A platform for understanding and co-developing all standards related to accessibility

Accessibility Standards Canada's Centre of Expertise is a barrier-free web platform that includes people with disabilities in developing accessibility standards. It offers 40+ standards and 100+ research projects in accessible formats, virtual meetings with supports, free public access, and international pilots.

Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) is a public entity headquartered in Quebec and focusing on developing accessible standards. ASC’s Centre of Expertise is an online hub for all, promoting expertise and co-development of those standards; and the whole website and participation processes are designed to be fully accessible. By 2025 the hub had 32,000 visitors and over 35,000 active participants in standard co-development and supportive evidence-based research.

Problems Targeted

Persons with disabilities face numerous barriers related to standards and standards development due to multiple reasons.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The ASC’s Centre of Expertise is a barrier-free web platform whose process is designed to include and support people with disabilities in all aspects of standards development. The Centre offers over 40 evolving standards and 100 research projects in accessible formats such as HTML, Word, Braille, and summaries in plain language and sign languages. Documents and public reviews are tailored for universal accessibility. Committee meetings are virtual, short, and supported by sign interpretation and multiple accommodations. People with disabilities are involved in the design and governance of the platform and process: 70 percent of the ASC’s board and 50 percent of senior staff are people with disabilities. The Centre increases knowledge, confidence, and capacity for accessible environmental, ICT, and service norms, taking an evidence-driven, data-rich approach. By 2025 the Centre had attracted contributions from over 65,000 individuals, more than 30,000 visitors, and some 35,000 participants in standards and supportive evidence-based research. Usage of the platform is surging, with 15,633 visits for ICT requirements alone and 32,906 unique visitors between May 2023 and May 2025. International licensing, partner agreements, and pilot adoption are underway.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

ASC is publicly funded under the Accessible Canada Act and invests $500,000 annually in accommodations, compensation, and accessibility resources. All standards, information, and participation is offered for free to the public. Pilots to replicate the model are currently being developed in Australia, Sweden, and the United States, with licensing discussions underway. (#ZeroCall26)

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