Accessibility Standards Canada is now formally under the umbrella of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), putting it on a path to develop national standards. The federal agency was established in 2019 under the mandate of the Accessible Canada Act to develop accessibility standards for federally regulated entities and to promote accessibility and inclusiveness through research and public engagement. It signed an accreditation agreement with SCC late last year, joining 12 other recognized organizations with qualifications to develop standards for industry, government and/or consumers.

“This opens the door to having the accessibility standards we create become part of the National Standards of Canada. It also means that our standards may be adopted into regulation more quickly, meaning they may have a greater impact and reach across Canada,” explains Philip Rizcallah, chief executive officer of Accessibility Standards Canada.

Currently, Accessibility Standards Canada is working with another SCC accredited organization, the CSA Group to update the circa 2018 CSA standard B651, Accessible Design for Built the Environment, and to develop two new standards: ASC/CSA B652, Accessible Homes; and ASC/CSA B651.2, Accessible Design for Automated Banking Machines and Self-service Interactive Devices.

Standard B651 is already referenced in the National Building Code as well as underpinning Rick Hanson Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC). Updates will address: exterior environment; vertical transportation and moving walkways; indicators for tactile walking surfaces; interior rooms such as washrooms and kitchens; and emergency egress. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is funding development of the new Accessible Homes standard, which will provide guidance for the design, construction and modification of homes with an emphasis on affordability, adaptability and accessibility.

Rizcallah underscores the “nothing without us” principle at the core of Accessibility Standards Canada’s work, which relies on input and expertise from people with disabilities at every stage of standards development.

“We are thrilled that Accessibility Standards Canada has joined Canada’s standardization network,” says Chantal Guay, chief executive officer of the Standards Council of Canada. “Their knowledge and extensive experience in the areas of accessibility, social change, human rights and inclusion will greatly benefit Canadians as they develop standards that help eliminate barriers faced by people with disabilities.”