Building an Inclusive Canada: The Case for Greater
Accessibility
By Donna J. Jodhan world renown Canadian advocate
LLB, ACSP, MBA
August 24 2024
Building an Inclusive Canada: The Case for Greater Accessibility
In the quest for inclusivity, Canada has made strides but remains far from achieving a truly equitable society. The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) represents a significant step toward addressing accessibility challenges, yet the journey toward genuine inclusivity is ongoing and fraught with hurdles.
Current State of Inclusivity
Canada has made commendable efforts in recent years to promote inclusivity, but the reality is that accessibility remains uneven across various sectors. Many public and private entities have made strides toward compliance with accessibility standards, yet too many still lag behind. Websites, for instance, are often not adequately accessible to individuals with disabilities. Buildings and infrastructure continue to present obstacles that hinder full participation in society. Online systems frequently fall short in providing the independence and privacy that people with disabilities require to conduct their affairs seamlessly.
Impact of the Accessible Canada Act
The ACA, enacted in 2019, set ambitious goals for accessibility, including the mandate to achieve a barrier-free Canada by 2040. The Act was designed to create a more inclusive environment by imposing accessibility requirements on federally regulated entities and encouraging proactive measures. However, the progress towards these goals has been sluggish. The 2040 deadline is often criticized as too distant, leaving many to question whether the Act’s provisions are sufficient
to prompt the urgent action needed.
Resistance and Obstacles
Despite the ACA’s framework, many organizations continue to resist making the necessary changes. The reasons for this reluctance are varied, but they often include a lack of awareness, perceived high costs, or simple inertia. Websites and digital platforms, crucial in today’s world, frequently remain inaccessible to users with disabilities. The physical accessibility of buildings also lags behind, with many structures failing to meet the needs of individuals with mobility challenges.
Donna’s Perspective
As a prominent advocate for accessibility, I strongly argue that the ACA requires critical adjustments. I believe that the 2040 timeline is far too lenient and that a more aggressive schedule for compliance is necessary. In addition, It is my opinion that deadlines would compel organizations to prioritize accessibility more urgently. Furthermore, I am also advocating for tougher penalties to ensure that non-compliance carries significant consequences. These measures would not only incentivize organizations to act more swiftly but also reinforce the seriousness of accessibility commitments.
I’d also like to emphasize the need for better engagement between the Federal Government and federally regulated entities. Greater collaboration and communication are essential to ensure that accessibility standards are uniformly applied and enforced. Without these improvements, the ACA’s goals will remain aspirational rather than actionable.
The Way Forward
I strongly believe that for Canada to truly embrace inclusivity, it must move beyond symbolic gestures and demonstrate a genuine commitment to accessibility.
The current pace of change is inadequate; meaningful progress requires an accelerated approach, robust enforcement mechanisms, and comprehensive engagement strategies. The Federal Government must lead by example, setting a standard for others to follow.
Ultimately, inclusivity will only succeed if all checkpoints in the accessibility journey are recognized and addressed with urgency. Canada has the potential to be a leader in accessibility, but this will only be realized through decisive action and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, can participate fully in society.
In summary, I would once again state that while the Accessible Canada Act represents a step in the right direction, it is clear that significant changes are needed. By shortening compliance timelines, strengthening penalties, and enhancing federal engagement, Canada can move closer to achieving true inclusivity. It’s time for Canada to demonstrate that it is not merely talking the talk but also walking the walk towards a barrier-free future.
Image = Illustration. Three celebratory banners with alternating rows of red and white drop downs showcasing maple leaves overlap across the top. In the bottom right corner are three Canadian flags waving in the wind. In the bottom left corner is the Barrier Free Canada / Sans Barriere Canada logo. Below the BFC / CSB logo are the words ‘Bill C-81 The Accessible Canada Act’. Confetti of all different colors rains down from above.
To learn more about me as an award-winning sight loss coach and advocate, visit http://www.donnajodhan.com.