2024 Accessibility Progress Report
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Summary
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record.
The Accessible Canada Act requires the CRTC to publish accessibility plans and progress reports that describe the actions taken to implement our plans.
Successfully implementing our plan means identifying, removing and preventing barriers for persons with disabilities when the CRTC interacts with the public and its employees.
This is the second progress report for our 2023-2025 Accessibility Plan, for the period of October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. During this period, the CRTC implemented the following measures:
Promoting accessibility-specific training, resources, and awareness
- Accessibility and inclusion training is a top priority at the CRTC, with 86% of employees having completed it this year, an impressive increase from 25% last year.
- The CRTC offered employees a variety of learning opportunities on accessibility and mental health, including on bipolar disorder, neurodiversity, and Deaf culture.
- An additional 25 sessions touched on important topics such as the well-being and psychological health of people with disabilities and the CRTC’s duty as an employer to inquire and accommodate.
- Our Senior Accessibility Advisor, a Deaf community member living with multiple disabilities, has been sharing important insights with the CRTC.
- The CRTC held plain language workshops, resulting in more accessible language to all employees and across all decisions, notices, and orders published on our website.
- We launched a blog series called ‘Accessibility Unveiled’ on visible and invisible disabilities at the CRTC. The first story covered implicit biases and attitudinal barriers.
- The first version of the evergreen GBA Plus guide was shared with all CRTC staff.
Promoting the hiring and retention of persons with disabilities
- Following amendments to the Public Service Employment Act, we continued to implement changes to address barriers in the staffing process through an action plan that included training for strategic advisors, staffing specialists, and hiring managers.
- The CRTC offered various sessions to managers on merit criteria, assessments, and bias to support inclusive hiring practices.
- Executives continue to have a commitment in their performance agreements to support the accessibility plan and improve the representation of persons with disabilities.
Improving workplace accommodations and minimizing environmental and physical barriers
- The CRTC is forming a committee of accessibility experts to review and streamline the accommodation process for employees.
- Internal meetings are now offered in separate French and English sessions whenever possible, improving accessibility and supporting cost-effective practices. CART services and sign language interpretation continue to be provided as needed.
- The CRTC consulted with employees on the hybrid work environment to identify barriers and ways to improve before returning to our permanent office space in 2025.
- We acknowledge the gap in knowledge and attitudinal barriers around invisible disabilities by providing inclusive monthly tools, training and resources.
Improving the accessibility of our network applications and website
- The Accessibility Center of Expertise for Information Technology developed and began implementing an action plan to ensure all inaccessible applications receive accessibility recommendations.
- The CRTC is actively exploring options to replace outdated technology with newer solutions that meet the latest accessibility standards.
- We implemented recommended web accessibility standards and updated our web pages to make them more accessible for screen reader users.
Increasing participation of persons with disabilities in CRTC processes
- The CRTC updated its intervention form to include a direct contact for personalized support or alternative submission methods.
- We engaged with disability communities through our new semi-annual accessibility newsletter.
- Two information sessions were held, including pilot sessions in plain language on how to participate in our consultations.
- A 10-week American Sign Language training course was provided to CRTC staff and Commissioners involved in public hearings.
- Notices of consultation on issues affecting the Deaf community were translated into sign language.
Providing information in ASL and LSQ
- The CRTC adopted a two-step approach to streamline the procurement of sign language translation services, aiming to improve delivery times and establish a centralized budget.
- A new search function and central repository have been introduced to our website, bringing all sign language content together in one convenient place.
Consultations
The CRTC engaged 18 organizations across Canada on the progress we are making toward our objectives. These organizations represent Canadians that experience a wide range of disabilities. Employees of the CRTC were also consulted about the hybrid work environment.
Feedback
The Commission received 22 emails from the public through its accessibility feedback process. Most were related to the accessibility of the communications services that the CRTC regulates, rather than to the CRTC itself. We also received 106 accessibility-related requests through other means that were handled by our Client Services team. Six of those requests related to the accessibility of the CRTC.
