Accessibility Plan - 2026-2028

1. General
   • Background
   • About the National Capital Commission
   • The NCC’s commitment to universal accessibility
   • Contact Information
2. Barriers and actions
   1. Employment
   2. Built environment
   3. Information and communication technology
   4. Communication (other than information and communication technologies)
   5. Procurement of goods, services and facilities
   6. Design and delivery of programs and services
   7. Transportation
3. Consultations
   • Consultation activities
   • Continued consultation
4. Glossary

The 2026–2028 Accessibility Plan for the National Capital Commission (NCC) aligns with the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and the Accessible Canada Regulations.

Words used in this document that are related to accessibility are defined in the Glossary.

The ACA aims to realize a barrier-free Canada by 2040. It is a federal law that involves identifying, removing and preventing new barriers to accessibility. The NCC is subject to the ACA and, therefore, it must:

• Publish an accessibility plan every three years;
• Set up a process for receiving feedback about the plan and barriers to accessibility;
• Consult with persons with disabilities;
• Prepare progress reports on the implementation of the plan;
• Provide a description of the feedback process;
• Report to the Accessibility Commissioner every year; and
• Carry out the NCC’s responsibilities by applying the principles identified in the ACA.

The NCC is a federal Crown corporation established by the National Capital Act in 1959 and is also a separate agency, in accordance with the Financial Administration Act (Schedule V).

The NCC is dedicated to ensuring that Canada’s Capital Region is a dynamic and inspiring source of pride for all Canadians, and a legacy for generations to come. The NCC provides a unique value in the Capital Region by fulfilling three (3) specific roles:

• Long-term planner of federal lands;
• Principal steward of nationally significant public places; and
• Creative partner committed to excellence in development and conservation.

The 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability found that over 7.9 million people in Canada qualified as having a disability, spanning across ten distinct categories of disability.

This plan supports the NCC’s goals of fostering an inclusive and meaningful National Capital Region of national significance, reflective of all Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples.

The NCC is committed to working towards the goals of the ACA by:

• striving for a barrier-free NCC by 2040;
• ensuring that the design of NCC lands that are accessed by the public and the services/amenities offered meet the Capital Design Guidelines;
• implementing universal accessibility and championing the rights of persons with disabilities;
• identifying, removing and preventing barriers to accessibility in NCC programs, policies, public spaces and workplaces;
• working with and consulting persons with disabilities and committees and organizations who advocate on their behalf, to better understand the full range of diversity of the communities the NCC serves and to identify and address barriers to accessibility;
• analyzing employee self-identification data to target efforts at increasing representation of persons with disabilities; and
• creating a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect and where everyone can fully participate and contribute to the objectives of the NCC.

You may communicate with the NCC about accessibility in the following ways:

Telephone

613-239-5000 or 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free)

Teletypewriter (TTY): 613-239-5090 or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free)

Canada Video Relay Service

Email

info@ncc-ccn.ca

Mail

National Capital Commission
100-12 York Street
Ottawa ON K1N 5S6
Address written communications to:
Supervisor, Contact Centre

The barriers and actions (planned and/or ongoing) to remove and prevent them are grouped into seven priority areas:

1. Employment;
2. Built environment;
3. Information and communication technology;
4. Communication (other than information and communication technologies);
5. Procurement of goods, services and facilities;
6. Design and delivery of programs and services;
7. Transportation.

The NCC strives to be an employer of choice and an organization where all employees are valued, supported and empowered to contribute meaningfully. This includes ensuring persons with disabilities have equal access to employment and advancement opportunities.

External candidates and employees participating in staffing processes may request accommodation measures to ensure equitable participation and enable them to contribute at their full potential.

The NCC invites its employees to voluntarily self-identify as belonging to one or more of the four employment equity groups, including persons with disabilities, outlined in the Employment Equity Act. As of September 30, 2025, employees with a disability represented 11% of the NCC’s workforce.

Barrier 1.1

Knowledge and awareness about accessibility vary. Employees may not have enough knowledge or awareness to apply an accessibility lens fully and effectively in their work.

