An Accessible Alberta

Issue: 

Alberta is the one of only two provinces that do not have accessibility legislation. Supporting the advocacy of accessibility legislation ensures that the Alberta government leads by example by improving accessibility within government programs, services, and infrastructure. By doing so, the government can reduce barriers for entrepreneurs with disabilities, making it easier for them to access government funding, support programs, and procurement opportunities. It also can result in fostering a more inclusive economy, attracting skilled workers and ensuring businesses can tap into a larger, more diverse talent pool. 

Background: 

While recent announcements60 by the government are welcome, further support is needed.  An Accessibility Act would establish a framework for identifying, removing, and preventing barriers within areas under provincial jurisdiction.

By ensuring accessibility in government services and public spaces, Alberta can become a more inclusive place to live and work, attract top talent, develop a strong workforce and support business owners with disabilities. This benefits businesses, workers, and communities across Alberta, while growing the economy. 

Our Recommendations

1. Table an Accessibility Act to create a more inclusive province. The Act should focus on enabling phased, strategic approaches to improve accessibility within government programs, services, and infrastructure, with clear and measurable outcomes to assess progress and prioritize:
2. Update existing data with a province-specific study and targeted economic analysis on the economic impact of accessibility and full inclusion of people with disabilities to inform targeted policy decisions and support economic growth within the specific to the province of Alberta;
3. Government Leadership: Embed accessibility within the Government’s its own policies, programs, and services to demonstrate leadership, boost economic activity and improve the well-being of its citizens;
4. Workforce Development ensure that government funding includes spaces for students with disabilities in education and training programs would help develop a much-needed workforce;
5. Measurable Impact: Establish clear metrics, through budgeting, planning and transparent reporting mechanisms to track accessibility improvements, cost and effectiveness; and,
6. Enabling Accessibility: Introduce a support program, through grants, tax incentives, or rebates, for businesses that wish to voluntarily improve accessibility through building upgrades, accessible communication tools, or technology adaptation.