Achieving Accessibility in Saskatchewan: Navigating Compliance with the Accessible Saskatchewan Act

This course is designed to guide organizations in Saskatchewan through the requirements of the Saskatchewan’s Accessible Saskatchewan Act (ASA). Participants will learn to develop accessibility plans, comply with accessibility standards, and create inclusive environments by addressing barriers in policies, practices, and infrastructure.

The training will focus on understanding the Saskatchewan accessibility standards for customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation, and the built environment. It will also emphasize the importance of proactive planning, consultation with persons with disabilities, and fostering organizational accountability.

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Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Saskatchewan’s Accessible Saskatchewan Act (ASA), enacted to promote full and equal participation for persons with disabilities. The training will equip organizations to identify, remove, and prevent barriers while aligning with the Act’s six priority areas. Participants will learn how to create accessibility plans, establish feedback mechanisms, and meet their compliance obligations under the ASA.

Course Duration

  • 3 Days (24 hours)
    • Day 1: Introduction, Legislative Framework, and Standards Overview (Modules 1–3)
    • Day 2: Accessibility Plans, Feedback Mechanisms, and Priority Areas (Modules 4–6).
    • Day 3: Compliance, Monitoring, and Cultural Change (Modules 7–8).

Format:

  • Virtual or In-person sessions.
  • Interactive workshops, case studies, and hands-on activities.

Assessment:

  • End-of-course quiz
  • Practical assignment: Drafting an accessibility plan

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand the Accessible Saskatchewan Act and its legal obligations.
  2. Develop and implement effective accessibility plans and feedback mechanisms.
  3. Address barriers across the six priority areas.
  4. Monitor compliance and prepare for inspections and reporting.
  5. Foster a culture of accessibility and inclusion within their organizations.

Materials Provided:

  • Course slides and handouts
  • Compliance checklists and templates
  • Sample accessibility policies
  • Certificate of completion

This training ensures that organizations in Saskatchewan are equipped to comply with the ASA, contributing to a more inclusive and barrier-free province.

Target Audience

Public Sector Employees
Accessibility Coordinators
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HR and Facility Managers
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Compliance Officers
Senior Leadership

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Course Curriculum

Day 1: Foundations and Accessibility Standards

Module 1: Introduction to the Accessible Saskatchewan Act (ASA)

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

Topics Covered:

  1. Overview of the ASA:
    • Enacted in 2022 to create a more inclusive province by addressing barriers for persons with disabilities.
  2. Scope and Applicability:
    • Applies to public, private, and non-profit organizations designated under the Act.
  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.

Module 2: Accessibility Standards Overview

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.

Module 3: Identifying and Removing Barriers

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.
 

Day 2: Accessibility Plans and Priority Areas

Module 4: Developing Accessibility Plans

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.

Module 5: Establishing Feedback Mechanisms

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).

Module 6: Addressing Barriers in Priority Areas

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.

Day 3: Compliance and Cultural Change

Module 7: Monitoring and Reporting Compliance

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.

Module 8: Building an Accessible Organizational Culture

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. 

This training ensures that organizations in Saskatchewan are equipped to comply with the ASA, contributing to a more inclusive and barrier-free province.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The course aims to equip organizations with the knowledge and tools to comply with the Accessible Saskatchewan Act (ASA). Participants will learn to identify, remove, and prevent barriers, develop accessibility plans, and foster inclusive practices aligned with the ASA’s six priority areas.

 

The training is designed for public sector administrators, accessibility coordinators, HR/facility managers, compliance officers, and senior leadership in organizations designated under the ASA.

 

Yes, the course is flexible and available in both virtual and in-person formats to accommodate participants’ needs.

 

Materials include course slides, handouts, compliance checklists, accessibility plan templates, and sample policies.

 

The certificate validates successful completion of assessments and participation in the course. It demonstrates competency in ASA compliance and accessibility planning.