Download Braille Ready file (.brf)
Accessibility Plan Reporting Cycle
Learn more about Ingenium's current progress with the 2022-2025 Accessibility Plan.
- Ingenium Accessibility Plan Reporting Cycle 2023 (PDF: 412 KB)
Table of Contents
- Identifying, Removing, and Preventing Accessibility Barriers
- Employment
- The built environment (buildings and public spaces)
- Information and communication technologies (ICT)
- Communication (other than ICT)
- The procurement of goods, services, and facilities
- The design and delivery of programs and services
- Transportation
- Awareness, Knowledge, and Culture: Fostering a Sense of Belonging
- Consultations, Collaboration, Co-creation and Co-development (The 4 C’s)
- Glossary of Terms
- Glossary of Acronyms and Abbreviations
Message from Ingenium
Ingenium’s team at Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation is committed to providing accessible opportunities for our visitors, staff, and volunteers.
The creation of this Accessibility Plan is part of an ongoing commitment to becoming an inclusive organization that provides accessible programs, services, facilities, and employment opportunities. Our Truth, Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (TREDIA) plan will help ensure that accessibility is at the forefront of everything Ingenium offers.
As part of our mandate to foster scientific and technological literacy throughout Canada, we recognize the importance of ensuring that our collection and our programs, services, and facilities are accessible to all.
To remove and prevent accessibility barriers, it is essential that we understand the various types of barriers that exist and how to identify them. As part of this process, Ingenium acknowledges the complexity of the lived experience of persons with disabilities. We are committed to engaging in collaborative efforts to identify and remove all barriers to accessibility. This includes addressing any systemic and attitudinal barriers that reflect the ableism that exists in a society constructed and still influenced by settler colonialism.
We are dedicated to continuing to identify and eliminate barriers in our workplace. While we have made important progress, there is still much work to do. This Plan outlines the way forward. It describes the work we have already done and what we hope to accomplish in the coming years. We welcome feedback at any time about accessibility at Ingenium—Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation.
Lisa Leblanc
Director General, Canada Science and Technology museum
Chair of Ingenium’s Accessibility Working Group
Camille Bérubé
Advisor, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility
General
There are three major roles related to accessibility at Ingenium:
- Director, Truth, Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility;
- Advisor, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; and
- Ingenium’s Accessibility Working Group
The Director, Truth, Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (TREDIA) (Samantha David) and the Advisor, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (Camille Bérubé) are responsible for leading accessibility initiatives at Ingenium—Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation.
The Accessibility Plan is designed to be responsive to the environment and to the needs of Ingenium and its many visitors. Feedback and questions are encouraged to help the ongoing shaping of this Plan.
Questions or inquiries about Ingenium’s Accessibility Plan or other accessibility initiatives can be directed to accessibility-accessibilite@IngeniumCanada.org.
Executive Summary
About Ingenium
lngenium is a vital link between science and society. At lngenium and its three museums—the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (CAFM), the Canada Aviation and Space Museum (CASM), and the Canada Science and Technology Museum (CSTM)—we are committed to taking science engagement to the next level. We are doing this by co-creating accessible and inclusive participatory experiences. We will achieve this through our three museums, as well as the new lngenium Centre, which houses our Research Institute and the Digital Innovation Lab.
Ingenium’s programs are intended to benefit all people living in Canada, with primary audiences being families with young children, students, educators, and researchers. We understand that to be successful, lngenium must respect and reflect our growing, diverse, and changing nation. The journey ahead includes building a nation of collaborators, communicators, and critical thinkers.
Accessibility Goals and Principles
Ingenium is committed to achieving our strategic goals with the objective of expanding the boundaries of engagement through our Access for All strategic goal. Several of the goals included in this Accessibility Plan are based on Ingenium’s Strategic Plan to:
- Harness the power of digital to connect with Canadians;
- Respect and include diverse voices and communities; and
- Champion physical, cognitive, sensory, and socio-economic accessibility.
While working at providing a vital link between science and society for all, Ingenium is guided by our strategic goals, the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and the work of disability activists. The 10 Principles of Disability Justice identified by Sins Invalid1 guide our reflections, our commitment to disability justice and challenge us to think critically about the work we do.
Ultimately, Ingenium aims to create a culture that considers and applies the ‘’Nothing Without Us’’ perspective in all our operations. This includes ongoing consultations, collaboration, co-development and co-creation alongside those with lived experience of disability.
True accessibility leads to inclusion and a sense of belonging. That is our ultimate goal at Ingenium: that all individuals feel that they are included and represented in all we do. Creating this environment involves identifying, removing, and preventing barriers at Ingenium, in the following seven areas identified by Accessible Canada Act (ACA):
- Employment;
- The built environment (buildings and public spaces);
- Information and communication technologies (ICT);
- Communication, other than information and communication technologies;
- The procurement of goods, services, and facilities;
- The design and delivery of programs and services; and
- Transportation.
As part of Ingenium’s Access for All journey, we believe that fostering an authentic sense of belonging for everyone is a critical part of the process. Deepening our knowledge and awareness around disability, accessibility, and barriers needs to go beyond these seven areas. As a result, an eighth category was added to this Plan, incorporating strategies to enhance accessibility awareness, knowledge, and culture.