Internally, one email was received and actioned regarding the accommodation process.
What we learned
We heard that you would like us to:
- continue improving the accessibility of our website and share accessibility updates with employees and disability communities;
- streamline the participation process for our consultations and other public proceedings;
- ensure that all internal applications are accessible;
- continue to build awareness of disability in the workplace and improve our accommodation procedure; and
- hire more people with disabilities, especially in management roles.
Challenges
The CRTC is actively addressing barriers to accessibility and inclusion, with a focus on improving sign language services. While challenges exist, particularly around federal procurement regulations, the CRTC is working on establishing a corporate contract to streamline the process.
Consultations highlighted the importance of incorporating measurable data in our accessibility plans. In response, the CRTC is gathering information to develop more effective indicators, ensuring clearer and more measurable progress in the next plan.
The way forward
With guidance from its experts and the disability communities, the CRTC has greatly expanded its focus on accessibility over the past year. The CRTC developed strategies and tools that address both universal and specific accessibility needs in all areas. The perspectives of individuals with lived experiences of disability remain central to our work. Together, we are ensuring all Canadians have access to a world-class communications system, building a future where no one is left behind.
Detailed version of the 2024 Accessibility Progress Report
© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, 2024
Catalogue No. BC9-40E-PDF
ISSN 2817-9285
Table of contents
General
Provide feedback, request an alternative format or contact us
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Accessibility Champion
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N2 - Telephone (including Video Relay Service)
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1-877-249-2782 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Calls from outside Canada: 819-997-0313
- accessible@crtc.gc.ca
- Online web form or live chat
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Live chat is available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
(may not be compatible with screen readers) - Teletypewriter (TTY)
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Type to our teletypewriter toll-free (in Canada): 1-877-909-2782
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You may request a copy of our Accessibility Plan, Progress Reports, or a description of our feedback process in: Print or large print; braille; audio format; or electronic format compatible with adaptive technology.
Message from the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
On behalf of the CRTC, I am pleased to present the 2024 Accessibility Progress Report.
Over the past year, we have continued working towards the goals we set out in our 2023-2025 Accessibility Plan. We are making great progress in identifying and removing any barriers that remain in our organisation and have implemented new measures to improve participation in our processes for Canadians with disabilities.
This includes new direct engagement with disability communities, training sessions for managers to support inclusive hiring practices, and updating our technology to meet the latest accessibility standards.
Though we have made progress, we know we still have much more to do. As we continue our work, we welcome input from those who still face barriers.
We remain committed to creating a CRTC that is fully accessible and inclusive for all our employees and the Canadian public.
Vicky Eatrides
Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer
Introduction
The Accessible Canada Act (the Act) came into force in 2019. It aims to identify, remove, and prevent barriers for persons with disabilities in Canada. Out of its seven priority areas, five are particularly relevant to the CRTC as an organization and employer:
- employment;
- the built environment;
- information and communication technologies;
- communication other than information and communication technologies; and
- the procurement of goods, services, and facilities.
The Act requires all organizations under federal responsibility, including the CRTC, to prepare and publish accessibility plans. These plans outline policies, programs, practices, and services that aid in identifying, removing and preventing barriers in accordance with the seven key principles of the Act.
Accessibility plans must be updated every three years. Organizations are also required to prepare and publish progress reports that describe the actions taken to implement the accessibility plans. They must include information on:
- accessibility feedback received by the organization and how they took the feedback into consideration; and
- consultations the organization held with persons with disabilities when preparing their reports.
This is the second progress report for our 2023-2025 Accessibility Plan, covering the period from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. For a comprehensive view of our progress, please also consult the 2023 Accessibility Progress Report.
Accessibility at the CRTC
The CRTC is the regulator for the Canadian communications sector and oversees more than 2,000 broadcasters, including television and radio services, as well as telecommunications providers, such as Internet, telephone, and mobile companies. The CRTC is committed to meeting the objective of being free of barriers in federally regulated areas by 2040.
