Updated Canadian Rules

Canadian Transportation Agency Updates Accessibility Rules (Sept/07)

Sep 19, 2007

White Pass & Yukon Route (WP&YR) Railroad, Yukon, Courtesy of CTC, Canadian Tourism Commission

Information Bulletin from the Canadian Transportation Agency announces some key accessibility developments for air, rail and ferry travel, including in terminals.

The Canadian Transportation Agency released an Information Bulletin dated September 2007, on September 18, 2007.

The Bulletin is mainly intended to tell regulated transportation service providers in Canada about some regulatory updates in accessible transportation.

The four key areas discussed are:

the Communication Code (formal title - the Canadian Transportation Agency's Code of Practice: Removing Communication Barriers for Travellers with Disabilities
the Terminal Code (formal title - the Canadian Transportation Agency's fifth Code of Practice: Passenger Terminal Accessibility
the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) new standard for automated dispensing machines
Getting on Board, Transport Canada's updated training materials, particularly useful for smaller enterprises which would not typically be developing their own materials.

The Communication Code

This Code came into effect in June 1, 2007, although it has been available and in use since June 2004. The service providers covered by it (generally, commercial airlines, ferries, and railways, and air, ferry and railway terminals in Canada, but not foreign airlines) should already be following the Code. They are required to advise the Agency of the steps they have taken to bring themselves into compliance with the multiple format requirements of the Code.

The Code itself has three main sections, each with several sub-sections:

Section 1: General Provisions, including
1.1 Provision of Transportation-Related Information in Multiple Formats
1.2 Web Site Accessibility
1.3 Transportation-Related Dispensing Machines and Automated Information Kiosks
1.4 Telecommunications Systems for Reservations and Information
Section 2: Terminal Provisions
2.1 Telecommunications Systems in Terminals
2.2 Signage
2.3 Public Announcements in Terminals
2.4 Arrival / Departure Monitors and Other Electronic Signage
2.5 Information on Ground Transportation
2.6 Designated Seating at Boarding Gates and Departure Areas
2.7 Security at Airports
Section 3: Provisions Regarding On-Board Communication
3.1 Communication of Equipment Features
3.2 Safety Videos

There are five Appendices providing some practical help with implementing the Code. These are entitled:

A - Generic Multiple Format Policy
B - Guidelines for Improving Communication with Persons with Disabilities
C - Commonly-Used Multiple Formats
D - Commonly-Used Assistive Devices and Technical Aids
E - Commonly-Used Assistive Listening Systems.

Finally, there is a Guide to Removing Communication Barriers for Travellers with Disabilities. The Guide explains the reasons behind the requirements of the Code and provides a number of useful instructions and resources for improving communication. The Guide is organized into the same main sections as the Code.

The Terminal Code

The Terminal Code is divided into four main sections and is accompanied by Appendices and a Guide.

The Terminal Code and Guide are detailed and comprehensive. There is some reference to standards from the CSA for accessibility in the built environment.

The main sections of the Terminal Code, and related sub-sections, are:

Section 1: Technical Specifications for Accessibility
Section 2: Facility Considerations
2.1 - General Considerations
2.2 - Outdoor Considerations
2.3 - Rest Areas
2.4 - Boarding and Deboarding
2.5 - Relieving Areas for Service Animals
2.6 - Transportation Within and Between Passenger Terminals
2.7 - Ground Transportation
Section 3: Service Considerations
3.1 - Passenger Assistance
3.2 - Consultation
3.3 - Customer Service
3.4 - Escort Passes
3.5 - Facility and Service Awareness Program
Section 4: Considerations for Security Screening of Passengers.

The Appendices are:

1 - Principles of Universal Design (copyright symbol)
2 - Partial list of items included in CAN/CSA-B651 Accessible Design for the Built Environment
3 - Elements to be Included in Contracts for Accessible Ground Transportation.

As with the Guide for the Communications Code, the Guide for Passenger Terminal Accessibility is full of practical information to help put the Code into use.

New Canadian Standards Association Automated Dispensing Machine Standard

This new standard is called Accessible design for self-service interactive devices (CAN/CSA B651.2-07) and is a revision of an earlier standard. By following this standard when acquiring or upgrading self-serve equipment, transportation service providers can make their machines more accessible.

Getting on Board

Getting on Board is the name of the training kit the Canadian Transportation Agency has prepared for use by smaller transportation service providers who are required to comply with the various Codes but are not necessarily in a position to prepare their own training materials. This kit is not available on line as at the date of this article.

Canadian Transport Complaints
Canadian Air Travel Accessibility
Tips for the Service Industry
Air Canada Says Pets Are Cargo
We Can All Use Some Tips
Air Travel Guide - Disabled Travel

The copyright of the article Updated Canadian Rules in Accessible Recreation is owned by Jill Browne. Permission to republish Updated Canadian Rules in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.