Actions

• Require all employees to complete mandatory training about unconscious bias through the corporate onboarding program. Continue to monitor employee compliance and training completion rates.
• In support of the NCC’s Duty to Accommodate and Sick Leave Management Policy, ensure managers make all employees aware of their right to request accommodation and of the NCC’s duty to provide reasonable accommodation. This information must also be provided in the manager onboarding program.
• Support and promote awareness of events and activities led by the NCC’s new employee resource group for persons with disabilities.
• Continue to educate, address and monitor training requirements on the duty to accommodate and accessibility and disability awareness for employees and managers.
• Continue to actively promote the NCC’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), which provides supports and resources to employees and managers.
• Continue to actively promote awareness-raising activities and learning opportunities offered through the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), an organization that helps workplaces achieve inclusion.
• Continue to attend training and awareness-raising sessions and events hosted by local employer partners. These partners include the Employment Accessibility Resource Network (EARN) and the Canada School of Public Service, the common learning provider for the Government of Canada.
• The HR team will Continue to attend monthly job match meetings with the EARN. These meetings bring employers, service providers and other stakeholders together with the goal of increasing access to employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Barrier 1.2

Managers are not fully equipped to mitigate bias and/or stigma around disability.

Actions

• Equip managers by offering training and supports to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities in applying the Duty to Accommodate and Sick Leave Management Policy.
• Offer other coaching resources available through the EFAP.

Barrier 1.3

Workplace activities may not fully consider or support the needs of employees with disabilities.

Actions

• Continue to promote inclusiveness in the workplace by supporting and promoting the DEI Committee’s activities and initiatives.

• Leverage the expertise of the DEI Committee and the employee resource group for persons with disabilities in the development of workplace activities and events.
• Continue to leverage the expertise available from the Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) program, which offers training, tools and adaptive technologies to ensure accessibility for all employees, including those with disabilities.

Barrier 1.4

Some human resources policies, procedures and employment systems use outdated language, approaches or practices that could contribute to systemic barriers to accessibility.

Action

• Consider accessibility requirements when reviewing all policies, procedures and forms by considering feedback from relevant committees and employees with disabilities.

Barrier 1.5

Information technology used for staffing and performance management may not be fully accessible.

Actions

• Provide clear, consistent and detailed information to candidates and hiring managers to ensure they understand how to communicate their accommodation needs throughout the staffing process.
• Engage persons with disabilities and accessibility specialists to identify barriers in webpage navigation, forms and screen-reader compatibility.
• Where applicable, provide one-on-one assistance or a designated accessibility support contact for the person concerned.
• Ensure human resources advisors and managers have the knowledge, tools and training to effectively manage accommodation requests.
• Continue to review and assess the accessibility of the staffing and performance management system and supporting tools.

The NCC is the primary federal urban planner and largest landowner in the National Capital Region. As such, the NCC collaborates with stakeholders to use and develop the Capital’s natural and cultural character, with accessibility and environmental sensitivity, sustainability, and best practices in mind.

The NCC cares for and protects vital public spaces that are unique to our nation’s symbolic, natural and cultural heritage. NCC assets include Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt, the Rideau Canal Skateway, urban lands and parks, pathways, scenic parkways, real property and heritage buildings, agricultural and research facilities, and commemorative monuments. The NCC also cares for the six official residences in the National Capital Region, including the grounds and ancillary buildings.

Barrier 2.1

Certain public spaces and assets (including trails, multi-use pathways, green spaces, parks and boardwalks) have hazards and/or limited accessibility that require updating and/or restoration.