This past year, the CRTC focused on incorporating accessibility and inclusion into all aspects of its work, from regulatory activities to internal operations. We provided mandatory accessibility training, launched our first accessibility newsletter, hosted workshops on Deaf culture and offered ASL classes.
We also raised awareness about the importance of representation and self-identification. In March 2024, 7.94% of the CRTC workforce identified as a person with a disability. This number increased to 9.80% by October 2024, exceeding the estimated workforce availability of 2023. The CRTC is also removing barriers in its hiring process and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to fully participate, thrive, and bring their unique strengths to the organization.
Guided by the principle of “Nothing Without Us” , the CRTC is committed to engaging with individuals with disabilities in its decision-making processes. In the past year, we began examining the accessibility of streaming services by launching consultations on closed captioning and described video.
Accessibility is everyone’s responsibility, and the 2024 Accessibility Progress Report highlights the collective efforts of CRTC teams, individuals, and the invaluable contributions of persons with disabilities, whose lived experiences are helping shape our internal policies and guidelines, bringing us closer to becoming an accessibility-confident organization.
Areas in Section 5 of the Act
Employment
This priority area will help ensure that all persons have the same employment-related opportunities to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have regardless of their disabilities.
| Accessibility Plan Action Step | 2024 Update |
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| The CRTC will assess learning needs or gaps and develop a learning plan for all employees, managers, and functional specialists (employees working directly with the public) by August 2023. |
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Mandatory training related to accessibility will be included in all staff learning plans for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and future years. Consistent with these learning plans:
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| The CRTC will host two internal presentations per year dedicated to exploring accessibility issues, beginning in the 2023–2024 fiscal year. |
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| The CRTC will continue to advertise courses by the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) on accessibility and disability available to its employees, while exploring other learning opportunities that may benefit the organization. |
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| As an additional resource for accessibility and persons with disabilities, the CRTC will create and staff an accessibility expert position by June 2023. |
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| Accessibility Plan Action Step | 2024 Update |
|---|---|
| The CRTC will develop a corporate plan that addresses the changes to the Public Service Employment Act no later than one month after those changes coming into effect and will monitor its implementation while staying informed on accessibility resources available through central agencies. |
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| The CRTC will launch a call for proposals for an Employment System Review by March 2023 aimed at decreasing barriers in the hiring process. |
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| The CRTC will include language to encourage hiring of persons with disabilities as an objective within the performance management agreements for all executives for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. |
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| Accessibility Plan Action Step | 2024 Update |
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| The CRTC will evaluate its policies with the goal of creating a more centralized and clearer approach to workplace accommodations and accessibility in consultation with employees with disabilities. To this end, procedures and guidelines, including roles and responsibilities and monitoring for the accommodations process will be developed no later than December 2023. |
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| The CRTC commits to making it clear that a medical note is no longer required to request the vast majority of workplace accommodations such as for ergonomics (e.g., furniture, keyboards, mice) and adaptive technology compatible with GOC systems (e.g., screen readers for blind employees, noise-cancelling headphones or software to accommodate neurodiverse employees, etc.). |
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| The CRTC commits to providing ergonomic evaluations and equipment for its employees’ primary place of work. This policy will be fully implemented by June 2023, and will include an explanation of the steps required to request an evaluation on the CRTC’s intranet. |
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| Accessibility Plan Action Step | 2024 Update |
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The CRTC will continue flexible work arrangement policies, to the extent possible, and implement workplace norms that include standard meeting-free hours, breaks between meetings, and/or breaks during longer meetings. A reference guide will be created to support making meetings more accessible by June 2023. This will include a list of service providers who can offer meeting accommodations such as Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services, language and interpretation services. |
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The built environment
This priority area will ensure that people entering the CRTC’s offices, including employees and stakeholders with disabilities, have barrier-free access.
