Summary – Consultation on accessibility of information and communication technologies

What are information and communication technologies

Information and communication technologies (ICT) covers all the things we use to communicate and do business in the digital world. Some examples of ICT are:

• websites
• web applications like email and online banking
• documents like PDF and MS Word files, presentations like PowerPoint
• mobile phones and tablets 
• self-service kiosks we use to pay for parking
• other things like computers, mice, keyboards, scanners and printers
• assistive technology like screen readers and Braille displays
• virtual meeting platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and WebEx

What are ICT barriers

A barrier is anything that prevents persons with disabilities from fully and equally participating in Canadian society.

ICT barriers can make it difficult or impossible for some persons with disabilities to do everyday tasks, like:

• sending an email
• using the web
• using a mobile phone

ICT barriers can also prevent people from accessing and using from services and programs.

What would ICT accessibility regulations do

Accessibility regulations would deal with removing barriers and improving accessibility. This will be the next set of regulations developed under the Accessible Canada Act (ACA).

Share your views with us

First, read the information below and have a look at the key question.

Next, send us your responses to the key questions, as well as any other comments.

Discussion on ICT accessibility: key questions

ICT barriers

ICT barriers prevent people from using technology or digital content in ways that work best for them.

Some of the major ICT accessibility barriers include:

• websites that are not accessible because of things like:
  • poor colour contrast between background and text on a webpage
  • no ability to make text larger for people who have vision disabilities
• web forms, like the ones we use to apply for jobs, that are inaccessible
• not having alternative text to describe images, graphs and tables for people who can't see them
• software that are not accessible. For example, software on a laptop that can't be used with an assistive device like screen readers
• mobile phones and tablets that don't let people use different ways to enter information like using speech or keyboard
• Mobile phones and tables with small screens. They can be difficult or impossible to use for people with movement and dexterity challenges
• electronic payment terminals (EPTs) that have small screens and no other way to provide information to the user, such as audio

Key questions

1. What are the ICT barriers that affect your life the most?
2. What are the ICT areas we should prioritise for action? For example, websites, web forms, software, hardware like ATMs, mobile devices

ICT accessibility standards

A standard describes the best way to do something. It could be about making a product, managing a process, delivering a service or supplying materials. ICT accessibility standards say how to make ICT products and services accessible for persons with disabilities.

Three important ICT accessibility standards are:

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – this standard says how to make websites' information understandable and usable for everyone, and more
• Revised Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act – this standard is used in the United States. It applies to websites, hardware, software, and more
• Harmonised European Standard for ICT (EN 301 549) – this standard covers the most areas of ICT. It applies to websites, hardware, software, biometrics like facial recognition and fingerprint detection, and more
• Some private and public sector organizations in Canada already use these standards to make their ICT products and service more accessible.
• New Canadian ICT accessibility regulations could be based on the requirements of existing accessibility standards, for example, the European Standard (EN 301 549). This could provide a more inclusive experience for all Canadians, especially persons with disabilities.

Key questions

1. Have you designed your ICT products or services using an international ICT accessibility standard, guideline or regulation? Or, are you planning to follow a standard?
2. What are the major barriers or concerns preventing you from following any accessible ICT standard or regulation?

How to send your feedback

Send us your responses to the key questions, as well as any other comments, in one of these ways:

• send an email to the Accessible Canada Directorate
• send a letter to:

  Accessible Canada Directorate
  Employment and Social Development Canada
  1st floor
  105 De l'Hôtel-de-Ville Street
  Gatineau QC  J8X 4H7

• send an email to the Accessible Canada Directorate with the subject line "Sign language response". We will contact you to set a date and time for you to provide your comments