Question Period Note: Supporting Accessibility in the Government of Canada

Shared Services Canada plays a key role supporting public servants who require accessible technology through the Accessibility, Accommodations and Adaptive Computer Technology program. This program assists Public Service employees with disabilities, injuries or ergonomic requirements with their integration into the workplace, providing access to systems, programs, information, computers and other resources.

• Shared Services Canada is pivotal to building the government-wide foundation that supports accessibility in a digitally-enabled Public Service and in delivery of the best possible digital services that Canadians can rely on and expect.

• Shared Services Canada is investing in the Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) program to position it as a showcase solution and a key enabler of accessible Government of Canada workplaces.

If pressed on specific initiatives:

• Through funding provided in Budget 2019, the Accessibility, Accommodations and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) program is prepared to support the needs of 5,000 additional persons with disabilities that the Government of Canada intends to hire over the next five years, as per the Public Service Accessibility Strategy.

• A lending library of assistive technology pilot project is underway in partnership with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat in order to rapidly onboard public servants with disabilities, such as casuals, students and term employees. If successful, this pilot would be made available to all public servants across the country.

• Shared Services Canada is preparing and will publish its first departmental Accessibility Plan, as required by the Accessible Canada Act, in advance of Government of Canada regulations.

Shared Services Canada is committed to achieve the vision of Government’s 2018 Digital Operations Strategic Plan by using digital technologies that are inclusive and accessible. The department is doing this by proactively using world-recognized accessibility standards (EN 301 549) in all its information technology procurements, to ensure that the digital technologies that we buy, build or commission are accessible from the start.

Shared Services Canada is also leading several transformational projects (e.g. Lending Library of Assistive Technologies, Trusted Testers, Microsoft Adaptive Xbox Controller Hackathon) that will profoundly impact employees by giving them the opportunity to do their best work to succeed in their careers.

Furthermore, Shared Services Canada is co-chairing the Interdepartmental Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Working Group with Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. In this role, we are working to ensure that Government of Canada clients and employees will be able to access and use all information and communications technology, regardless of ability or disability.

Finally, Shared Services Canada is home to Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT). We have unique accessibility expertise and have been providing services to the Government of Canada for over 25 years.

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