2. Areas described under section 5 of the Act

Desired outcomes:

• Job seekers with disabilities see VAC as a workplace of choice.
• Job seekers and public servants with disabilities have access to employment opportunities at VAC and can contribute to their full potential.

2.1.1 Employment barrier #1

• Persons with disabilities are under-represented in VAC’s hiring, acting appointments, and promotions, and are over-represented in departures. This may be due to one or more of the following factors:
  • persons with disabilities having difficulties with, and higher drop-off rates in, selection processes (as compared to persons without disabilities)
  • lack of skill development opportunities for persons with disabilities, including language training, to support career growth and development
  • persons with disabilities not self-identifying
  • VAC not being perceived as an accessible and inclusive workplace

Action #1 for employment barrier #1: in progress

• VAC is committed to building a diverse workforce that is representative of the Canadian population. As of January 2023, workforce representation among employees has been falling short of workforce availability for persons with disabilities. VAC has, however, exceeded workforce availability for executives. The Department’s representation targets are a baseline that has been set based on projections for workforce availability in 2026.
  • Completed by: June 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services (CFOCS) Branch
  • Status: In progress

This is a long-term goal and in alignment with targets set in the Departmental Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan. We expect to achieve the target by 2025.

Update as of October 2024:

• Representation of persons with disabilities has increased over the year from 7.2% in July 2023, to 8.8% of VAC’s population today. The workforce availability of persons with disabilities is 9.5% (our target today) and as such, VAC continues to see under-representation of persons with disabilities in our workforce.
• This upward trend could be tied to the Government of Canada (GC)’s Accessibility Strategy for the Public Service of Canada, which set a goal to hire 5,000 persons with disabilities by 2025.
• Representation of persons with disabilities for indeterminate employees is 8.5%, while for term employees representation is 9.1%.
• Higher representation in the term employee population means that the Department is at risk of seeing representation drop if term contracts are not renewed.
• Representation of persons with disabilities in the Executive cadre is at 8.8% as of October, well above the workforce availability of 5.5%.

Action #2 for employment barrier #1: completed

• Develop VAC-specific tools for more accessible and inclusive hiring with the goal of closing the representation gaps for people with disabilities.
  • Completed by: June 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: Completed

Action #3 for employment barrier #1: completed

• Tailor initiatives to support recruitment and career development of persons with disabilities:
  • create a fully qualified EX minus 1 pool tailored to recruit members of certain equity-seeking communities, including persons with disabilities
  • coordinate sessions with the VAC Managers Network to promote diverse and inclusive staffing practices, including the demystifying of common myths associated with the recruitment of persons with disabilities.
    • Completed by: June 2023
    • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
    • Status: Completed

Action #4 (Part 1) for employment barrier #1: in progress

• Promote VAC as an inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities:
  • launch a learning series on “How to Apply on a Process” for all employees, including a session tailored to persons with disabilities (completed)
  • undertake a review of onboarding materials to ensure they include links to accessibility-related supports, and how to obtain them
    • Completed by: December 2024
    • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
    • Status: In progress

The Onboarding module created by the Diversity and Inclusion Centre of Excellence is being reviewed by the Accessibility Network and a draft has been shared with the Learning Team who will post the material and ensure it is included in the onboarding process.

Action #4 (Part 2) for employment barrier #1: in progress

• Launch a self-identification campaign.
• Undertake a review of language used in recruitment communications to ensure it is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive.
  • Completed by: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: In progress

Significant progress has been made to date with respect to correspondence with candidates throughout each phase of the application process. On track to meet the timeline of December 2025.

The modernization self-ID process is anticipated to be launched by Central Agencies by December 2024.

2.1.2 Employment barrier #2

• The process for employees to obtain accommodations or tools and resources needed at work is complex. This also impacts managers, who do not feel equipped to recruit, develop and support persons with disabilities.

Action #1 for employment barrier #2: in progress

• Finalize the business case (including resource requirements, roles, processes, tools, and partnerships) for a Disability Management Unit at VAC. The Unit will introduce an improved and centrally coordinated approach to employee disability management, Duty to Accommodate, long term disability, workers compensation and return to work, using a case management approach. Through the Disability Management Unit, the Department will also be able to create a process to ask employees about their accommodation and equipment needs.
  • Completed by: December 2023 Revised: December 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: In progress

The selection process is underway to resource a team for this unit and will be completed by December 2024.

Action #2 for employment barrier #2: in progress

• Create a Duty to Accommodate checklist for managers which includes links to resources, policies, practices and guidelines. Guidelines should include expected time frames.
• Create Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to demystify the Duty to Accommodate process for employees and managers, offering tips on what is necessary for efficient approvals of Duty to Accommodate requests, and how/where to seek support to prepare for the conversations.
• Develop a learning and communications plan, including mandatory Duty to Accommodate training such as the Canada School of Public Service’s (CSPS) course on “Disability Management and Workplace Wellness”, workshops/information sessions and email reminders tailored to specific audiences such as the management community, human resources enablers and/or all-staff. (Action wording revised)
• Implement the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport and reduce accommodations-related document requests to candidates when documents may not be required (or requirements can be minimized.) (Completed)
  • Completed by: June 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: In progress

The GC Workplace Accessibility Passport has been implemented at VAC and we are officially recognized as an adopting organization. Information sessions were held in January and February 2024 with the Accessibility Network, the National Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (NDIAC), Bargaining Agents, National Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee, Executives, and the VAC Managers Network, with the tool having been communicated to all staff by email.

To recognize International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the Accessibility Champion shared numerous learning resources and confirmed that all managers complete the CSPS’s course Disability Management and Workplace Wellness by December 2024.

FAQs and checklists with respect to the Duty to Accommodate had been developed and shared with all executives in the Winter 2023 to support implementation of the Direction for Onsite Presence. These tools have been updated throughout the year and will once again be updated this spring.

2.1.3 Employment barrier #3

• Managers may not consider operational requirements and related accessibility barriers when hiring persons with disabilities.

