Accessibility Legislation
Canada’s digital accessibility plan: what you need to know
The Accessible Canada Act is a law passed in 2019 that hopes to remove barriers for people with disabilities by 2040.
The federal government is changing the accessibility rules for digital accessibility.
The Untapped Accessibility Think Tank model: A rigorous, relatable, and rich way to consult people with disabilities
In recent years, the importance of including people with disabilities in research, policy discussions, and the development of accessible services has become increasingly recognized across both academic and governmental sectors. However, in my own experience working and teaching at post-secondary institutions across the country, the values of trust and rapport… Read More about “The Untapped Accessibility Think Tank model: A rigorous, relatable, and rich way to consult people with disabilities”
Webinar summary: How to provide accessible client services – a framework for BC organizations
Final versions of BC’s accessible employment and accessible service delivery standards are expected in 2025. The BC Government and the Provincial Accessibility Committee are reviewing public feedback from last year’s public consultations. On February 6, 2024, Untapped Accessibility hosted a webinar to help clients prepare for the release of the… Read More about “Webinar summary: How to provide accessible client services – a framework for BC organizations”
Summary of “Operationalizing the Accessible BC Act: Stories from accessibility leaders” webinar
On October 29, 2024, Untapped Accessibility hosted a webinar focused on the practical implementation of the Accessible BC Act. The session was moderated by Yat Li (Accessible Employers). The discussion highlighted actionable insights and stories from accessible leaders across sectors, including Colin Reid (BC CAISE), Keely Kidner (District of Squamish),… Read More about “Summary of “Operationalizing the Accessible BC Act: Stories from accessibility leaders” webinar”
The Meiorin decision and the duty to accommodate: 25 years of missed opportunities to remove barriers
September 9th, 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision in British Columbia (Public Service Employee Relations Commission) v. BCGSEU commonly known as the Meiorin decision. The Meiorin decision is about a human rights complaint dealing with workplace discrimination and accommodation. This decision had important… Read More about “The Meiorin decision and the duty to accommodate: 25 years of missed opportunities to remove barriers”
5 ways public sector organizations can use the writ period to improve accessibility
In BC, September will throw an interesting challenge to some public sector organizations in the form of the writ period. September 21st is Writ Day, which begins the provincial election campaign period, also known as the writ period. For many public sector organizations and public servants, it also brings… Read More about “5 ways public sector organizations can use the writ period to improve accessibility”
Webinar Summary: What BC’s Draft Accessibility Standards Mean For You
With BC’s first two draft Accessibility Standards now open for feedback, Untapped Accessibility hosted an expert panel on June 26th, 2024 to explore what this means for BC organizations in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. Moderated by Robbie McDonald, panelists Anu Pala, Leanna Manning, Nora Loyst, and Trish Kelly… Read More about “Webinar Summary: What BC’s Draft Accessibility Standards Mean For You”
Operationalizing Accessibility: Insights from Our Year with the Accessible BC Act
In the past year, Untapped Accessibility has supported nearly 120 organizations to address the requirements in the Accessible BC Act. Reflecting on the past year of these partnerships, it becomes clear that the journey towards accessibility isn’t just about compliance. It requires a cultural shift in how organizations perceive and… Read More about “Operationalizing Accessibility: Insights from Our Year with the Accessible BC Act”
The Accessible Canada Act: Navigating Consultations with Disability Communities
“Nothing about us without us.” The common adage captures the need to include the voices of disabled folks in policies that directly affect them. When it comes to accessibility planning, there’s no better expert on the subject than those who experience disability barriers on a daily basis. This is why… Read More about “The Accessible Canada Act: Navigating Consultations with Disability Communities”
Inclusive Language and the Accessible BC Act: The Dangers of Euphemisms
Clients often ask me if it’s better to use terms like “differently abled” or “diverse-ability,” instead of the word disability itself. As an accessibility consulting agency, we’ve supported over 120 organizations to comply with the Accessible BC Act. As we dig into the work of developing accessibility plans and committees,… Read More about “Inclusive Language and the Accessible BC Act: The Dangers of Euphemisms”