| Accessibility Plan Action Step | 2024 Update |
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| In working with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on the redesign of its offices, which will begin in winter 2023, the CRTC will take sensory factors and built environment barriers into account. While the renovations are taking place, the CRTC will ensure that the temporary swing space used by its employees also takes into account sensory factors and action accommodation requests in a timely manner. |
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| To help reduce the possibility of negative experiences for its employees, the CRTC will continually review the built environment to ensure that it meets all accessibility best practices. The CRTC will also proactively prioritize, plan and work with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to improve the accessibility of its physical space beyond the minimum standard. |
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Information and communication technologies (ICT)
This priority area is focused on ensuring that the CRTC’s internal and external technological tools are accessible. This will help employees and the public have barrier-free access to full and equal participation in society, regardless of their disabilities, and help persons with disabilities become involved in the development of the CRTC’s regulatory policies.
| Accessibility Plan Action Step | 2024 Update |
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| The CRTC will create a center of expertise for accessibility within its IT team and develop an inventory of existing inaccessible tools by 31 March 2024. |
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| By 31 December 2024, the CRTC will develop a work plan to make inaccessible tools accessible. |
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| The CRTC will create a page on its internal website to hold information related to the accessibility features of various ICT tools and how employees can request accommodations related to these tools. |
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| The CRTC is currently in the process of redeveloping its internal sites and applications. The CRTC is committed to continuing this process. |
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| To ensure that testing for accessibility is truly all-encompassing, the CRTC will leverage the new Accessibility Center of Expertise and reach out to other government departments to expand its knowledge of diverse types of disabilities. Further, the IT team will solicit volunteers among employees, specifically those with accessibility needs, to help with accessibility testing. |
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The CRTC is currently updating its Application Support System (APP), an internal file management program used by most employees. Accessibility considerations will be key in the design and implementation of any replacement systems. |
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| The CRTC will create an inventory of tools, resources, and training opportunities, such as training with the Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) program, and promote it to staff by March 2025. |
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| The CRTC now has built-in accessibility testing at multiple stages of web development, which it is committed to maintain. This accessibility testing ensures that the CRTC’s public website will be compliant with the new Standard on ICT Accessibility. As various Web, creative and client services products are updated, the CRTC will take the opportunity to build-in accessibility through the exploration of new ways to test and consult on various accessibility needs. |
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Communication, other than ICT
This priority area will help ensure that all persons are treated with dignity regardless of their disabilities, and that all persons have meaningful options and the freedom to make their own choices, with support if they desire, regardless of their disabilities. It will also ensure that CRTC decisions and policies take into account the disabilities of persons, the different ways that persons interact with their environments, and the multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and discrimination faced by persons.
| Accessibility Plan Action Step | 2024 Update |
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| The CRTC will develop a plan for the creation of a discussion group of stakeholders connected to communities of persons with various disabilities. As part of this project, the CRTC will identify a list of potential stakeholders, and review how it can promote the participation of these participants by 31 March 2024. |
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| The CRTC will develop outreach strategies to promote awareness of the CRTC mandate and how its proceedings work by December 31, 2023. These outreach strategies will be geared at engaging groups reflecting various disabilities on upcoming or current major Commission proceedings. |
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| To make consultation processes more accessible, the CRTC commits to make available a live and pre-recorded generic information session for the consultation process and pilot consultation-specific information sessions in plain language by 31 March 2024. |
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| The CRTC is developing an Accessibility Accommodation policy. Its purpose is to make requests for accessibility accommodations by a member of the public in a Commission proceeding transparent and predictable. The new Accessibility Accommodation policy is anticipated to be finalized and published on the CRTC website in 2023, including in ASL and LSQ. |
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| The CRTC will develop a corporate-wide Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) guide by September 2023 to assist analysts in considering how diversity and intersectionality can be integrated in policy development as well as in the CRTC's engagement with Canadians. |