Action #1 (Part 1) for employment barrier #3: in progress

• Equip managers to consider operational requirements and related accessibility barriers when hiring persons with disabilities through education and awareness, including through the following (action wording revised):
  • In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, VAC will develop and launch Assessment Board Education sessions. The sessions will increase accessibility awareness and skills of assessment board members and hiring managers. The sessions will help build knowledge of the requirement to establish a Statement of Merit Criteria and of the associated assessment tools that are barrier- and bias-free, and accessible by design. This training will help ensure that managers are thinking about accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the hiring process, while supporting candidates to showcase their skills, competencies, and abilities in an obstacle- and barrier-free environment.
    • Completed by: June 2024 Revised: June 2025
    • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
    • Status: In progress

Action #1 (Part 2) for employment barrier #3: in progress

• Provide hiring managers with a list of software and the accessibility status of each. Identify accessible alternatives. (Action wording revised)
  • Completed by: June 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: In progress

This work involves VAC’s participation in a working group with members of Shared Services Canada’s (SSC) Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) program to develop a standardized checklist that VAC can then use to perform audits on existing software.

Desired outcome

• VAC’s built environments are barrier-free.

2.2.1 The built environment barrier #1

• Workspaces are not always set up with specialized accessibility-related equipment and/or assistive technology in a timely manner. (Action wording revised)

Action #1 for the built environment barrier #1: completed

• Introduce a new process for purchasing/acquiring specialized accessibility-related equipment and/or assistive technology, in which managers will order two units of the required equipment – one for the employee, and an additional for backup. (Action wording revised)
  • Completed by: December 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: Completed

2.2.2 The built environment barrier #2

• While workspaces are fit to include standard ergonomic equipment (for example, desks, chairs, monitor arms, along with ergonomic mice and keyboards) by default or upon request, staff may not have the ergonomic information needed to set up their equipment to best suit their individual needs.

Action #1 for the built environment barrier #2: completed

• Update VAC’s Ergonomic Guidelines.
  • Completed by: June 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: Completed

2.2.3 The built environment barrier #3

• Persons with disabilities who visit and/or work in VAC offices (whether Departmental employees, clients, or other members of the public) have identified physical and/or architectural barriers including situations of, for example, uncomfortable seating, poor ramps, inaccessible signage and inaccessible parking.

Action #1 for the built environment barrier #3: completed

• Develop increased awareness about opportunities to provide feedback from persons with disabilities (internal and external) on accessibility issues related to the built environment and develop a process to collect feedback, then track and resolve issues in a timely manner. (Action wording revised)
  • Completed by: December 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch, Service Delivery (SD) Branch, and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
  • Status: Completed

Within all VAC head offices and field offices we have created an approved signage that has been put up. Within this signage we have outlined existing contact points for expressing concerns of accessibility issues which included: Accessibility Email, Telephone number and Quick Response (QR) code linked to the accessibility webpage survey. These three contact points were outlined within the Department approved posted sign for ongoing feedback. From here any accessibility related items will be filtered and properly triaged by the accessibility teams using their already in place procedures in relation to their contact points that were used in the accessibility signage. The contact information we put on the accessibility signage and placed within VAC offices were contact points previously established by the accessibility team.

2.2.4 The built environment barrier #4

• Safety equipment (for example, plexiglass in area offices) installed to protect employees may have an aggravating effect on some persons with disabilities.

Action #1 for the built environment barrier #4: in progress

• Engage third-party specialists to assess the impact of employee safety equipment on persons with disabilities and identify options for more accessible equipment.
  • Completed by: December 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: In progress

We are currently finalizing a statement of work for hiring a consultant. They will review our existing safety equipment fit up, including position of items, furniture, color schemes, flooring, and imagery.

2.2.5 The built environment barrier #5

• VAC’s emergency and business continuity procedures do not fully take into account accessibility (for example, evacuation plans to not specifically address how to evacuate persons with disabilities.)

Action #1 for the built environment barrier #5: completed

• Review and evaluate VAC’s emergency and business continuity planning and procedures to make them more accessible, while not compromising safety and complying with physical security directives.
  • Completed by: December 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: Completed

2.2.6 The built environment barrier #6

• There are known accessibility barriers at VAC’s numerous commemorative sites in Canada and overseas. However, due to their historical value, modifications to these sites’ structures and features must be carefully considered in order to balance protection and preservation concerns.