Actions

• Apply universal accessibility standards to trails and multi-use pathways as they are rehabilitated.
• Apply the Capital Design Guidelines and their universal accessibility section in the design and approval of federal projects.
• Apply universal accessibility design principles in the design and construction of all new NCC assets and infrastructure, as well as in their restoration and rehabilitation.
• Review the Multi-Year Capital Program (MYCP) on a yearly basis to leverage planned development and construction projects as opportunities to improve universal accessibility.
• Work with proponents of federal approvals and coordinate with municipal capital projects to identify opportunities to improve accessibility of federal public spaces, particularly in the core area, as funding allows.
• Support employees to develop accessibility expertise in the built environment to better integrate accessibility and inclusion into planning, design and construction.
• Integrate accessibility considerations in all of the NCC’s planning, projects and initiatives related to the built environment.
• At the Westboro Beach Pavilion, work with the City of Ottawa (which manages the beach area) to improve on-site signage about the availability of renting sand wheelchairs and enhance mobility and access on the beach to the water.
• At the NCC River House, install commercial floating saunas for public use in 2026. Access to, from and on the saunas will be universally accessible. The saunas will be designed to be universally accessible.
• Build a permanent, universally accessible ramp from the Rockcliffe Pavilion grounds to the viewing and sitting area.
• Upgrade the existing public washrooms at Major’s Hill Park by adding universally accessible push buttons and electric doors and build two universally accessible washrooms.

• Launch a new NCC Bistro at the Blair Road boat launch. The Bistro site will be universally accessible to and from the parking lot and the pathway. It will feature a universally accessible washroom.
• As part of the planning of the Lady Grey Drive commercial shoreline animation (anticipated for 2028), Real Estate Management will work with the design team to ensure access to and from the site (e.g. wayfinding and physical infrastructure) is universally accessible. The NCC will also work with any prospective partners to ensure that their built assets and services are universally accessible.

Barrier 2.2

Access to walkways is not always universally accessible.

Actions

• Maintain a geographic information system (inclusive mapping) that informs users about the level of difficulty of the trails, any barriers in the way, and nearby services.
• Continue to work in partnership with the Canadian Disabled Outdoor Society (CanDO) to help people with disabilities locate trails that are adapted to their needs. Provide detailed information regarding trail distances, surface, slope, width and barriers, as well as amenities at the site, such as benches and washrooms.
• Add 50% new trails to the geographic information system (three trails or 6 km).
• Improve ways for members of the public to report barriers, maintenance issues or to suggest system improvements.
• Promote inclusive mapping in the media and during targeted events.

Barrier 2.3

Trail surface conditions sometime hinder accessibility.

Actions

• Improve access by repairing pathways and paved, asphalt, concrete and gravel surfaces that are in poor condition or that could create barriers.
• Conduct more frequent inspections and improve the quality of inspections of NCC-owned surfaces.

Barrier 2.4

Smith Beach (a campsite beach) is not universally accessible.

Action

• Install an access mat that makes the beach more accessible to people with reduced mobility by summer 2026.

Barrier 2.5

Boat launches at Meech, Philippe, La Pêche and Leamy lakes are not adapted.

Action

• Identify accessibility barriers at boat launch sites by summer 2027.

Barrier 2.6

Some parking lots in Gatineau Park and on Quebec urban lands do not have parking spaces for people with reduced mobility.

Action

• Ensure that all Gatineau Park and Quebec urban land parking lots have at least one parking space for people with reduced mobility.

Barrier 2.7

Some public spaces and assets, including buildings, pathways and parks, present hazards or lack adequate accessibility, requiring updates or restoration to meet current standards.

Actions

• Continue to integrate universal accessibility principles and apply universal design standards in the design, construction and restoration of buildings, parks and green spaces.
• Continue to seek guidance from accessible design experts for major built environment projects, either through presentations to the Advisory Committee on Universal Accessibility (ACUA), the Advisory Committee on Planning, Design and Realty (ACPDR), or by engagement of expert-consultants.
• Explore offering cost-effective accessibility training to professionals who plan, design or manage NCC public spaces and assets. This training will help ensure that NCC spaces are inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities, in keeping with the goals of the ACA.

Barrier 2.8

NCC workspaces at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre present significant universal accessibility barriers, including the absence of an elevator and accessible paths of travel.

Action

• Apply universal accessibility principles and standards in the design of the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre to address the barriers identified in the existing spaces.

Barrier 2.9

The NCC’s portfolio consists largely of older historical assets and parks; accessibility in public spaces and assets can therefore be limited or nonexistent.

Actions

• Implement accessibility measures for reaching assets and public spaces.
• Continue to use Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and universal accessibility guidelines to assess and build or renovate washrooms and other spaces in existing facilities, where possible.
• Implement five-year cyclical preventative access and maintenance plans for all assets where Real Estate Management has operational control.

