CAD-ASC is pleased to share the report on the first-hand experiences of Deaf people who uses sign languages, and the significant impact of the social, legislative and logistical barriers they face in accessing the built environment, including the virtual environment.

The purpose of this report is to identify barriers reported by affected individuals and outline best practices for communicating and sharing information with Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing persons and to offer recommendations to minimize the impact of identified barriers.

Executive Summary

From July 2023 to January 2024, the Canadian Association of the Deaf collected data from Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard-of-Hearing, and Deaf with Disabilities (DDBHHD+) individuals regarding their experiences with communication barriers in Canada’s built and virtual environments. The research, funded by Accessibility Standards Canada, included international surveys and in-depth interviews conducted in sign language (ASL and LSQ).

Key Findings:

  • Significant barriers remain for DDBHHD+ individuals in accessing essential services.
  • Many built environments and public services lack visual and digital communication accessibility.
  • Communication technologies such as Video Relay Services (VRS) are not widely accepted or understood by businesses.
  • In medical and emergency settings, lack of sign language interpreters leads to miscommunication and negative health outcomes.
  • Employment barriers persist due to a lack of workplace accommodations and interpreter availability.
  • Federal accessibility standards vary across provinces, creating inconsistencies in service delivery.
  • The “undue hardship” exception in human rights legislation allows businesses and organizations to deny accommodations if they claim excessive costs or safety concerns, significantly limiting access for DDBHHD+ individuals.

International Survey Results

To gain a broader perspective, an international survey was conducted at the 2023 World Federation of the Deaf Congress in Jeju, South Korea, collecting responses from 423 participants worldwide. The survey aimed to assess global awareness and perceptions of accessibility rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Despite Canada ranking second among individual countries, many respondents who were Canadian citizens expressed dissatisfaction with accessibility implementation. Only 4 of 28 Canadian participants in the survey selected Canada as the best country for Deaf accessibility. This suggests a disconnect between Canada’s legal commitments and actual lived experiences.

Legislative Status of Accessibility in Canada

Canada’s accessibility laws are fragmented, with both federal and provincial legislation in place. The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) was introduced in 2019 with the goal of achieving a barrier-free Canada by 2040. However, five years after its passage, the Act remains without key regulations, meaning that accessibility standards and enforcement measures have yet to be fully implemented.

At the provincial level, only seven provinces have their own accessibility legislation. Ontario was the first province to introduce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in 2005, aiming for full accessibility by 2025. Other provinces, such as British Columbia and Nova Scotia, have enacted accessibility laws, but there is no uniform national standard.

Recommendations:

  1. Built Environments: Implement standardized visual alerts, digital communication options, and improved physical accessibility.
  2. Medical Settings: Ensure sign language interpreters are available in hospitals and mental health services.
  3. Employment: Strengthen accessibility legislation to limit the use of “undue hardship” as an exemption and enforce workplace accommodations for DDBHHD+ employees.
  4. Emergency Services: Implement accessible alert systems and require first responders to use VRS 911.
  5. Web & Technology: Standardize website accessibility and offer video-based sign language translation.
  6. Transportation: Improve airport and public transportation accessibility with visual announcements and interpreter services.

Conclusion

The goal of a barrier-free Canada by 2040 requires coordinated action and stronger enforcement of accessibility laws. The undue hardship exemption continues to be a major barrier, and unless stricter regulations are implemented, businesses and institutions will continue to avoid making necessary accommodations. International best practices, such as those in the United States and Nordic countries, should be studied and adopted to improve Canada’s accessibility landscape.

This report urges ongoing consultations with DDBHHD+ communities to shape policies that ensure full accessibility and inclusion. Canada has made progress, but significant gaps remain, and a proactive, legally binding approach is needed to ensure true equality for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals.