By Dean Stacey, Co-Chair, Advocacy Committee, AEBC
As advocates for accessibility and inclusion, the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) takes pride in contributing to the development of standards that make a real difference in the lives of blind, deafblind, and partially sighted people. Recently, we submitted feedback on the draft employment accessibility standard, and I’m pleased to report that many of our suggestions were incorporated into the final version.
The standard is long, repetitive, and full of jargon, but thanks to our advocacy team, it is a little bit better! Our input shaped the final standard and shows the critical role AEBC plays in advocating for meaningful standards that promote accessibility and equity. AEBC helped shape the future of work in Canada.
One of our key recommendations was the importance of systematic monitoring and enforcement to ensure accessibility is more than a checkbox exercise. We emphasized the need for clear processes to measure progress and hold organizations accountable.
The final document reflects this by including a robust framework for achieving accessibility objectives. Specifically, Section 10.2: Development, implementation, and monitoring of an employment accessibility strategy, states:
"The organization shall identify a process for measuring, monitoring, enforcing, and evaluating progress toward achieving accessibility objectives."
This aligns perfectly with our feedback and sets a clear expectation that organizations must actively track and improve accessibility in their workplaces.
We also highlighted the need for defined roles and responsibilities in ensuring accessibility policies are not just written but implemented effectively. The final standard incorporates this through the inclusion of worker and representative participation in policy development.
Section 10.5.3: Accessibility Policy reads:
"The organization shall encourage the participation of workers and their representatives in the development of an accessibility policy; document the policy; and make it accessible."
This is a significant win, as it ensures that accessibility is a shared responsibility and gives workers a seat at the table.
Inclusivity was another major theme in our feedback. AEBC stressed the need for engaging workers and consulting disability-focused organizations during recruitment and policy development. This recommendation is reflected in Section 12.2.2: Candidate recruitment process, which states:
"The organization shall develop recruitment processes and advertising practices to attract applications from as many qualified people as possible; publicize job vacancies in formats accessible to persons with disabilities; and consult with employment services for disabled persons or other relevant agencies."
By formalizing these practices, the standard helps ensure that recruitment processes are not only accessible but actively inclusive.
Why This Matters
As we celebrate these wins, it’s important to remember that change happens when communities speak up and demand better. AEBC’s Advocacy Committee worked hard to ensure that the voices of blind, deafblind, and partially sighted individuals were not just heard but reflected in the final standard.
These updates to the employment accessibility standard show how collaboration between organizations like AEBC and policymakers can lead to meaningful progress. They emphasize the importance of systematic approaches, accountability, and worker participation—cornerstones of a truly inclusive workplace.
What’s Next?
While this is a step forward, the work doesn’t stop here. AEBC remains committed to advocating for stronger policies and practices that remove barriers for our community. We’ll continue monitoring how these standards are implemented and push for further improvements where needed.
If you’d like to join us in our advocacy efforts or learn more about our work, please reach out. advocacy@aebc.groups.io Together, we can keep building a Canada that’s inclusive for all.
The information below is copied from the recent announcement and provides more detail on the new standard.
This standard provides a set of guidelines that aim to remove employment-related barriers caused by systems or individual actions. The standard includes best practices that will help organizations create accessible and inclusive workplaces, from recruitment to professional development. This will ensure that people with disabilities can access more job opportunities, contribute fully to the economy, and thrive.
FEATURED IMAGE ALT TEXT: Photo of the Canadian flag.