The NCC provides corporate-wide information and communication technology tools and services, as well as information management and geomatics expertise, designed to ensure efficient and effective operations.

Barrier 3.1

Certain software solutions and technologies are non-compliant or partially compliant with Government of Canada Standard CAN/ASC – EN 301 549:2024, Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services.

Actions

• Launch a feedback form to collect detailed input from affected employees on tools and specific accessibility issues encountered.
• Create opportunities for persons with disabilities to advise on identifying potential barriers and how the Information Technology and Geomatics Services (ITGS) Division can incorporate accessibility into its activities.
• Use survey data to identify high-impact areas for remediation.
• Create and regularly update a list of accessible technology tools to promote available accessibility tools and software.
• Include accessibility conformance reports and remediation roadmaps in ICT procurement evaluations.
• Provide training for developers on accessible design and testing using accessibility testing tools that were identified. Follow up with AAACT on training options.
• In line with the ACA and ITGS 2025–2026 annual work plan goals, continue to assess all software systems for compliance with Standard CAN/ASC – EN 301 549:2024.
• Include users of assistive technologies, whenever applicable, in testing applications to validate accessibility.

Barrier 3.2

Some geomatics information and digital maps require further accessibility features.

Actions

• Provide training for the Geomatics team on accessibility tools and guidelines for map production and web development.
• Consider public feedback on the NCC’s inclusive trails web application and continue the partnership with CanDO.
• Enhance the inclusive trails web application with more accessibility details for users to locate accessible features such as toilets and parking spots. Assess and include more trails in the application.

Barrier 3.3

The approval process for individual accommodation requests for accessible technology and/or systems is inefficient.

Actions

• Create a list of preapproved accessible technologies and/or systems to support timely and efficient installation.
• Continue to leverage the expertise available from the AAACT program, which offers training, tools and adaptive technologies to ensure accessibility for all employees, including those with disabilities.

The NCC communicates with the public through multiple media sources, such as webpage content, blog posts, media advisories, news releases, closure advisories, media invitations, radio and print ads in local newspapers, digital ads in online platforms, and social media. The NCC also creates visual communication materials, including photos, videos, infographics, maps, brochures, posters and signs.

The NCC interacts with the public during public consultations using online surveys and workshops and hosts public virtual or in-person events, such as Open NCC day, where NCC experts provide information and tours to the public at some of the NCC’s major sites.

Barrier 4.1

Many interpretative panels, particularly those on Quebec urban lands, are no longer legible and do not comply with plain language best practices.

Action

• For each new interpretive panel project, language and design, review to ensure that accessibility best practices are followed. Incorporate this action into the guidelines being developed for interpretative signage (to be completed by spring 2027).

Barrier 4.2

Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, Mackenzie King Estate and the Philippe Lake campground reception office offer few alternate format resources.

Action

• Convert the most commonly used documents to alternate formats such as Braille, DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System), audio guides, large print or plain language, etc. These resources will be available in summer 2028.

Barrier 4.3

Digital communications do not fully comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and do not meet accessibility best practices.

Actions

• Update NCC website, intranet, and newsletter content on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

• Implement a process for verifying and correcting issues raised to the NCC regarding all digital communications.
• Test various digital communication models with users who have accessibility issues.
• Draft or update accessibility-related guides and standards to support staff members who create content.

• Publish all multimedia content using accessible formats (subtitles, descriptions, audio).

• Provide specialized training on accessible formats (audio, visual, text).
• Ensure that images and charts include alternative text or descriptions and are available in other formats as required.

Barrier 4.4

Contact centre communication tools do not always guarantee effective, equitable and accessible interactions for everyone, regardless of their ability, in accordance with WCAG 2.1 and accessibility best practices.

Actions

• Conduct an accessibility analysis of current communication tools (forms, emails, exchanges between the NCC and clients, telephone lines, etc.) in collaboration with people with expertise or experience in accessibility issues.
• Integrate inclusive communication solutions, such as live chat, compatibility with assistive technologies and availability of alternative formats.
• Continue to improve web forms that allow users to suggest improvements and bring up concerns regarding the NCC and communication barriers.

