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The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) requires organizations to publish accessibility plans that identify barriers in certain areas, and that explain how they will remove and prevent those barriers. Organizations must consult people with disabilities when preparing their plans.
If you are ready to begin preparing your accessibility plan, you may use the instructions and Accessibility Plan Template.
Remember Organizations must publish their feedback process at the same time they publish their first accessibility plan.
Organizations must consult people with disabilities when preparing their accessibility plans. People with disabilities can help you identify barriers and plan how to address them. Consultations can take many forms. Read the Government of Canada's Guidance on consulting people with disabilities to learn more.
Your accessibility plan must include the following headings and information:
You must write your accessibility plan in simple, clear and concise language (“plain language”). That means language that is easy to read and understand. Avoid using technical terms and jargon. Read the Government of Canada's Guidance on the Accessible Canada Regulations: Simple, clear and concise language to learn more.
Organizations should also read the Government of Canada's Guidance on accessibility plans.
You must publish your accessibility plan on the main digital platform your organization uses to communicate with the public. This is usually a website. Your plan must be available on the home screen or homepage of your website, or through a hyperlink on the home screen or homepage. Learn more about where to publish your plan. Your plan must meet level AA requirements of version 2.1 of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
If your organization doesn't have a public digital platform, you must display printed copies of your accessibility plan in the reception areas or entrances of your businesses.
NoteYou should notify the Accessibility Commissioner within 48 hours of publishing your accessibility plan. You should do this through My Accessibility Portal.
You must provide your accessibility plan in certain alternate formats on request. You must provide these formats as soon as possible, and meet these deadlines:
Read the Government of Canada's Guidance on alternate formats to learn more.
You must keep a copy of your accessibility plan on your digital platform (website) for seven years. If your organization doesn't have a digital platform, you must keep print or electronic copies of your plan accessible to the public for seven years.