Action #1 for the built environment barrier #6: in progress

• Engage appropriate expert(s) to assess accessibility requirements at VAC’s commemorative sites, beginning with a comprehensive accessibility assessment by experts in cultural resource management.
  • Completed by: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: Commemoration and Public Affairs (CPA) Branch, CFOCS Branch, and experts (for example PSPC, contractors)
  • Status: In progress
• Thirteen sites in France and Belgium, representing 87% of Canada’s First World War overseas memorials, were assessed in November/December 2023.
  • Cemetery and Grave Marker Maintenance (CGMM), through PSPC, has completed its assessment for Veterans Cemetery in Esquimalt, British Columbia in 2023-2024.
• In Esquimalt we were only able to complete partial upgrades to the pathway in the forest garden area. PSPC is experiencing difficulty in finding a contractor that, first, wants to do the project and, second, at a fair market price. Currently the failed tenders all came back quoting double fair market value. Without those levels of funding available, we are having to pivot and will focus on some ground preparatory work this fiscal year and will have the remaining brickwork completed next year. The forest garden area remains accessible as the current pathway consists of hardpack crushed gravel and sand that can be easily navigated. We are in the midst of minor modifications within the columbaria plateau to allow easier navigation to and from the forest garden area for larger assistive devices and our equipment to access the area.
  • The remaining two sites overseas will be assessed in early 2025.
• A technical review of Fort Massey Cemetery, which included accessibility, was completed in 2023. VAC has yet to receive the final report from PSPC. The report is expected in May/June 2024. Once received, any accessibility items will be assessed and addressed with other infrastructure and property-based projects identified at Fort Massey. Any immediate accessibility concerns will be addressed as a priority based on funding and resources.
• A site meeting was held in July and PSPC indicated that based on the current use of the site and that it is an inactive cemetery, the current conditions are acceptable. All persons can fully access the site and tour the grounds. All access points are fully paved with the asphalt in good condition and does not require any repairs. We are also completing some horticultural based work in removing potential issues with some of the tree growth along the roadways, near the benches etc. We will be installing additional signage at the site to assist with navigation but this is based upon what will be identified in the final report.
  • The final report for the first thirteen assessments overseas was received and its observations have been assessed against current projects and is being incorporated into future project planning.
• Any barriers identified through CGMM are added to our short-, medium- and long-term infrastructure plans for our cemeteries.
• Commemoration continues to proactively assess potential accessibility barriers on all project and events. The Chapel at Veterans Cemetery is fully accessible with installation of an access ramp and relocation of the stairwell completed as of 17 April 2024. Final review of construction will be completed by PSPC before the end of April 2024.
• Once an accessibility barrier is identified for overseas sites, it is added to the International Operations (IO) cell projects file. As accessibility is considered in all projects, new barriers are actioned in the same manner.
• The goal is to complete 100% of the site assessments by July 2025; performance measurement is based on number of completed site assessments.
• Identified accessible upgrades for Veterans Cemetery have been completed except for the brick pathway within the Forest Garden area. This was delayed slightly due to infrastructure work (drainage, ground leveling etc.) that was identified during the initial planning stages of the pathway project, as well as available funding for fiscal year 2023-2024. This will be completed by 31 March 2025.
• For Commemorative Sites outside of Canada (overseas) the observations contained within the site assessments, as well as the established practice of ensuring that accessibility is considered in all projects and activities, ensures that projects and activities will continue beyond the current planning and reporting cycle. This is evident in some current long-term projects such as the resurfacing of a 500m trail and the rehabilitation of a major parking lot at the  Canadian National Vimy Memorial, as well as the redevelopment of the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial permanent exhibit.

For CGMM, additional accessible parking identified in the assessment for Veterans Cemetery will be addressed over the coming fiscal years based on funding and resources. VAC has already had initial discussions with National Defence to lease a small portion of land approximately 100m from the cemetery entrance. In the interim, VAC continues to work with PSPC to determine if an accessible parking spot can be identified on the cemetery grounds. There is potential for 1-2 spots that can be used. Further review is underway.

Desired outcome

• Veterans Affairs Canada’s information and communication technology is useable by all, regardless of ability.

2.3.1 ICT barrier #1

• VAC’s Client Service Delivery Network (CSDN), an integrated system that supports VAC employees in delivering Departmental benefits and services, is not accessible. This legacy client data repository and processing system was built on older technology and cannot be brought to an accessible state.
• CSDN’s current replacement is GCcase. Although it is more accessible than CSDN, GCcase is not fully accessible. GCcase is a version of Microsoft Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM) hosted by PSPC. A newer version of Dynamics CRM will be more accessible.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #1: completed

• Develop a plan (for example, the Information Technology (IT) Modernization Plan) to further modernize systems (for example, CSDN and GCcase), including to make them more accessible.
  • Completed by: December 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: Completed

Action #2 for ICT barrier #1: completed

• Implement a more accessible version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM and migrate the GCcase functionality to it.

Implementation:

Implement a more accessible version of Microsoft Dynamics CRM at VAC and migrate current systems to the new platforms.

In the Progress Report 2023 we combined GCcase and CSDN under old client systems. However, migration covers only the implementation of the new CRM and the migration of the GCcase systems to CRM. It does not include replacing CSDN. We're creating a separate action item to distinguish these two streams of work. (Action wording revised)

• Completed by: December 2024 (Implementation only)
• Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
• Status: Completed

We completed the remaining steps to implement the new system:

• from GCcase version 9.1 to Microsoft Dynamics CRM
• to the cloud version of CRM

Migration:

We migrated all GCcase functionality to the new CRM.

Action #3 for ICT barrier #1 (new): in progress

• Modernize Disability and Financial Benefits currently in CSDN, beginning with allowances (includes accessibility conformance.)
• In Phase 1 of the project we'll modernize 10 CSDN components, making them available in our Client Service Application (CSA). CSA is a modern Angular web application with some web components in CRM.

Note: Phase 1 extends into the next accessibility planning and reporting cycle.

1. Clothing allowance
2. Attendance allowance
3. Exceptional Incapacity Allowance
4. Pain and Suffering Compensation - 1st application Medical Condition Consequential Claims
5. Disability Pension - 1st application Medical Condition Consequential Claims
6. Income Replacement Benefit
7. Pain and Suffering Compensation - Election
8. Pain and Suffering Compensation - Cash Out
9. Public Service Health Care Plan
10. Veterans Emergency Fund

Per the IT Modernization project, we aim to complete 100% of the functionality needed to support all these benefits by March 2026. A small portion of this work will continue into the next accessibility planning cycle. Phase II of the project will include replacing more of CSDN; this will also fall into the next planning cycle.

• Completed by: December 2025
• Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
• Status: In progress

Essential core framework pieces required to move the first allowance, the Clothing Allowance, to the CSA are in place.

Action #4 for ICT barrier #1 (new): completed

• Design an accessibility framework for the IT Modernization project to ensure accessibility is included from the start and throughout, that our new solutions conform to EN 301 549 on release, that metrics are consistent across development teams, and that people with disabilities are included as stakeholders.
  • Completed by: June 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: Completed

We completed the design of the framework. It includes:

• Customized training and information sessions for each role involved in the project. These roles include development team leads, project and change managers, developers, and management.
• A core accessibility testing framework that includes best-practice methodologies, tools, metrics, and automation.

The addition of the Accessibility Network as a key stakeholder in the project, supporting the “Nothing without Us” principle. The Network guides the Department as it works to become accessible and inclusive. It enables the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers by providing input based on the lived experiences of persons with disabilities.