Barrier 4.5

The methods used (survey tools, online consultation platforms, in-person events, etc.) during public consultations are not always fully accessible and not all formats are accessible.

Actions

• Occasionally remind members of the Public Affairs and Indigenous Engagement team to use the inclusive event planning checklist.

• Analyze technological tools that allow everyone to be seen and heard during virtual meetings; prepare a best practices guide to allow everyone to fully participate in meetings; and inform content staff of this guide.
• Analyze online consultation tools that comply with current accessibility standards.

Barrier 4.6

The NCC’s documents and consultations do not always use inclusive and plain language.

Actions

• Regularly update and communicate internal guidelines to better define and support the use of inclusive and plain language.
• Use certain opportunities (e.g. meetings, exchanges, training) to remind teams that are submitting documents of the importance of accessible and inclusive writing; and involve Language Services earlier in the writing process in order to minimize alterations.
• Draft an internal, inclusive writing guide with a section about accessibility and publish it on the intranet.

• Offer training on the use of accessible tools and on inclusive communication principles that is targeted and adapted to different teams’ roles.
• Implement tools to ensure that all job posters, correspondence with candidates and candidate assessment tools are accessible.

Barrier 4.7

Users cannot easily find information on trail accessibility.

Action

• Include a web section with details on trail accessibility.

Barrier 4.8

There are no universally recognized standards for signage, wayfinding and interpretation, making it difficult to consistently apply current accessibility requirements. The NCC adheres to applicable Canadian Standard Association (CSA) and Americans with Disabilities Act signage standards wherever possible; however, these standards offer limited guidance within the broader context of universally accessible visual communication and environmental graphics.

Actions

• Continue to integrate universal accessibility principles and best practices and apply universal design standards in signage, wayfinding and interpretation elements.
• Seek guidance from accessible design experts for major signage, wayfinding and interpretation initiatives, either through presentations to ACUA or by engagement of expert-consultants.
• Develop an internal reference guide to ensure the Industrial Design team and all project delivery staff have access to the most current requirements and include this guide in the onboarding process. Conduct regular reviews of applicable standards to keep the reference guide and team practices up to date.

Barrier 4.9

As accessibility guidelines evolve over time, NCC assets may not incorporate the most current universal accessibility requirements.

Actions

• Conduct regular reviews of a sample of existing signage, wayfinding and interpretation assets against current accessibility standards.
• Prepare a report identifying and prioritizing non-compliant elements and share it with the Capital Stewardship Branch to inform renewal through lifecycle maintenance planning.

Barrier 4.10

Some of the signage and wayfinding material at sites (under the purview of Real Estate Management) may not have been fully assessed to consider universal accessibility.

Action

• Continue to assess and improve signage and wayfinding opportunities at commercial sites.

The NCC’s Procurement Policy guides employees on how to procure a wide range of goods and services.

In the procurement process for information and communication technology (software and equipment), the NCC includes a preference for solutions that comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA 2. These guidelines provide technical specifications to improve the accessibility of web content, websites and web applications across all devices for people with a wide range of disabilities, including hearing, cognitive, neurological, physical, visual and speech disabilities.

Barrier 5.1

There is currently no standard or guideline on accessible procurement, which may have an impact on procuring accessible goods and services.

Actions

• Develop a standard and/or guidelines on accessible procurement to include accessibility criteria and requirements for the procurement process for goods and services.

Barrier 5.2

NCC goods and equipment do not always meet accessibility and functional requirements.

Actions

• Continue to consult specialists, such as those in the AAACT program, before acquiring goods that support employee needs in in the workplace, such as ergonomic equipment.
• Where possible, allow for testing to confirm that the selected products meet accessibility and functional requirements prior to procuring them.

The NCC plans, regulates, designs, approves changes to and coordinates the use of federally owned lands in the National Capital Region to ensure they inspire Canadians, meet the needs of government, and reflect the role and significance of the nation’s capital. The design and delivery of programs and services are wide ranging.

Barrier 6.1

If not conducted with consultation and care, the planning process for NCC land-use plans can contribute to the creation of barriers.

