title and name of their organization, if applicable.
•
Their stakeholder category (or categories).
•
A summary of their expertise related to the committee’s subject matter.
•
Their resume.
•
Their interest in the chairperson and/or vice chairperson positions.
•
A summary of their expertise related to the chairperson and/or vice
chairperson positions if they are interested.
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 24 of 33
Selection Criteria
The applicants must show they have relevant experience. This includes lived
experience, professional or volunteer experience, education and training, and
technical knowledge. Accessibility Standards Canada staff grade the
applications and propose members based on the selection criteria and
scoring system.
The organization can add criteria if it is:
•
relevant to the committee;
•
approved by the Board before the selection process begins; and
•
documented in the committee’s terms of reference.
A total maximum of 9 Technical Committees are expected to be
operating at any given time.
Nine is an estimated number that takes into consideration several factors.
These are outlined below:
•
Current context. Currently, there are 4 committees working at the
same time. It is expected that another 3 will be launched in 2021, and 1
or 2 more in 2022. In that case, there will be 9 separate committees
developing standards, supported by the organization’s Standards
Development team. This team will also lead other initiatives, such as
co-developing standards with other standards bodies.
•
Timing. It takes about 24 to 30 months to develop a standard. If it is
very complex or broad in scope, it can take 3 years or more.
•
Other factors. A variety of elements come into play when setting or
adjusting Accessibility Standards Canada’s standards development
work plan. This includes the availability of qualified committee
members and the complexity of a standard. Other government entities
that develop or are responsible for standards also play a role.
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 25 of 33
Appendix B: Visual Version of Roadmap
2. Be a Strong Leader, Partner and Influencer
2.1 Conduct and share ongoing research. This includes research led by and done in consultation with people with disabilities. Monitor and report on
progress. Update standards. Develop indicators. Seek feedback.
2.2 Work closely with the regulators to support the timely addition of standards into the regulations. Work closely with federally regulated entities to
encourage adoption of standards not already in regulations. This includes engaging with industry.
2.3 Liaise and coordinate with other government and standards development entities. Enable the organization to exercise leadership and influence to
leverage expertise, maximize sharing, and avoid duplication.
2.4 Consult and work with provincial and territorial governments. Work with them to foster the harmonizing of accessibility standards across Canada.
2.5 Work with other organizations, diverse disability communities and industry to create a culture shift. This includes providing information, products and
services about standards, and best practices for removing barriers.
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 26 of 33
Appendix C: Descriptive Text Version
of Roadmap to 2040
The Roadmap begins in 2021. However, it includes the standards already
under development. It also includes the other work done by Accessibility
Standards Canada, such as building partnerships, conducting research, and
working with the disability community.
Stream 1
The first stream of activities involves developing world-class standards. This
stream has 3 rounds.
1.1 Standards developed in the short term. The first round begins in
2021. These are standards that are being (or will start to be) developed
by the end of 2024.
1.2 Standards developed in the medium term. The second round begins
in 2023. These are standards that will be (or will start to be) developed
by the end of 2026.
1.3 Standards developed in the long term. The third and final round
begins in 2025. These are standards that will be (or will start to
be developed) by the end of 2028.
Appendix D explains the criteria that will be used to select the standards for
each round. Once it is developed, a standard is added to regulations, which
takes about 2 years. After it is implemented, barriers may begin to be
reduced and inclusion improved. The organization will ensure the standards
remain relevant and continue to apply. This will be done through a built-in
cycle to review standards at least every 5 years.
Stream 2
The second stream of activities includes positioning Accessibility Standards
Canada as a strong leader, partner and influencer. This stream is further
divided into 5 sets of activities.
2.1 These activities include conducting and sharing ongoing research. This
includes research led by and done in consultation with people with
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040 27 of 33
disabilities. These activities also include monitoring and reporting on
progress. They also include updating standards to ensure they have a
tangible impact on the lives of Canadians. This includes developing
indicators for what success looks like in terms of impacting standards
and seeking feedback from all stakeholders to make sure standards are
working. These activities will begin in 2021 and continue until 2040.
2.2 These activities include working closely with the regulators. This will
support the timely addition of standards to the regulations. These
activities also include working with federally regulated entities to
encourage adoption of standards that are not already added into
regulations. As part of this the organization will engage with industry.
These activities will begin in 2021 and continue until 2040.
2.3 These activities include liaising and coordinating with other standards
development organizations and government entities. This will enable the
organization to exercise leadership and influence to leverage expertise,
maximize sharing, and avoid duplication. These activities will begin in
2021 and continue until 2040.
2.4 These activities are focused on harmonizing accessibility standards
across Canada. This involves consulting and working with provincial and
territorial governments. These activities will begin in 2021 and continue
until 2040.
2.5 These activities include working with other organizations, diverse
disability communities and industry to create a culture shift. This includes
providing information, products and services about new and revised
standards. It also includes sharing best practices for removing and
preventing accessibility barriers. These activities will begin in 2021 and
continue until 2040.
