Accessibility in Saskatchewan - Navigating Compliance with the Accessible Saskatchewan Act

Objective: Understand the purpose, principles, and legal requirements of the ASA.

Topics Covered:

1. Overview of the ASA:
   • Enacted in 2023 to create a more inclusive province by addressing barriers for persons with disabilities.
2. Scope and Applicability:
   • Applies to prescribed public sector bodies, with wider obligations to follow as standards are developed.
3. Principles of the Act:
   • Dignity, independence, equal opportunity, and full participation.
4. Enforcement and Compliance Mechanisms:
   • Role of the Accessibility Standards Development Committee (ASDC) and the Minister of Social Services.

Activities:

• Group discussion:
  Exploring the Act’s potential impact on Saskatchewan’s communities.

Objective: Learn about the ASA’s six priority areas and their corresponding standards.

Topics Covered:

1. Six Priority Areas of Accessibility Standards:
   • Built Environment:
     Accessible physical spaces and infrastructure.
   • Employment:
     Inclusive recruitment, retention, and workplace accommodations.
   • Transportation:
     Equitable access to public and private transportation.
   • Information and Communications:
     Ensuring accessible digital and non-digital communication.
   • Goods and Services:
     Removing barriers to accessing goods and services.
   • Public Sector Services:
     Accessible delivery of public services.
2. Development and Implementation of Standards:
   • Stakeholder engagement in the creation of standards.
   • Timelines and updates.

Activities:

• Case study: 
  Examining successful accessibility implementations in other provinces.

Objective: Build practical skills for identifying and addressing barriers across the six priority areas.

Topics Covered:

1. Types of Barriers:
   • Attitudinal, physical, systemic, technological, and communication barriers.
2. Proactive Solutions:
   • Developing strategies to eliminate barriers before they arise.
3. Emerging Trends in Accessibility:
   • Integrating new technologies and practices.

Activities
:

• Workshop:
  Conducting a mock barrier identification audit.

Objective:
Learn to create, implement, and update accessibility plans that comply with the ASA

Topics Covered:

1. Requirements for Accessibility Plans:
   • Organizational responsibilities and compliance timelines.
2. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Consulting persons with disabilities in the planning process.
3. Best Practices for Plan Development:
   • Setting clear goals, timelines, and accountability measures.

Activities: 

• Hands-on activity: 
  Drafting an accessibility plan outline.

Objective: 
Create accessible systems for collecting and responding to feedback.

Topics Covered:

1. Feedback Mechanism Requirements:
   • Ensuring systems are accessible and user-friendly.
2. Encouraging Participation:
   • Engaging employees, customers, and the broader community.
3. Responding to Feedback:
   • Documenting concerns and implementing solutions.

Activities: 

• Group activity: 
  Designing a feedback mechanism tailored to a specific sector (e.g., healthcare, retail).

Objective:
Explore practical strategies for addressing barriers across the Act’s six priority areas.

Topics Covered:

1. Built Environment:
   • Accessibility requirements for new and existing spaces.
2. Employment:
   • Inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations.
3. Transportation:
   • Accessible transportation policies and practices.
4. Information and Communications:
   • Digital accessibility (e.g., WCAG compliance) and accessible formats.
5. Goods and Services:
   • Delivering equitable access to products and services.
6. Public Sector Services:
   • Ensuring inclusive service delivery practices.

Activities: 

• Scenario analysis:
  Developing solutions to common accessibility challenges.

Objective
: Build strategies for tracking progress and maintaining compliance with the ASA.

Topics Covered:

1. Monitoring Progress:
   • Tools for assessing and tracking accessibility efforts.
2. Reporting Requirements:
   • Submitting progress reports to the Minister and ASDC.
3. Preparing for Inspections:
   • Best practices for compliance audits and responding to inspections.

Activities:

• Workshop:
  Drafting a compliance monitoring framework.

Objective: 
Create accessible systems for collecting and responding to feedback.

Topics Covered:

1. Training and Awareness:
   • Educating staff and leadership on accessibility principles.
2. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Collaborating with disability organizations and advocates.
3. Sustaining Accessibility:
   • Embedding accessibility into organizational policies and values.

Activities: 

• Brainstorming session:
  Strategies for fostering an inclusive culture within participants organizations.