Action

• Continue to consult with the ACUA and the ACPDR where applicable.

Barrier 6.2

Consultation during the development of NCC plans can present barriers to the participation of members of the public with disabilities.

Action

• Ensure consultations are accessible as required by the NCC’s public engagement corporate administrative policies and procedures.

Barrier 6.3

Gatineau Park shuttle users are not always aware of the barriers and challenges between stops and destinations.

Action

• Information about the shuttle will be available in the online interactive map in summer 2026. It will describe the barriers and challenges that a person might encounter between shuttle stops and destinations. This information may include, but is not limited to, types of road surfaces and slopes, or any other factors that could affect accessibility on the visit.

Barrier 6.4

Current watercraft rental suppliers do not offer adapted equipment.

Action

• Adapted equipment, such as paddle boards or kayaks with wheelchair attachment systems and stabilizers, will be offered in summer 2027 at select NCC watercraft rental sites.

Barrier 6.5

The NCC does not provide enough information about accommodation available for participating in the citizen science program.

Action

• This information will be on the NCC website by the end of 2026.

Barrier 6.6

In Gatineau Park, not all public programs ask participants if they have accommodation needs. In addition, program descriptions do not include information on accessibility for the activity.

Action

• Adapt the booking platform to include information on accessibility for all activity descriptions by spring 2027.

Barrier 6.7

The NCC does not consistently apply accessibility, inclusion and intersectionality principles in its content, services and organization of meetings and events.

Actions

• Conduct analysis of NCC content, formats, and public activity site accessibility for events such as Open NCC, the Urbanism Lab and board of director public meetings.
• Provide a guide for event organizers to ensure accessibility at events and activities.

• Review feedback and learn from the public and accessibility groups by using post-event surveys.

Barrier 6.8

Staff may not be fully aware of the accessibility analysis requirements outlined in the statement of requirements and Process for Project Management (PPM) documentation.

Actions

• Update PPM training modules to clearly incorporate accessibility analysis requirements.
• Launch these materials to existing staff and ensure modules are included in onboarding materials for all new project management staff.

Barrier 6.9

NCC surveys are not always fully accessible.

Actions

• Design all surveys to include self-declaration questions about disability for respondents. Use this information to assess any barriers to accessibility and to inform the design and delivery of NCC programs and services.
• Ensure images and charts in surveys include alternative text or descriptions.
• Ensure that all surveys launched are designed using an accessible format to be compatible with screen reading software and are also made available in other formats as required.

Barrier 6.10

Internal consultations conducted by the Audit, Research, Evaluation and Ethics Branch, such as stakeholder interviews and meetings regarding a particular evaluation or study, may not consistently account for accessibility requirements, potentially excluding employees with disabilities from full participation.

Actions

• Identify accessibility requirements prior to consultation meetings.
• Use transcriptions or captions when necessary.
• Provide documentation to meeting participants in an accessible format in advance of any meeting or consultation.

Barrier 6.11

Human resources programs and services must continue to respond to the evolving context and best practices in accessibility and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Action

• Continue to apply the GBA Plus lens in the design and delivery of human resources policies, programs, and services, ensuring that accessibility and intersecting factors are systematically considered in planning, implementation and evaluation.

The NCC maintains a fleet of vehicles. These vehicles are used by staff for ongoing daily operations and emergency response.

The fleet consists of different types of vehicles, including standard and electric vehicles and bicycles. The fleet is complemented by access to employer-paid ride programs (such as taxis and ride-hailing services) for employees who do not drive, providing accessible transportation options.

For information about the NCC’s public shuttle program, see section 6.3 in this section.

HRWM compiled the information required from each branch of the NCC in the preparation of this plan. Each branch contributed to the development of the plan by identifying barriers and proposing actions to overcome these barriers.

The NCC consulted persons with disabilities when preparing this plan. Internal experts on research and consultation helped develop the consultation activities.

