Bringing Down Barriers

This June, the Canadian Transportation Agency released two innovative products for air, rail and ferry terminal operators and carriers designed to improve access to information for persons with disabilities who travel:

- the Code of Practice Removing Communication Barriers for Travellers with Disabilities (the �Communication Code�); and

- the Guide to Removing Communication Barriers for Travellers with Disabilities (the �Guide�).

The new Communication Code is a blueprint for improving access to print, telephone, and Webbased information, as well as improved signage and announcements in terminals. Representing minimum voluntary standards that transportation service providers are expected to meet, it was developed in close consultation with the industry, and individuals and organizations representing persons with disabilities.

The Code applies to airports in the national airport system and to air carriers that operate aircraft with 30 or more passenger seats. Rail carriers and ferry operators under federal jurisdiction are covered by the Code, as well as rail and ferry terminals where 10,000 or more passengers embark and disembark annually.

�The Communication Code will improve the ability of persons with disabilities to travel independently,� said Marian Robson, Chairman of the Canadian Transportation Agency. �Obstacles to the mobility of persons with disabilities are often the result of poor communication or access to information. They are not always physical barriers.�

The Agency also created a companion document entitled Guide to Removing Communication Barriers for Travellers with Disabilities. This Guide is a work tool that provides useful and practical information to transportation service providers to help them meet the provisions of the new Communication Code. For example, the Guide offers technical specifications, names of manufacturers of accessible equipment, organization and government contacts that can provide expertise on accessibility, and website addresses. The information enhancements contained in the Guide will also benefit other service providers who wish to improve the communication of information with all their clients.

The Communication Code and companion Guide were released on the occasion of National Transportation Week and following a panel discussion on �The Future of the Transportation Business in an Accessible World.� This Agencyled panel discussion brought together industry leaders and users to discuss best practices in accessibility within the federally regulated transportation network.

�Complementing and supporting existing codes of practice, the Communication Code is another important step towards a transportation network that is more accessible and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities,� Mrs. Robson added.

More than 50 Agency decisions have been issued pertaining to communication barriers highlighting the problems persons with disabilities may encounter when trying to access travel-related information (e.g. signage, telecommunication systems, public announcements). In many of these decisions, the Agency found undue obstacles to persons with disabilities. The Agency believes that obstacles caused by communication barriers can best be dealt with on a systemic basis, which is the goal of the Code.

The Agency will conduct periodic surveys to monitor progress in implementing the provisions of the Code. The Agency will also continue to exercise its authority to deal with individual complaints that raise communication issues to determine whether there are undue obstacles to the mobility of persons with disabilities.

To obtain copies of the Communication Code and/or the Guide, please contact us at the coordinates listed on this page. These publications are available in multiple formats upon request.

HOW TO CONTACT US:

Accessible Transportation Directorate

Canadian Transportation Agency

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0N9

Voice (819) 997-6828

1-888-222-2592 (Canada only)

TTY: (819) 953-9705

1-800-669-5575 (Canada only)

Fax: (819) 953-6019

Internet: www.cta-otc.gc.ca