Action #5 (new) for ICT barrier #1: completed

• Implement the framework across all teams working on user interfaces for the new solutions.
  • Completed by: December 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: Completed

We have implemented the framework:

• A representative of the VAC Accessibility Network has been identified. They will attend stakeholder meetings and receive project communications. They’ll act as liaison between the project and the Network, so that people with disabilities are included throughout the project.
• We have provided information sessions and training customized to each role in the project.
• Development teams are following the accessibility standards during development, testing each increment, and fixing issues prior to release (or have a roadmap to fix them shortly afterwards).

2.3.2 ICT barrier #2

• Some web-based applications are not fully accessible. For instance, My VAC Account is not fully compliant with EN 301 549. My VAC Account is a public-facing client portal that provides a simple and secure way to do business online with VAC. It currently has over 140,000 users.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #2: in progress

• Bring My VAC Account into compliance with EN 301 549.
  • Completed by: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: In progress

Through operational development and testing, the My VAC Account development team has identified and corrected the majority of critical and serious accessibility issues and continues to address remaining issues in order of severity.

The centralized accessibility team has undertaken a quasi-independent accessibility audit against the EN 301 549 to uncover any accessibility issues not yet identified through operational development and testing.

Action #2 for ICT barrier #2: in progress

• Bring actively maintained web applications into compliance with EN 301 549 and apply the standard to any new features added to these applications.
• Actively maintained web applications are those that we enhance or improve often. We add new features to these or improve the navigation in them. (By contrast, other web apps are stable and do not need new features.)
  • Completed by: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: In progress

We have conducted accessibility audits on approximately 85% of our public-facing applications (other than My VAC Account), and 50% of our internal-facing applications.

We continue to:

1. conduct accessibility audits of these web applications
2. ensure teams receive training and tools
3. build accessibility into the start of new applications

Action #3 for ICT barrier #2: not yet started

• Bring 25% of other web applications (for example, applications that are stable and not being updated with new functionality at this time) into compliance with EN 301 549. These applications are unlikely to have new features and may be in scope for migration to Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
  • Completed by: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: Not yet started

This item may be carried forward to the next planning and reporting cycle. The priority is IT Modernization and resources are dedicated to that work. The likelihood of these other applications being in scope for IT Modernization increases as time goes by.

2.3.3 ICT barrier #3a: (wording revised)

• Client-facing letters
  Client-facing letters produced from our client systems are not fully accessible. Client-facing letters converted to Portable Document Format (PDF) in VAC’s systems can have accessibility issues, especially with screen readers.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #3a: completed

• Determine the nature and scope of accessibility barriers within client-facing letters (Microsoft Word and PDF).
• Determine a method to bring these into conformance with EN 301 549.
  • Completed by: December 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: Completed

VAC’s analysis of existing letters found that the only thing preventing these Word documents from being fully accessible is related to how fonts are embedded.

Note: We cannot guarantee full conformance to EN 301 549 for PDF versions of the letters. This barrier is not limited to VAC.

Action #2 for ICT barrier #3a: completed

• Conduct accessibility assessments on any new letter templates as they are being created or updated and identify solutions.
  • Completed by: December 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: Completed

VAC completed its assessment against the EN 301 549 of:

• the Letter Assistant letter-writing web tool
• the Word Automated Letter Template used for all letters
• the PDF version of the client letter generated by the tool

We found accessibility issues in all three components.

Action #3 for ICT barrier #3a: completed

• Bring 25% of client-facing letters into conformance with EN 301 549.
  • Completed by: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: Completed

We corrected the issues found in:

• the letter-writing tool
• the Word letter template used for all letters
• the PDF version of the client letter generated by the tool

Note: We cannot guarantee full conformance to EN 301 549 for PDF versions of the letters. This barrier is not limited to VAC. We have, however, fixed all issues in the PDF found by the automated accessibility checker in Foxit PDF Editor.

VAC will continue to include accessibility in design and development cycles to maintain compliance with the standard and future versions of it.

2.3.3 ICT barrier #3b: (wording revised)

• Client-facing forms
  Client-facing forms are not fully accessible. Client-facing forms converted to PDF in VAC’s systems can have accessibility issues, especially with screen readers.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #3b: in progress

• Determine the nature and scope of accessibility barriers within client-facing forms (PDF).
• Determine a method to bring these into conformance with EN 301 549.
  • Completed by: December 2023 Revised: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: In progress

Reason for revision of target date:
We have separated (Adobe PDF) client-facing forms into its own action item because it will take longer to complete than the letters work; there are additional challenges with PDF.

We have run a few client-facing forms through automated accessibility checks and found issues. We have not conducted full manual testing, which is expected to reveal additional issues, especially in complex forms.

We have had discussions with ICT accessibility experts from several Government organizations. They have cautioned that it will be difficult to achieve 100% conformance to EN 301 549 in PDF forms.

We will conduct further analysis to determine how to address accessibility in forms with our available capacity. This work will continue into the next reporting year.

Action #2 for ICT barrier #3b: in progress

• Conduct accessibility assessments against EN 301 549.
  • Completed by: December 2023 Revised: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: In progress

Reason for revision of target date:
We have separated (Adobe PDF) client-facing forms into its own action item because it will take longer to complete than the letters work; there are additional challenges with PDF.

The Department follows good accessibility practices in the design phase of forms development. VAC also made progress assessing forms against the standard and has identified some development issues preventing us from meeting the standard (WCAG, section 9 of EN 301 549). VAC continues to work on solutions for these.

We have run a few client-facing forms through automated accessibility checks and found issues. We have done some limited manual testing but have not conducted full manual testing, which is expected to reveal additional issues, especially in complex forms.

Action #3 for ICT barrier #3b: not yet started

• Bring client-facing forms into conformance with EN 301 549.
  • Completed by: December 2023 Revised: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: Not yet started

Reason for revision of target date:
We have separated (Adobe PDF) client-facing forms into its own action item because it will take longer to complete than the letters work; there are additional challenges with PDF.

