Ottawa – Accessibility Standards Canada and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It aims to improve the coordination between both organizations and help influence accessibility standards across Canada and the United States of America.
In addition to increasing international collaboration, this MOU helps both parties:
- create progressive, research-based standards and best practices for accessibility;
- identify new areas of joint standards development initiatives;
- increase stakeholder engagement with standards development activities; and
- coordinate efforts on areas of common interest.
By building relationships on the international stage, Accessibility Standards Canada aims to influence change beyond Canada. It seeks to do this by sharing the benefits of developing equity-based accessibility standards with an intersectional lens. It hopes to create change now by showing that engaging people with lived experience and the best expertise is critical to the development of world-class accessibility standards.
Collaboration and harmonization on accessibility standards promote equity and consistency in accessibility for people with disabilities not matter where they live, work, or travel. Together, Accessibility Standards Canada and ULSE can optimize efforts to help create a more accessible society.
“We are very happy to work with ULSE. Collaborating at the international level lets us have a more effective and consistent approach to accessibility. It’s important to share our expertise and learn from others, especially when we all have a common goal. This agreement will serve both organizations and, more importantly, will benefit of our citizens. As trailblazers, we, at Accessibility Standards Canada, aim to set the bar high to ensure we develop the highest quality of standards that are seamless and inclusive across our borders.” – Philip Rizcallah, Chief Executive Officer, Accessibility Standards Canada