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| The CRTC will also create a checklist of requirements for public hearing spaces (i.e., spaces that the CRTC rents to hold its public hearings) that will be used as a tool to help ensure the accessibility of these spaces. |
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| Accessibility Plan Action Step | 2024 Update |
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| The CRTC will continue to monitor the work of Accessibility Standards Canada towards the development of a Plain Language Standard. |
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| The CRTC will offer its employees annual plain-writing workshops, beginning in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. |
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| The CRTC will continue to ensure that plain language standards are incorporated into web communications and will use feedback processes to gather additional perspectives on accessibility. |
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| Accessibility Plan Action Step | 2024 Update |
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| The CRTC will create a centralized budget to facilitate the organization’s contracting for services that increase accessibility. For example, to fund the production of more videos in ASL and LSQ, to hire interpreters, to provide CART services during meetings, and for other accessible services. |
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Some of the CRTC’s key consumer policies and information are already available in ASL and LSQ. As a further step, the CRTC intends to engage with communities whose first language is sign language to assess their priorities and needs. This feedback would then inform a future, measured approach to enhance the availability of content in ASL and LSQ. |
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The procurement of goods, services and facilities
This priority area will help ensure that all persons have barrier-free access to full and equal participation in society, regardless of their disabilities.
| Accessibility Plan Action Step | 2024 Update |
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| In order to ensure digital technologies are accessible, the CRTC will clarify its understanding of the accessibility standards used by Shared Services Canada and build this information into its individual procurement strategies. |
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| The CRTC will ensure that all procurement specialists are trained in all matters related to accessibility and look to other government agencies and departments for best practices on considerations related to procurement. |
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| The CRTC will establish a contract with a new interpretation service provider by March 2023 to ensure that ASL and LSQ video production will continue. These services will be accessible by all sectors within the CRTC. |
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The design and delivery of programs and services
The CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal, and does not deliver government programs or provide government services.
The CRTC interacts with the public through public proceedings and its consumer support line. As these action areas focus on communicating with Canadians and use ICT tools, they have been listed under Information and communciation technologies and Communications, other than ICTs.
Transportation
The CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal, and does not offer transportation services.
Areas designated under regulations
The Governor in Council can designate additional areas in which barriers are to be identified and prevented under section 5 of the Act. As of the writing of this report, it has not done so. If additional areas are designated in the future, the CRTC will address these in later accessibility plans and progress reports.
Other initiatives
The CRTC is implementing additional commitments that are not included in the 2023-2025 Accessibility Plan to improve the experience of persons with disabilities.
| Initiative | 2024 Update |
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| Connecting and understanding the perspectives of our colleagues with disabilities. |
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| Addressing the gap in knowledge and attitudinal barriers around mental health disabilities, cognitive disabilities and other invisible disabilities, including neurodiversity. |
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| Initiative | 2024 Update |
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Providing sign language training to CRTC Staff and Commissioners involved in public hearings. |
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Updating the intervention form to improve the user experience and streamline the submission process for those who participate in CRTC proceedings. |
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Consultations
External consultation
The CRTC reached out to 18 organizations across Canada that advocate for people with a wide range of disabilities, including people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, people who are neurodivergent, and people with physical disabilities. The CRTC sought input on the progress made over the past year regarding its Accessibility Plan. Four organizations responded and agreed to participate in the consultations.
| Number of organizations reached | Number of organizations who participated in the consultation |
|---|---|
| 18 | 4 |
Consultation format
In October 2024, the CRTC ran a virtual consultation by inviting organizations to complete a questionnaire through the Microsoft Forms platform. The CRTC communicated with the organizations via email, providing a link to the questionnaire and assuring them that all responses would remain fully confidential. Participants could choose to identify themselves if they wished to receive follow-up communication.
Input on the accessibility of the CRTC in 2024
Key areas of the consultation focused on the experience of obstacles when interacting with the CRTC and the accessibility of our corporate website.
One organization found it somewhat easy to access information or participate in CRTC proceedings over the past year.
