Americas

Accessibility Standards Canada and the Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing Collaborate on Accessible Building Codes and Standards

Accessibility Standards Canada and British Columbia’s Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to optimize efforts and resources dedicated to creating a barrier-free Canada. This MOU acknowledges a formal agreement to share information and harmonize accessibility standards related to building codes wherever possible. The MOU is also… Continue Reading »

Landmark Settlement to Make 95% of New York City Subways Accessible by 2055

Only 25%, or 113, of New York City’s 472 subway stations are currently accessible to individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the stairs. But by 2055, at least 95% of those 364 inaccessible subway stations will become accessible following a landmark settlement agreement between disability advocates and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The… Continue Reading »

Brazil: SMPED and CAU-SP Sign Partnership to Promote Architectural Accessibility

The Municipal Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities (SMPED) and the Architecture and Urbanism Council of São Paulo (CAU-SP) signed a technical cooperation agreement last Tuesday (21) that establishes another partnership between the two bodies. The document provides for the dissemination of the concepts of accessibility and universal design among architects and urban planners in the city… Continue Reading »

M-Enabling Summit 2022 | Digital Inclusion: Strategies for Equal Opportunities, October 24-26, 2022

Attracting leading advocates, corporate executives and accessibility professionals involved in digital inclusion, the M-Enabling Summit is an all-inclusive conference and showcase offering rich networking opportunities, fostering innovative technology that benefits more than one-billion Persons with Disabilities and an expanding population of aging adults globally. With its theme of “Digital Inclusion: Strategies for Equal Opportunities,” the 2022 M-Enabling… Continue Reading »

Canada: Partnership to Encourage Accessible Tourism Experiences 

The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains tourism region, managed by Destination British Columbia, and Spinal Cord Injury BC are pleased to announce their partnership to support the long-term growth of accessible tourism experiences in the region. This new agreement will see the two organizations working collaboratively to enhance and promote accessible tourism products and services, helping… Continue Reading »

UN Human Rights Report to the Secretary-General on implementation of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy

The UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), adopted by the Secretary General in 2019, provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all pillars of the work of the United Nations: peace and security, human rights, and development. The Strategy enables the UN system to support the implementation of the Convention on the Rights… Continue Reading »

New Guide on Principles of Accessibility Design for Landscape Architecture

New ASLA Research Report: Free downloadable resource available for ASLA members. Self-study exam available for 1.25 PDH (LA CES/HSW). In order to lead the planning and design of inclusive, healthy, equitable, and safe environments, landscape architects have an obligation to be aware of and work in compliance with standards for accessibility. To meet this need,… Continue Reading »

Canada: City of Winnipeg Designs App to Book Accessible Cab Rides

The City of Winnipeg has launched a service that will enable wheelchair users to book rides with accessible vehicles from multiple taxi and personal transportation providers. The new service, a two-year pilot project called Winnipeg WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), was announced on Wednesday. Similar to other ride-booking services, users will be able to set their pickup and drop-off locations, and… Continue Reading »

Canada: Saskatchewan Legislature Unveils Plaque with Accessibility Certification

The Saskatchewan Legislature received the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC), making it the first legislative building in the country to receive this designation. This certification means the Saskatchewan Legislature building met the mandatory requirements in making it accessible for everyone. Showing the building’s accessibility designation, a plaque was unveiled and will be installed in the Saskatchewan Legislative building hallway through… Continue Reading »

Canada Appoints First Accessibility Commissioner to the CHRC

The goal of a barrier-free Canada, one that is inclusive from the start, is at the heart of the Accessible Canada Act (Act). That is why the Government of Canada continues to implement the Act and is introducing strong measures to ensure this goal becomes reality. Today, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced the appointment of Michael… Continue Reading »