Accessibility

Accessibility standards and best practices

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) publishes standards targeted to organizations to help make communities more accessible to people with disabilities. Although it is not a government organization, the CSA serves Canadians by enhancing public safety and health.

• Accessible Design for the Built Environment (B651-04) explains how to make buildings accessible and safe for people with disabilities.
• Customer Service Standard for People with Disabilities (B480-02) explains how organizations can provide customer service to people with disabilities equivalent to the quality of service they provide everyone else.
• Design for Aging (B659-01) provides principles, guidelines and tools for designing products and providing service for people whose abilities are affected by aging.

To buy copies of these standards:

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) at 1 800 463-6727

www.csa.ca Click on "Online Store" on the left side.

The Assistive Devices Industry Office provides information and tools to help businesses and consumers use the latest in assistive devices and technology for people with disabilities.

www.at-links.gc.ca

Accessible workplaces

Barrier-Free Employers from the Canadian Human Rights Commission is a practical online guide to accommodating people with disabilities on the job.

www.chrc-ccdp.ca Click on "Publications", then on "Publications A-Z" and scroll down the list until you find "Barrier-Free Employers".

If you're worried you might give offence, A Way with Words and Images is for you. This helpful publication suggests the best and most appropriate words and terms to use concerning people with disabilities.

1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)
TTY: 1 800 926-9105
www.sdc.gc.ca Click on "Publications" on the left menu.

Accessible justice system

If you have a disability and you have been called to give evidence in the Federal Court or the Tax Court of Canada, there are services to help you provide testimony. Communications assistance includes sign language interpreters for interviews or meetings. People with intellectual or physical disabilities may also provide testimony through videotape.

www.cas-satj.gc.ca

Since most legal proceedings take place in provincial or territorial courts, these courts may also offer similar services. Check the government pages of your