2.3.3 ICT barrier #3c: (wording revised)

• Scanned client documents are not fully accessible.
  This barrier is limited to the scanned paper forms and supporting documents that clients mail to us. Workers at our mail-scanning facility convert the mailed-in documents to PDF, add metadata, and upload them to the client's digital file.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #3c: completed

• Determine the nature and scope of accessibility barriers within scanned client documents in VAC's systems.
  • Completed by: December 2023 Revised: December 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: Completed

We conducted a preliminary analysis of our scanned images and their metadata. Screen reader users will not be able to read them, and screen magnifier users may see loss of image quality.

Action #2 for ICT barrier #3c: in progress

• Determine options to bring scanned client documents into an accessible state, and which of these would be in scope for this work, for example, historical versus new.
  • Completed by: December 2023 Revised: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: In progress

Reason for revision of target date:
We do not have sufficient capacity to complete this item in the original time frame.

A note on computer vision:
VAC has developed an automated search tool that assists VAC adjudicators in processing disability applications.

The tool leverages Azure AI Vision to identify relevant supporting documents on a client's file. The tool submits documents to the Azure computer vision service, which uses Optical Character Recognition to scan the documents and convert handwriting to text. The search tool implements a text search on the text generating a PDF bundle of relevant pages. Adjudicator time is saved by only referencing relevant client information pertaining to the client's condition being claimed.

At time of writing, the tool does not provide the VAC employee with a text alternative of the document. If it's a scanned image of a doctor's hand-written note, for example, it will not be readable by a screen reader.

In future planning cycles, we could explore using computer vision to remove barriers in scanned client documents.

2.3.4 ICT barrier #4

• Data analytics dashboards and reports are not fully accessible.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #4: in progress

• Identify and remove accessibility barriers in 50% of data analytics dashboards and reports.
  • Completed by: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch and SD Branch
  • Status: In progress

VAC has identified affected analytics dashboards. Dashboards are interactive visualizations. Users can see high-level data at a glance and select different key data to view detailed reports. Dashboards do not conform to the accessibility standard unless they have alternative, accessible versions.

We are now releasing each dashboard with alternative accessible versions of key reports. We'll provide accessible versions of other dashboard reports on request.

VAC is implementing a new reporting portal. This will allow us to publish dashboards and accessible versions of reports in the same area. Navigation of the new portal will be accessible.

We had to delay implementing the new reporting portal due to some fixes required by the vendor, but we do not expect this to impact the original target date.

We have not changed any tracking or performance indicators.

2.3.5 ICT barrier #5

• Not all public-facing mobile applications are fully accessible (for example, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Coach Canada and Veterans Matter mobile applications).

Note that VAC now has only one mobile application: PTSD Coach Canada

Action #1 for ICT barrier #5:  in progress

• Perform accessibility assessments and fix issues in this public-facing mobile application.
  • Completed by: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch, SD Branch, Health Services
  • Status: In progress

This assessment was completed in 2024 and included:

• text-to-speech functionality
• options to adjust font sizes in the app or compatibility with device font size settings
• subtitles for audio content
• options to adjust audio volume within the app
• help features throughout the app, indicated by clear, universally recognized icons

Fixing the usability and accessibility issues found will continue into the next reporting year. The version of PTSD Coach Canada, released in April 2024, contains an accessibility statement and a link to the Veterans Affairs Canada accessibility feedback page. The statement reads:

"Have you encountered an accessibility issue in PTSD Coach Canada? Let us know on our VAC Accessibility Feedback page.”

Correction to Progress Report 2023:
We did not conduct the accessibility audit against EN 301 549.

2.3.6 ICT barrier #6

• Some of VAC’s internal legacy desktop software (for example, software provided by third-party vendors) is not fully accessible.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #6: in progress

• Conduct accessibility audits to identify fixes on internal desktop software and take action as appropriate (upgrade or replace).
  • Completed by: December 2024 Revised: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: In progress

VAC is currently working with SSC’s Accessibility Working Group to come up with audit procedures and an accessibility scorecard. The procedures and scorecard will guide how VAC does reviews and audits for internal software. This will determine whether or not third-party software meets the identified criteria for accessibility. Once the process is completed, VAC will have scorecards and an explanation on what the outcome is in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for all VAC employees to view.

2.3.7 ICT barrier #7: (new barrier added)

• SharePoint and PowerApps products enable more people outside of IT to develop tools that support their business processes. They are, in fact, ICT products and need to conform to EN 301 549.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #7: not yet started

• Provide VAC-wide governance to require and guide people developing tools in SharePoint and PowerApps to include accessibility from the start and adhere to EN 301 459 as much as these platforms currently allow.
  • Completed by: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: Not yet started

2.3.8 ICT barrier #8: (new barrier added)

• This barrier is limited to the Application Management Division (AMD).

AMD builds client systems in-house. Its product and project documents, for example project roadmaps, have not conformed to EN 301 549 in the past.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #8: completed

• Promote awareness of the importance of accessible documents within our directorate and within the VAC projects we support, with a focus on impact to users.
  • Completed by: December 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: Completed

AMD has been promoting awareness of document accessibility, with a focus on impact to users, through working groups, projects, and posts to internal communications channels. These activities will continue as part of our normal operations and business processes.

Action #2 for ICT barrier #8: completed

• Provide training and/or reference materials to the AMD.
  • Completed by: December 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: Completed

Tracking: VAC’s AMD Accessibility Progress Tool.

We have hosted a few learning sessions on Word and PowerPoint accessibility, and we direct people to How to create accessible documents in Microsoft 365 - Digital Accessibility Toolkit for continued self-directed learning.

2.3.9 ICT barrier #9

• Certain accessibility features of VAC’s operating system and mobile devices are not enabled due to concerns around compatibility and security.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #9: completed

• Evaluate additional accessibility features of VAC’s operations system and mobile devices that can be enabled.
  • Completed by: December 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch, SSC
  • Status: Completed

All accessibility features of VAC’s operating system are enabled and available for employees to use. There are some accessibility features that are disabled by default on mobile devices due to security concerns. The disabled accessibility features on mobile devices can be enabled through a request to Shared Services Canada’s AAACT Team.

