How can AAACT help you?

The Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) program supports Government of Canada (GC) employees and managers by identifying accessibility barriers and recommending reasonable and effective solutions.

AAACT supports GC employees through the following service areas:

• Individual workplace solutions and accommodation
• Inclusive design and digital accessibility
• Accessibility training and workshops

Individual workplace solutions and accommodation

We work with employees and managers to create barrier-free workplaces. We offer personalized support through informal consultations and tailored accommodations—such as adaptive technology, workplace adjustments and skills development—so that employees have the tools they need to perform their job effectively. Our services are available to both short-term and long-term employees.

Step 1: Initial contact

You can email us at aaact-aatia@ssc-spc.gc.ca. Please include:

• a description of the barriers you face in the workplace
• any tools or supports you have tried or are currently using
• the tasks that are affected by these barriers
• whether you have a GC Workplace Accessibility Passport

You will receive a case number after submitting your request.

Step 2: Initial conversation

We will schedule an initial conversation to better understand your needs and workplace barriers. This helps us recommend the appropriate next steps. In some cases, we may assign an Adaptive Technology Expert immediately to assess proper supports and solutions.

Please note:

• We do not require your manager, human resources advisor or duty to accommodate advisor to participate in the initial conversation. However, you can invite any support person(s) to the initial conversation or any future meetings. Your manager may be involved later in the process for coordination of accommodations.
• The information you share with AAACT is confidential. We only share it with others (for example, managers or advisors) with your consent, unless required for coordination of accommodations.
• There is no official GC-wide approved list of adaptive technology tools. AAACT draws from a wide inventory of over 130 software packages and over 4,000 different technical aids in use across the GC.

Step 3: Next steps

Following the initial conversation, we may recommend:

• an exploratory session with an Adaptive Technology Expert to discuss solutions, such as short-term equipment loans, existing embedded solutions, software add-ons or skills development
• a case conference for complex barriers requiring a coordinated, multidisciplinary support approach

As part of the equipment-loan process, AAACT’s Lending Library offers fast-tracked accommodation for GC employees, which include:

• both short- and long-term employees with disabilities
• employees experiencing short-term or occasional effects of disability, injury or illness

Step 4: Finding the right equipment

We’ll work closely with you to identify the best solutions for your needs. Once we have identified the right equipment and supports, we can provide guidance and assistance to:

• test these solutions in the short-term
• provide support for skills development
• implement solutions more permanently in the work environment to ensure comfortable and effective use

When an employee determines that equipment loaned from the Lending Library is the right solution, their respective manager is responsible for purchasing a new or equivalent item to replenish the library. This ensures a seamless transition for the employee. It keeps their solution in place, while maintaining the library’s equipment in good condition for future clients.

Inclusive design and digital accessibility

We follow the “inclusive by design and accessible by default” principle. This ensures that accessibility is built into information and communication technology (ICT) systems from the start. We help organizations:

• test ICT systems for compliance with the latest accessibility standards
• procure accessible ICT solutions
• provide advice and guidance on digital accessibility
• conduct usability testing with people with disabilities

To learn more about this service, contact us at aaact-aatia@ssc-spc.gc.ca.

Accessibility training and workshops

To learn about our accessibility training and workshops, visit Attend a workshop about accessibility.