Three others found it somewhat or extremely difficult. They encountered accessibility barriers when:
- participating in public hearings and accessing related information; and
- navigating through our Accessibility Hub.
A participant noted that it was overall very easy to navigate our website with a screen reader, a tool they rely on heavily.
The priorities most frequently identified to guide the CRTC’s future accessibility efforts were:
- enhancing consumer support for people with disabilities;
- removing barriers from the consultation process; and
- improving website accessibility.
To improve accessibility at the CRTC, organizations highlighted the following key opportunities for improvement:
- continuing to take action to produce more sign language content and videos with subtitles;
- collecting more feedback from users regarding the accessibility of our platforms and processes; and
- continuing to use plain language through our online platforms.
Suggestions to improve navigation and accessibility included:
- adding a main menu option specifically for participating in public hearings;
- conducting user testing to improve navigation and help users find specific items on the Accessibility Hub;
- hiring a Deaf individual to support members of the public with hearing disabilities; and
- implementing video chat support.
Conclusion on external consultation
This virtual consultation provided first-hand knowledge into how organizations representing persons with disabilities perceive accessibility at the CRTC. While we have made positive changes, we recognize there is still more work to do. The CRTC has taken these recommendations into consideration, and they will play an important role in shaping our next steps to ensure we continue heading in the right direction.
Internal consultation
Consultation format
In September 2024, the CRTC sent a survey to all employees regarding the hybrid work environment. The goal was to identify barriers and opportunities for improvement as we approach the move from our temporary office space back to our permanent office space, scheduled for 2025. The survey included questions related to accessibility.
A total of 421 employees responded, representing a 62% participation rate.
| Number of employees who participated | Employee participation rate |
|---|---|
| 421 | 62% |
Observations regarding the accessibility of our current hybrid work environment
One in five employees noted experiencing physical or technical challenges in the workplace or expressed concerns about accessibility. Among the barriers mentioned were:
- high brightness levels;
- noise and distractions in open areas;
- ambient temperature;
- challenges with the office booking system; and
- strong fragrances in common areas.
Some employees expressed concerns about workplace accommodations and how these would be addressed once we move. The importance of accessible, gender-neutral washrooms and access to lockers was also highlighted.
Furthermore, 34% of respondents believe there are specific measures that could be taken to make the work environment at the CRTC more inclusive. Suggestions put forward included:
- organizing workspaces by teams;
- designating a room as a prayer space;
- soundproofing meeting rooms;
- proactive communication on accessible measures;
- installing automatic doors for accessing meeting rooms; and
- implementing an accessible emergency communication system.
Positive observations highlighted features that are working well in our temporary office space, such as:
- flexible work zones
- private rooms for calls
- large spaces for eating and gathering
Conclusion on internal consultation
The feedback we received provided valuable insights into both the strengths of our temporary office space and areas where improvements are needed. We have carefully reviewed these observations and are taking steps to address areas of concern, including developing an accessible emergency communication system.
The data collected will guide our continued efforts to create a hybrid work environment that is as positive, accessible, and functional as possible in our future facilities.
Employees with disabilities will have the opportunity to visit the new space before the transition, and their feedback will be taken into account when the CRTC moves back to its permanent offices.
Feedback
Employees and members of the public can use mail, email, telephone and Video Relay Service (VRS), online webform and live chat, or a teletypewriter service to provide feedback on any accessibility barriers that they may have encountered while interacting with the CRTC or during the implementation of the Accessibility Plan.
| External feedback received by email | Internal feedback received by email |
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| 22 | 1 |
Between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024, 22 public comments were recorded through the accessible@crtc.gc.ca email. According to one comment, a Government of Canada analysis commended our Accessibility Plan initiative of including the hiring of persons with disabilities as a goal in executive performance agreements. Their analysis also highlights our initiative as a best practice. None of the other interactions were in relation to the accessibility of the CRTC or its Accessibility Plan.