2.3.10 ICT barrier #10

• The current procurement process for new software and hardware does not include a standard accessibility evaluation.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #10: in progress

• Develop a standard accessibility evaluation and incorporate this evaluation into the procurement process for new software and hardware.
  • Completed by: December 2023 Revised: December 2024
    (This work is being undertaken by VAC in collaboration with AAACT group. VAC will continue working with this group to come up with audit procedures and a scorecard. These procedures and scorecard will support VAC in the review and audit of the accessibility of desktop software and hardware.)
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch, SSC
  • Status: In progress

We are currently reviewing our procurement process and how best we can evaluate new software and hardware requests. We are currently working with SSC’s Accessibility Working Group to come up with audit procedures and a scorecard on how to be able to review and audit desktop software and hardware to determine if it meets accessibility criteria or not.

2.3.11 ICT barrier #11

• There is currently no technical training provided regarding the accessibility features on VAC systems, applications, and devices.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #11: in progress

• Create a plan to provide technical training regarding the accessibility features on VAC systems, applications, and devices. Build specific training into our planning.
  • Completed by: June 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: In progress

Most Accessibility items that are used in M365 are covered in the Training Portal. We have also been using these tools to ensure our documents and videos are as accessible as possible. We have had Tech Talks to bring awareness to the features on how others can make their material more accessible.

2.3.12 ICT barrier #12

• Accessibility enhancements (to VAC systems, applications, and devices) are not communicated or promoted.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #12: completed

• Create a plan to identify, communicate, and promote accessibility enhancements (to VAC systems, applications, and devices).
  • Completed by: December 2023 Revised: June 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: Completed

Accessibility enhancements are currently communicated through VAC’s IT Training Portal. IT Training creates documentation and offers training via Tech Talks about accessibility. These topics include, how to create accessible documents in different applications, accessibility software options and how to use accessibility features on various software. We will schedule regular Tech Talks regarding accessibility to ensure new features are being shared.

2.3.13 ICT barrier #13

• Providing in-home support for tasks such as equipment set-up has not been possible for numerous reasons (e.g., capacity, location, and health and safety risks).

Action #1 for ICT barrier #13: in progress

• Identify options to provide in-home set-up of IT equipment for persons with disabilities.
  • Completed by: December 2023 Revised: June 2024
    (Action is pending further discussion with AAACT group and IT Procurement to look at options for contracting out in-home services)
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: In progress

VAC is currently in discussions with SSC’s AAACT group and IT Procurement to review options for contracting out in-home services, ensuring that contracting services are available to properly evaluate requests. VAC will be tracking requests which includes reporting who made the request and who went to provide the in-home services.

• Indicators:
  • number of requests for in-home services
  • number of requests fulfilled, who fulfilled in-home service request
• Target: 100%

2.3.14 ICT barrier #14

• VAC’s Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Request Processing Software – AccessPro Case Management is not fully accessible. In turn, response packages provided to requestors are not accessible.

Action #1 for ICT barrier #14: in progress

• Purchase and implement new processing software that is accessible.
  • Completed by: June 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: In progress

We are currently focused on configuring the Development environment for ATIPXpress, our new ATIP solution. ATIPXpress is a tool that combines different tasks like handling requests, finding records, redacting sensitive information, and ensuring compliance into one system. It makes managing these tasks faster by automating them. Following its completion, we will proceed with implementing the Production environment. This involves preparing production servers, installing software components, configuring the production environment and conducting thorough software testing.

2.3.15 ICT barrier #15

• ATIP Operations does not currently provide an accessible telephone line (for example, hearing impaired and/or deaf accessibility options.)

Action #1 for ICT barrier #15: completed

• VAC and SSC to implement an accessible telephone line (for example, text telephone (TTY) functionality) for ATIP Operations to improve service for hearing-impaired or deaf clients.
  • Completed by: December 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch, SSC
  • Status: Completed

The TTY accessible telephone line is active for ATIP Operations. The number has been published at the following link: Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) | Veterans Affairs Canada.

Desired outcomes

• VAC staff are equipped to design and deliver communications that are accessible to persons with disabilities.
• Persons with disabilities are satisfied with the accessibility of VAC’s communications.

2.4.1 Communication barrier #1

• In-person and virtual events are not always barrier-free.

Action #1 for communication barrier #1: in progress

• Develop accessibility-related references and tools for VAC-led commemorative events in Canada and abroad.
• In all International Operations Directorate events and project plans, include a new section providing an analysis of accessibility observations, barriers and/or mitigations.
• Address accessibility as a broad planning concept in development of International Operations Quality Visitor Experience Strategy. This strategy will guide all planning efforts for visitor experience programming at VAC sites moving forward. For instance, accessibility-related questions will be included in 2022 Visitor Satisfaction Survey conducted at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial.
• Continue to assess and make improvements to parking lots, walkways, and curbs on VAC-managed memorial sites in Europe. This will continue to be an on-going project with improving accessibility.
  • Completed by: December 2025
  • Roles and responsibilities: CPA Branch
  • Status: In progress

2.4.2 Communication barrier #2

• Described video is not available for silent videos at VAC’s visitor centres at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial.
• Subtitles need to be added to audio visual displays at these visitor centres.

Action #1 for communication barrier #2: in progress

• Add described video (audio) to silent videos in visitor centres.
• Add subtitles to audio visual displays in visitor centres.
  • Completed by: December 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: CPA Branch
  • Status: In progress

In progress for Vimy. Beaumont-Hamel exhibits are due to be replaced in 2025-2026, likely in the fall. Any work that is going to be done moving forward they will take into account accessibility in the planning phase.

Desired outcome

• All goods and services procured by VAC are accessible.