• As part of its inclusive trails initiative, the NCC partnered with CanDO to inspect a series of NCC-managed trails. CanDO’s feedback led to improvements in terms of amenities and removal of barriers, and it helped the NCC create detailed trail maps that enable trail users to assess whether the trail features are suitable for them.
• As part of the Alexandra Bridge Replacement Project, Public Services and Procurement Canada and the NCC followed a process to fairly and objectively evaluate each design and select a preferred concept. The process leveraged input from many studies as well as feedback from:
  • a heritage impact analysis;
  • NCC advisory committees (ACPDR and ACUA);
  • Indigenous communities;
  • members of the public;
  • an independent review panel;
  • a public advisory group; and
  • other stakeholders.

• To inform its programs and the revision of its policy instruments, the NCC continually considers the results of various internal surveys, including those of the Public Service Employee Survey (PSES). In 2024, Statistics Canada administered the PSES to all public sector employees, including employees of the NCC. Some of the topics addressed in the survey were:
  • job fit and development;
  • diversity and inclusion;
  • physical environment and equipment;
  • harassment and discrimination;
  • duty to accommodate;
  • safe and healthy workplace;
  • psychologically healthy workplace;
  • work-related stress.

The NCC’s PSES results are being analyzed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of employee feedback. PSES results will be shared with employees and will support the organization in identifying areas for improvement.

The NCC will consult employees and its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help create action items to address employee feedback.

• The NCC has an accessibility-themed feedback form on its public-facing website to allow members of the public to:
  • consult the NCC’s Accessibility Plan and provide feedback on the plan;
  • submit feedback on accessibility related to NCC public-facing events, sites and assets.
• The form is available year-round through the website and is promoted seasonally through signage at various NCC sites and assets between June and October.
• Members of the public may also submit their feedback or comments to the NCC’s client contact centre. Feedback received there is directed to the appropriate branch.
• The NCC developed and conducted an internal survey that asked all staff about barriers to accessibility and what solutions they would propose to address these barriers.
  • 72% of employees responded to this survey.
  • The results were used by each branch confirm what barriers exist and plan actions to remediate/ overcome them in the creation of the Accessibility Plan.

• In November 2025, the NCC’s Executive Management Committee was consulted on the plan after it underwent a plain language review.

• In November 2025, the ACUA was consulted on the Accessibility Plan.

To ensure it obtains diverse perspectives and experiences, the NCC is committed to continued consultation with members of the public and employees with disabilities, as well as with organizations that support persons with disabilities. Results from future consultations will inform Accessibility Plan progress reports.

accommodation [mesure d’adaptation]: Any change in the working environment that allows a person with a disability or functional limitation to do their job. Changes can include:

• Adjustments to the physical workspace;
• Adaptations to the equipment or tools;
• Flexible work hours or job-sharing;
• Relocation of the person’s workspace;
• The ability to work from home;
• Reallocation or exchange of some non-essential tasks for others;
• Time off for medical appointments.

Accommodations can be temporary, periodic or long term, depending on the employee’s situation or changes in the workplace.

attitudinal barrier [barrière comportementale]: Behaviours, perceptions and assumptions that discriminate against persons with disabilities. These barriers often emerge from a lack of understanding, which can lead people to ignore, judge, or have misconceptions about persons with disabilities.

barrier [obstacle]: Anything physical, architectural, technological or attitudinal, anything that is based on information or communications or anything that is the result of a policy or a practice that hinders the full and equal participation in society of persons with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment or a functional limitation.

types of disability [types d’incapacité]:

1. Vision or seeing
2. Hearing
3. Mobility
4. Flexibility
5. Dexterity
6. Pain-related
7. Learning
8. Developmental
9. Mental health-related
10. Memory

disability [handicap, situation de handicap, incapacité]: Any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment—or a functional limitation—whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.

inclusion [inclusion]: The act of including someone or something as part of a group. An inclusive workplace is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. Inclusion recognizes, values and leverages differences in identities, abilities, backgrounds, cultures, skills, experiences and perspectives that support and reinforce Canada’s evolving human rights framework.

plain language review [révision en langage clair et simple, révision en langage clair]: A process to ensure that a document’s content is clear, concise and easily understood by a wide audience, including people with varying levels of literacy, cognitive abilities, or familiarity with the subject matter.