In a diverse society that values diversity and inclusion, there will be citizens, students, customers, target audiences, and important participates of all diversity types. Disability is one major type of Diversity, and physical disability limits a person’s ability and cause barriers. Accessibility means that people can do what they need to do in a similar amount of time and effort as someone that does not have a disability. It means that people are empowered, can be independent, and will not be frustrated by something that is poorly designed or implemented.
In this guide, you will learn about accessibility including below:
- What is an accessibility policy?
- What is an Accessibility Plan?
- Why is Accessibility Important?
- What are the differences between Accessibility policies and Accessibility Plans?
- Who creates the Accessibility plans and policy?
Why is Accessibility Important?
There is 1 in 7 people have a disability (visible or nonvisible). And around 15% of the world’s population, that’s about 1 Billion people. A majority of world’s disability are non-visible, which is about 70%. Therefore, it is imporatnt that we take care of the 15% of people who has such needs.
Accessibility Policy
An in-place accessibility policy will help in identifying an organization’s commitment to reaching its accessibility goals. Private and non-profit organizations with more than 50 employees and all public-sector organizations must have an accessibility policy in writing. These sectors must also make their policy available to the public.
An inclusive workplace poicy should be
- Representation– the presence of employees with disability across a range of employee roles and leadership positions
- Receptivity – respect for differences in working styles and flexibility in tailoring positions to strengths and abilities
- Fairness– Equitable access to all resources, opportunities, networks and decision making process
Accessibility Plan
An accessibility plan outlines the steps that your organization will take to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility and how the requirements of the regulation will be met.
If you belong to an organization other than a small organization, you must:
- Establish, implement, document, and maintain a multi-year accessibility plan.
- Post the accessibility plan on your website, if you have one, and provide the plan in an accessible format on request.
- Review and update the accessibility plan at least once every five years.
The organization should also:
- Establish, review, and update your accessibility plan in consultation with people with disabilities.
- Prepare an annual status update on your progress in implementing your plan, including steps taken to comply with the requirements of the regulation.
- Publicly post the status update on your website, if you have one, and provide it in an accessible format on request.
What’s the difference between an accessibility plan and policy?
An accessibility policy states what rules or principles an organization will put in place to support achieving its accessibility goals.
An accessibility plan describes the actions an organization will take to prevent and remove barriers and when it will do so. An accessibility plan creates a road map for an organization to increase accessibility. It’s the actions that support an organization’s commitment to accessibility and its accessibility policies.
Accessibility in procurement
It’s also important to incorporate accessibility criteria into procurement and buying practices. This may make a significant impact on preventing new accessibility barriers and addressing existing ones.
- For example, your organization might set accessibility criteria when procuring new computer software so that it can accommodate the needs of people with vision loss.
This requirement applies to the Government of Ontario, the Legislative Assembly, and designated public sector organizations, which must:
- Incorporate accessibility design, criteria and features in procurement, except where it is not practicable to do so; for example, technological compatibility between older products and newer ones being procured.
- Provide an explanation, on request, as to why accessibility design, criteria and features were not practicable to incorporate into the procurement; for example, when accessible goods, services, or facilities are not available.
Who creates the Accessibility Policy and Accessibility Plan?
In most cases, the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of the organization would create the accessibility Policy and Plan.
How to create an Accessibility Plan?
In this section, you will find the best online resources to create an accessibility plan in different countries.
Canada Accessibility
Manitoba Accessibility Acts – how to create accessibility plans in Manitoba
Ontario AODA – Ontario Accessibility Act, policy and plans
British Columbia Accessibility
Australia Accessibility Plan
Australian Museum Accessibility
Australian Department of Health Accessibility
Australian Network on Disability – how to create an Accessibility Action Plan
United Kingdom Accessibility Plan
Make your services accessible
Legislation accessibility plan
United States Accessibility plan
Ireland Accessibility Plan
FAQ about Accessibility
What is an Accessibility Policy?
An in-place accessibility policy will help in identifying an organization’s commitment to reaching its accessibility goals.
What is an Accessibility Plan?
An accessibility plan outlines the steps that your organization will take to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility and how the requirements of the regulation will be met.
What is the difference between an Accessibility Plan vs Policy?
An accessibility plan describes the actions an organization will take to prevent and remove barriers and when it will do so. An accessibility plan creates a road map for an organization to increase accessibility.
An accessibility policy states what rules or principles an organization will put in place to support achieving its accessibility goals.
What is inclusive workplace culture?
A culture of respect where it is safe for everyone to bring their authentic, whoe selves to work.
An inclusive community:
- Indicates a climate in which respect, equity, positive recognition of differences are cultivated
- Response to disability poses no barrier to a positive employment experience
- full integration of diverse people into a workplace
What should am Accessibility policy include?
A good accessiblity policy should encourage and cover
- Representation– the presence of employees with disability across a range of employee roles and leadership positions
- Receptivity – respect for differences in working styles and flexibility in tailoring positions to strengths and abilities
- Fairness– Equitable access to all resources, opportunities, networks and decision making process
What’s New in Accessibility Policy [2020]
- Redrawn accessibility plans for Stalybridge’s library and art gallery put forward – Tameside Correspondent
- Adopt inclusive AI and policy frameworks for self-driving car accessibility – Emmanuel Addai urges stakeholders – GhanaWeb
- MRT3 plans must manage costs, accessibility and safety – Free Malaysia Today
- Enhancing Anemia Diagnostics and Accessibility in India: A Policy Recommendation for Effective Anemia Management – Frontiers
- Rotorua's first ever accessibility policy and what it means – RNZ
- The game is out and the developers didn't know it: due to a bug, the Tempest Rising strategy became available to gamers a week earlier than planned – Gagadget.com
- Conversations on tax policy design, implementation and the accessibility of healthy foods in the Caribbean – Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
- Wimbledon plans to increase 'Henman Hill' capacity and accessibility – BBC
- Rollins Accessibility Project: Progress and Plans – Sandspur
- Disney Has Revamped Its Accessibility Services and Line-Skipping Policy Due to Misuse – MSN
- Security, Accessibility and Privacy Policy – Nebraskaland Magazine
- Policy Committee Hearing: Healthcare Accessibility and Hospital Closure Impacts – Pennsylvania Senate Democrats
- Rescind EO 14035 DEI and accessibility in federal workforce – Economic Policy Institute
- Plans to improve safety and accessibility on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path are unveiled – The Week In
- Polish Accessibility Act – Inauguration – Gov.pl