2.5.1 The procurement of goods, services and facilities barrier #1

• Some VAC staff are not familiar with accessibility best practices/requirements for procurement and contracting.

Action #1 for the procurement of goods, services and facilities barrier #1: in progress

• Incorporate accessibility-related considerations into procurement information sessions. These sessions will be offered to employees two times per year and will increase awareness of accessibility-related requirements in procurement and contracting.
• Establish ICT-specific standards that are required for all procurement for third-party built software.
• Establish accessibility standards for the procurement of equipment such as furniture and supplies.
  • Completed by: June 2024 Revised: June 2025
    (This timeline was extended because the GC has not yet set standards for furniture accessibility. VAC intends to follow these standards once they have been established)
  • Roles and responsibilities: CFOCS Branch
  • Status: In progress

Procurement information sessions that include information on accessibility-related considerations were launched in early 2023. This is complete and will be ongoing. We have achieved this and continue to deliver procurement information sessions on various topics, which include the highlighting VAC’s obligation to make accessibility considerations and incorporate accessibility requirements into contracts. The procurement unit provided two information sessions, one in the fall and one in the winter of FY 2023-2024 through the VAC Manager’s Network.

• Indicator: % of Procurement information sessions (2 sessions per year) that include content on accessibility considerations for procurement and contracting:
• Target = 100% by June 2024 - Complete

The GC has adopted EN 301 549 for ICT, which applies to procured ICT products and services as well as those developed internally. VAC is updating its procurement processes to ensure compliance with EN 301 549. Accessibility compliance requirements are now included in statements of work, and incorporated into VAC Procurement’s Requests for Proposals, Information, Bids (RFx),etc. PSPC Procurement’s standard Bid (RFx) templates also include accessibility compliance requirements. VAC has adopted GC accessibility standards and ensures that they are incorporated into all contracts for all new procurements for third party software.

• Indicator: % of procurement activities in which the established GC ICT standards for third party built software are considered
• Target: 100% complete June 2025 – In progress
• Source: Accessibility Consideration Indicator in VAC’s Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP)

Accessibility considerations are included for all contracts for the acquisition of furniture and supplies. The GC has established procurement instruments such as mandatory standing offers and supply arrangements for the acquisition of furniture and supplies. The accessibility standards for procurement of furniture purchased through PSPC’s mandatory supply arrangements align with the GC Workplace Fit-up Standard and the GCworkplace Design Guide. The GCworkplace Design Guide has been developed as the companion document to the GC Workplace Fit-up Standards and is mandatory for all planning and design of general-purpose office space. Once PSPC establishes Accessibility standards for all furniture those standards will be adopted by VAC.

• Indicator: % of procurement activities in which the accessibility standards established for the procurement of equipment (such as furniture and supplies) are considered
• Target: 100% complete by June 2024 - Complete
• Source: Accessibility Consideration Indicator in VAC’s SAP

Desired outcomes

• VAC staff are equipped to design and deliver programs and services that are accessible to persons with disabilities.
• Persons with disabilities are satisfied with the accessibility of VAC’s programs and services.

2.6.1 The design and delivery of programs and services barrier #1

• Accessibility is not fully considered during the reporting phase for each audit and evaluation.

Action #1 for the design and delivery of programs and services barrier #1: completed

• Establish an accessibility requirements checklist to be reviewed and adhered to during the reporting phase for each audit and evaluation.
  • Completed by: June 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: Audit and Evaluation Division (AED)
  • Status: Completed

2.6.2 The design and delivery of programs and services barrier #2

• Direct client communication initiated by the BPA is by telephone. This may cause a barrier to those who are hard of hearing, who communicate using sign language, or those with verbal communication difficulties. Although MS Teams and My VAC Account are additional options for client communications, VAC does not use these tools to initiate client communication.
• Clients do not have IT support when using MS Teams.
• Not everyone has reliable access to a computer or the internet.

Action #1 for the design and delivery of programs and services barrier #2: completed

• Make the application steps clear, concise and easy to understand and provide better support material. This will be achieved through:
  • continuing to maintain paper options for clients who wish to initiate and communicate by way of printed mail or My VAC Account
  • ensuring that all standard client communiqués (fact sheets and letters) meet accessibility standards
    • Completed by: June 2023
    • Roles and responsibilities: BPA
    • Status: Completed

2.6.3 The design and delivery of programs and services barrier #3

• Disability Benefits (Pain and Suffering Compensation/Disability Pension) application steps are not clear, concise, or easy to understand.

Action #1 for the design and delivery of programs and services barrier #3: in progress

• Make the application steps clear, concise and easy to understand and provide better support material. This will be achieved through:
  • Consulting on how to improve the online application in My VAC Account.
  • Reviewing application and communications material to ensure they meet applicants’ needs.
    • Completed by: June 2024 Revised: June 2025
    • Roles and responsibilities: SD Branch with support from CPA Branch
    • Status: In progress

Consulting on how to improve the online application in My VAC Account/Reviewing the application (complete). VAC’s Innovation Hub reviewed the PEN923 and reached out to subject matter experts to discuss potential options that could be utilized to update and improve the application.

Reviewing communication material (complete). Issues Management reviewed and updated the articles relating to Disability Benefits, in consultation with Disability Benefits

Program Management. The updates were made to ensure that the reader clearly understands what is required and what we do with the information. The updates were posted on our external site on May 12.

Reviewing/updates to the application (In progress). The current status is in progress, with an anticipated implementation date before the end of June 2025. Further amendments to the PEN923 were required in order to align with work being completed on two key disability benefit decision-making tools, the Entitlement Eligibility Guidelines and the Table of Disabilities. These amendments will be finalized by the Centralized Operations Division by end of October 2024, followed by the development work related to My VAC Account, Forms Management, and GCCase & Integration teams to meet the January target implementation date.

2.6.4 The design and delivery of programs and services barrier #4

• Plain language needs to be used consistently in letters regarding disability benefits.

