Collaborative Specialization in Accessibility

Welcome!

Approximately 1 in 5 Canadians have one or more disabilities [1]. The WHO reports 16% of the world population (> 1.3 billion people) experience significant disability [2]. The proportion of those living with a disability is increasing, partly due to the aging population. In major areas of social participation, persons with disabilities face significant barriers to access and support.

Accessibility and the opportunity to fully participate in society is a human right, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [2], to which Canada is a signatory. In Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and provincial human rights legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability. In addition, there are legislative requirements for accessibility, including the Accessible Canada Act [3] and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act [4]. Human rights and government legislation recognize the persisting ableism and discrimination on the basis of disability. Accessibility may be necessary for people with disabilities but often benefits everyone with the so-called “curb-cut effect”, including people experiencing temporary and situational disabilities. There are enormous and growing socioeconomic benefits that can be realized by enhancing and expanding accessibility.

The design and delivery of environments, products, and services, with an inclusive approach that “bakes-in” accessibility from the start, will produce more innovative, resilient, and useable outputs. As disability-related stigma, bias, and ableism still prevail in our society, it is important to integrate disability and accessibility knowledge and awareness into existing academic programs.

The Collaborative Specialization in Accessibility is a unique multidisciplinary education experience that facilitates the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes for building an accessible and inclusive society. Carleton University is recognized as a prominent organization in accessibility, including the Accessibility Institute and its leadership with the Canadian Accessibility Network.

[1] Statistics Canada, A demographic, employment and income profile of Canadians with disabilities aged 15 years and over, 2017, Cat. No. 89-654-X2018002, November 2018.

[2] World Health Organization, Disability, Fact Sheet, March 7, 2023. [Last visited May 26, 2023]

[3] UN General Assembly, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: resolution / adopted by the General Assembly, 24 January 2007, A/RES/61/106.

[3] Accessible Canada Act: An Act to ensure a barrier-free Canada, 2019, S.C. 2019.

[4] Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act, 2005, SO 2005.