DEFINITION:
Accessible Canada Act Definition of Disability
The Accessible Canada Act is a Canadian legislation that aims to create a barrier-free Canada for persons with disabilities. The act defines disability as a physical, mental, intellectual, sensory, or learning impairment that, in interaction with barriers, may hinder a person’s full and equal participation in society.
FAQs:
1. What does the Accessible Canada Act aim to achieve?
The Accessible Canada Act aims to eliminate barriers and create an inclusive society for persons with disabilities across Canada.
2. How does the act define disability?
According to the act, disability is defined as a physical, mental, intellectual, sensory, or learning impairment that may hinder a person’s full and equal participation in society when combined with existing barriers.
3. Can you provide examples of barriers mentioned in the act?
Barriers can include physical barriers such as inaccessible buildings, communication barriers like lack of alternative formats for individuals with visual impairments, attitudinal barriers such as discrimination, technological barriers like inaccessible websites, and more.
4. Who does the Accessible Canada Act apply to?
The act applies to all areas under federal jurisdiction, including organizations within the federal government, Crown corporations, federally regulated industries, and the Parliament of Canada.
5. What are the key principles of the Accessible Canada Act?
The key principles of the act are: inclusion, accessibility, equality, and participation. These principles guide the removal of barriers and creation of equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
6. Does the Accessible Canada Act require organizations to make accommodations?
Yes, the act requires organizations to provide accommodations and make reasonable efforts to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. This includes making physical spaces accessible, providing alternative formats of information, and accommodating communication needs.
7. How does the Accessible Canada Act enforce compliance?
The act establishes the Accessibility Commissioner and the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization to monitor and enforce compliance. The Commissioner can conduct investigations, issue orders, and apply penalties for non-compliance.