Action #1 for the design and delivery of programs and services barrier #4: completed

• Develop an approval process to ensure that plain language is used consistently in all letters regarding disability benefits.
  • Completed by: June 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: SD Branch
  • Status: Completed

Disability Benefits Program Management has created a straightforward process for team members to follow when updating or creating decision letters. The process has four stages, including research, review and feedback, approval of final draft and implementation. The goal is to ensure any new or updated decision letters are written in plain language, using accessible format, under the Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) lens. The approval process can be considered complete and is now being used consistently in letters regarding disability benefits.

2.6.5 The design and delivery of programs and services barrier #5

• VAC’s policies, programs and initiatives need to consider barriers and accessibility needs for individuals who are part of more than one equity-seeking group. For example, this would include a person who has a disability and is also part of the Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) communities, and/or who is Indigenous, or belongs to another equity-seeking group.

Action #1 for the design and delivery of programs and services barrier #5: completed

• Development of a Departmental GBA Plus policy and GBA Plus tools, training, and resources. Include a promotional plan for the policy and tools as a complement to accessibility considerations.
  • Completed by: June 2023
  • Roles and responsibilities: Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance (SPPP) Branch
  • Status: Completed

2.6.6 The design and delivery of programs and services barrier #6

• Consultation and engagement on VAC policy and program design is conducted on short timelines or in a way that is not accessible. For instance, the process may not provide enough time to Veterans with disabilities or other persons with disabilities to provide thoughtful feedback to inform these initiatives.

Action #1 for the design and delivery of programs and services barrier #6: completed

• Extend and update the Disability Lens Guidelines and VAC’s Policy and Development Manual using feedback received through the fall 2021 Let’s Talk Veterans consultations on accessibility.
  • Completed by: June 2024
  • Roles and responsibilities: SPPP Branch
  • Status: Completed

Following a careful review of policies, practices, programs, services, and benefits, no barriers were identified in this area.

Desired outcome

• VAC staff understand what accessibility means and why it matters, and they are equipped to make the Department a more accessible and inclusive workplace and service provider.

VAC’s Accessibility Action Plan 2022-2025 noted that the Department would continue to:

• find opportunities to collaborate with the Accessibility Network on accessibility-related initiatives
• develop accessible templates
• arrange speaking opportunities, panels, and presentations about accessibility
• promote “Accessibility Confidence at VAC: A Playbook”
• learn about and plan accessible meetings and events
• facilitate informal meeting opportunities related to accessibility
• celebrate accessibility-related events to increase education and awareness

Progress on VAC’s accessibility culture shift in 2024

VAC’s accessibility employee survey

The yearly survey helps the Department measure how VAC is becoming more accessibility-confident. From April 22 - May 10, 2024, a total of 796 employees (20.9%) completed VAC’s Employee Accessibility Survey. In 2023, 113 employees responded to this survey. The increase in respondents shows an increase in awareness.

This year, the respondents noted progress in areas such as: 

• initiatives to increase awareness and empathy around persons with disabilities and the barriers they face
• the use of plain language
• offering/promoting accessibility-related learning events, trainings, tools, and resources
• initiatives to ensure that accessibility is modeled through all levels of the Department

Feedback from this survey will shape VAC’s Accessibility Action Plan 2025-2028, future progress reports, and strategies to improve the Department’s accessibility culture.

Updates to VAC’s Accessibility@VAC intranet site

In 2023-2024, the content on the Accessibility@VAC intranet site was regularly updated to provide employees with the most recent information, resources, and updates from the Accessibility Network. For example, the site was updated to include more than 40 resources and learning opportunities from various partners.

The “Accessibility Storytellers” and “Accessibility Adopters” series continue to be a key feature of the site. VAC’s Accessibility Storytellers series showcases lived experience from VAC employees with disabilities and their allies and the Accessibility Adopters series celebrates employees who prioritize accessibility into their work at VAC.

Promotion of accessibility learning opportunities offered by other organizations

Part of VAC’s culture shift strategy is creating content that sparks discussion on accessibility.

Accessibility learning sessions continue to be promoted. Examples includes:

• GC Accessibility Training and Learning:
  • document accessibility workshops
  • overview of accessibility features on smartphones and adaptive technology in the workplace
  • essentials for GC managers and human resources professionals: Best practices in accessibility, workplace adjustments and job accommodation
• Plain Language: a clear voice for Canada (GC Plain Language Community of Practice)
• The Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion

In 2024, we internally promoted events and sessions offered by: Employment and Social Development Canada, Health Canada, CSPS, the Canadian Accessibility Network, Accessibility Standards Canada, SSC, PSPC, and the Office of Public Service Accessibility.

Accessibility-related content provided to program areas

In 2024, VAC’s Accessibility Readiness Team contacted program areas/divisions to increase interest in receiving accessibility content for distribution to their employees.

Accessibility-related events and presentations

During National AccessAbility Week 2024 (NAAW), the Accessibility Network and the VAC Accessibility Readiness Team hosted a fireside chat and accessibility panel discussion called “Fostering accessibility culture.” The event was a great success, with two panelists from the Accessibility Network, two employees from the Disability Management Unit, and 624 employees in attendance.

Promotion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities and National AccessAbility Week

VAC promoted International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2023 with a Carillon series (online newsletter) called “A Day in the Life,” where Accessibility Network members shared their day-to-day experiences. These initiatives were promoted through the Accessibility Champion’s messages to all staff, the accessibility resources section on Accessibility@VAC intranet site, MS Teams posts, and the Friday Highlights, VAC’s e-newsletter.

During NAAW 2024, the Accessibility Network hosted a fireside chat and panel discussion with VAC’s Champion of Accessibility. The GC hosted a public service-wide event called, “Brave Conversations and Bold Actions When Building Accessible and Inclusive Workplaces”. These activities, and other accessibility resources, were promoted through an email to all staff from the Accessibility Champion, MS Teams postings, articles in VAC’s internal online newsletter Carillon, and the Friday Highlights e-newsletter.

VAC remains committed to growing the Department’s accessibility learning and awareness.