Members of the public often contact the CRTC about issues with communications services they subscribe to, often using the first contact method they find on our website. Following its "no wrong door" policy, the CRTC directs all accessibility-related inquiries about communications services to its consumer support line and forwards issues regulated by other agencies accordingly.
| Accessibility requests received by our consumer support line |
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| 108 |
Our support line received a total of 108 accessibility requests over the past year, with only 6 relating to the accessibility of our internal services.
Among the internal feedback received, users reported MyCRTC account login issues, difficulties uploading their Accessibility Plan to our portal, and a website bug, all of which were promptly addressed.
Internally, one email was received concerning an accommodation request. The CRTC handled this request in accordance with existing procedures and shared resources with those concerned.
The CRTC did not receive any additional feedback through other means of communication, including the phone line with VRS.
What we learned
By reviewing our progress as well as insights from feedback and our consultations, the CRTC has identified key areas for continued improvement and barriers to address in the coming years:
Improving the accessibility of our website
We heard that the CRTC could improve its website by making pages less text-heavy and using more plain language. The Accessibility Hub could also be optimized.
Streamlining the participation process in public proceedings
We heard that there is a need for easier access to information and simpler ways to participate in public proceedings.
Building awareness of disability in the workplace
We heard that our colleagues are encouraging continued educational initiatives to help break down attitudinal barriers for persons with disabilities in our workplace.
Making inaccessible applications accessible
We heard that Canadians value accessible applications that enhance productivity while minimizing barriers.
Improving workplace accommodation procedures
We heard that the CRTC can make its current processes more visible, clearer, and easier, especially in light of our upcoming return to our permanent office.
Hiring more individuals with disabilities
We heard that representation, especially in management roles, is key to reflecting the diversity of the Canadian population.
Sharing accessibility initiatives
We heard that CRTC employees and disability communities would like to stay informed about new accessibility initiatives and to have regular opportunities to provide feedback.
Challenges
As the CRTC continues to take steps to identify, eliminate, and prevent barriers, it has gained valuable insights while addressing challenges in carrying out this plan.
Contracting sign language interpretation and translation services follows specific governmental procurement rules for audio-visual services. To enhance efficiency, the CRTC is actively collaborating with its governmental partners to streamline the process. To address potential delays associated with on-demand contracting, the CRTC has initiated steps to establish a corporate contract. This approach will simplify the process and reduce the time, effort, and resources needed to produce sign language content. Additionally, the CRTC remains mindful of its use of these services to support the sustainability of the interpreter and translator system.
During last year’s consultations, the CRTC received thoughtful and constructive feedback. While our Accessibility Plan reflected strong intentions, it highlighted an opportunity to incorporate measurable data. As accessibility reporting under the Act is evolving, the CRTC is actively working to implement the tools needed to track progress effectively—a shared effort across the government. The Office of Public Service Accessibility recently provided helpful resources, guidance, and examples on using SMART indicators to gather meaningful data. The CRTC is eager to integrate this information, ensuring clearer and more measurable progress in the next iteration of the plan.
The way forward
With the guidance of our Accessibility Champion, Senior Accessibility Advisor, Mental Health and Well-being Advisor and accessibility experts, the conversation around accessibility has significantly advanced at the CRTC this past year. We are bringing together all sectors of our organization, ensuring that we weave accessibility into everything we do, while developing strategies and tools that are both universally applicable and tailored to our unique needs.
The CRTC is focused on the future, aiming for its next initiatives to be impactful and enduring. We want to make meaningful changes that benefit everyone, and it goes without saying that these changes would not be possible without the contributions of individuals with lived experiences of disability. Together, we’re ensuring that all Canadians can access a world-class communications system and build a future where no one is left behind.
As the CRTC continues its accessibility efforts, you are invited to submit feedback through our feedback process page on our Accessibility Plan, Progress Reports, or any barriers you may have encountered while interacting with the CRTC.
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