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040
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Appendix D: Development Criteria
This table presents standards development criteria as well as the timing of standards to be developed or
begin to be developed in the short term, medium term and long term.
Criteria
Round 1: Short term
Round 2: Medium term
Round 3: Long term
(by the end of 2024)
(by the end of 2026)
(by the end of 2028)
Timing
Next 1 to 3 years
Next 2 to 5 years
Next 4 to 7 years
• These are standards that
• These standards
• These standards may
may be less affected by
may be more
be more affected by
technological changes. They
affected by
technological
may be less likely to become
technological
changes. They may
outdated in the short term.
changes. They may
be at greater risk of
be at greater risk of
becoming outdated if
becoming outdated if
they are developed in
developed in
the short term.
round 1.
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040
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Criteria
Round
(by the
1: Short term
end of 2024)
Round
(by the
2: Medium term
end of 2026)
Round
(by the
3: Long term
end of 2028)
Resources
•
•
•
Technical Committees are
already formed or may be
formed soon.
Research is readily available
or could be done in the short
term (next 3 years).
9 Technical Committees are
up and running.
•
•
•
Technical
Committees will be
formed in the future.
Additional research
needs to be
conducted. This
would be done by the
organization or
through the grants
and contributions
program, depending
on resource
availability.
9 Technical
Committees are up
and running.
•
•
•
Technical
Committees will be
formed in the future.
Additional research
needs to be
conducted. This
would be done by the
organization or
through the grants
and contributions
program, depending
on resource
availability.
9 Technical
Committees are up
and running.
Safety
• These standards may
address safety concerns
experienced by people with
disabilities.
• These standards
concerns.
are not related to safety
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040
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Criteria
Round
(by the
1: Short term
end of 2024)
Round
(by the
2: Medium term
end of 2026)
Round
(by the
3: Long term
end of 2028)
Priorities identified
through consultation
with Canadians
•
•
These standards fall in an
area seen as a priority by
people with disabilities
during consultations that
informed the development of
the Accessible Canada Act.
Other standards in this
round may fall into a priority
area identified during other
consultations led by the
organization.
• Standards developed during rounds 2 and 3 will
fall within priority areas identified by the Board.
They will be informed primarily by public
consultations and as well by other things,
including staff guidance, and Board knowledge.
Alignment with other
federal
organizations’ plans
and initiatives
• Standards that align with the
current and short-term
regulatory plans and
accessibility initiatives of
Employment and Social
Development Canada
(ESDC) and other
departments and agencies.
• Standards that align
the medium-term
regulatory plans and
accessibility
initiatives of ESDC
and other
departments and
agencies.
• Standards that align
the long-term
regulatory plans and
accessibility initiatives
of ESDC and other
departments and
agencies.
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040
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Criteria
Round 1: Short term
Round 2: Medium term
Round 3: Long term
(by the end of 2024)
(by the end of 2026)
(by the end of 2028)
Alignment with the
• Standards that align with the
• Standards that align
• Standards that align
priorities of the
Minister’s short-term
with the Minister’s
with the Minister’s
Minister responsible
priorities and direction.
medium-term
long-term priorities
for accessibility
priorities and
and direction.
direction.
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040
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Criteria
Round
(by the
1: Short term
end of 2024)
Round
(by the
2: Medium term
end of 2026)
Round
(by the
3: Long term
end of 2028)
Alignment with the
priorities identified
by the Accessibility
Commissioner and
the Chief
Accessibility Officer
• This does not affect round 1
because these priorities are
not yet identified.
•
•
•
Standards that align
with medium-term
priorities based on
reports from the
Accessibility
Commissioner and
Chief Accessibility
Officer.
Standards to address
systemic or emerging
accessibility issues
identified in the
medium term or
accessibility
complaints.
The organization’s
scope in the
development of
related standards is
clearly defined.
•
•
•
Standards that align
with long-term
priorities based on
reports from the
Accessibility
Commissioner and
the Chief Accessibility
Officer.
Standards to address
systemic or emerging
accessibility issues
identified in the long
term or accessibility
complaints.
The organization’s
scope in the
development of
related standards is
clearly defined.
Accessibility Standards Canada: Roadmap to 2040
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Criteria
Round 1: Short term
Round 2: Medium term
Round 3: Long term
(by the end of 2024)
(by the end of 2026)
(by the end of 2028)
Working together
• Standards developed in
• Standards developed
• Standards developed
with the Canadian
collaboration with, or support
in collaboration with,
in collaboration with,
Transportation
the standards being
or support the
or support the
Agency (CTA) and
developed by, the CTA and
standards being
standards being
Canadian Radio-
CRTC in the short term.
developed by, the
developed by, the
Television
CTA and CRTC in
CTA and CRTC in the
the medium term.
long term.
Commission
(CRTC).