Accessible Canada Act and Beyond
Ingenium supports the following ACA principles and is committed to implementing all activities while recognizing and considering the following principles:
- Everyone must be treated with dignity;
- Everyone must have the same opportunity to make for themselves the life they are able and wish to have;
- Everyone must be able to participate fully and equally in society;
- Everyone must have meaningful options and be free to make their own choices, with support if they desire;
- Laws, policies, programs, services, and structures must consider the ways that different kinds of barriers and discrimination intersect;
- Persons with disabilities must be involved in the development and design of laws, policies, programs, services, and structures;
- and Accessibility standards and regulations must be made with the goal of achieving the highest level of accessibility.
As we embark on the development and maintenance of an Accessibility Plan in response to the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), we are committed to providing accessible experiences to all people living in Canada, through consultation, collaboration, and co-creation with the disability community. This Accessibility Plan aims to address both ACA and human rights legislation compliance requirements. It also chooses to go beyond what is required for legislative compliance. It includes goals that address some of the accessibility and inclusion gaps that were identified during review and consultation processes at Ingenium.
We will continue to work towards creating a safe, welcoming, brave and authentic space where everyone is encouraged to show up as they are.
1 https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/10-principles-of-disability-justice
Identifying, Removing, and Preventing Accessibility Barriers
As a learning organization, Ingenium is continuously improving access to the museums and the Ingenium Centre. This includes our research, collection, and archives, as well as on-site, off-site, and virtual experiences. We want to ensure that audiences that have traditionally faced barriers are welcome both onsite and online.
Ingenium recognizes that addressing accessibility is a complex issue requiring multiple long-term and sustainable strategies. This Accessibility Plan includes a brief description of accessibility barriers that have been identified and addressed to date, as well as future goals that require resources to remove and prevent barriers.
As a consolidated Crown corporation, Ingenium relies on parliamentary-voted assigned funds as its primary source of revenue. The remainder of Ingenium’s operational budget is provided by program and operations revenue and individual and corporate donations or partnerships.
While some of the following accomplishments involved one-time changes to remove barriers to accessibility, many of the tasks are ongoing. Ingenium is committed to regular reviews of its policies and procedures to prevent new barriers wherever possible.
1. Employment
Ingenium’s commitment to accessible and inclusive employment is focused on increasing the recruitment, retention, and advancement of people with disabilities. This requires ensuring Ingenium’s environment and culture create a space that recognizes the uniqueness of each of our team members. Each job applicant and employee should have the opportunity to show up as they are, in all contexts and spaces at Ingenium.
1.1 Accomplishments
In the past several years, we have reviewed and updated Ingenium’s hiring process to reduce barriers to access. Some accomplishments are related to ensuring compliance with the ACA and other legislation, as well as to meeting the terms of our collective agreement. Other accomplishments align with our organizational goals and strategic plans.
The following accomplishments are related to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessible employment.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Creation of three internal working groups with employee representation: Accessibility Working Group (AWG), Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group (EDIWG), and Indigenous Community Relations Working Group (ICRWG) | Director General (DG), CAFM (ICRWG) DG, CSTM (AWG) DG, CASM (EDIWG) |
Initiated 2019-2020 (with working group activity ongoing) |
| Hiring of an Advisor, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Summer 2020 |
| Delivery of mandatory unconscious bias training for all hiring managers | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Initiated Summer 2020 (with training delivery ongoing) |
| Initial draft of Ingenium’s TREDIA plan | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Fall 2021 |
| Hiring of a Director, TREDIA (Truth and Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), reporting to the CEO’s office | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Fall 2022 |
| A review and update of Ingenium job postings to ensure clear, accurate, and accessible descriptions and inclusive language | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Ongoing |
| A review and increase of job posting sites and contacts used, to reach broader and targeted audiences for available positions | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Ongoing |
| Processes and training to ensure proactive queries regarding accommodation requests for job applicants, when scheduling candidate tests, interviews, or other activities during the recruitment and hiring process | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Ongoing |
| A review and update of interview questions and procedures, to ensure A review and update of interview questions and procedures, to ensure accessible processes and awareness among hiring managers of how to meet accommodation requests wherever possible | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Ongoing |
| Hiring of two students from the High School Students with Intellectual Disabilities Integration Project | DG, CAFM DG, CSTM |
February to June 2022 November 2022 to May 2023 |
1.2 Goals
Ingenium continues to review its workplace environment and culture, with the goal of identifying and removing barriers to accessibility and inclusion for job applicants and employees. The following projects will be launched or expanded between 2022 and 2025.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Publish and implement final version of TREDIA plan | CEO | Summer 2023 |
| Expand the accelerated TREDIA training plan for the Ingenium Executive Leadership Team, with a focus on accessibility | CEO | Fall-Winter 2022 |
| Initiate a plan to increase representation of persons who self-identify with disabilities to a minimum of 9% for all occupational groups by 2025 | COO | Initiated in May 2022 |
2. The built environment (buildings and public spaces)
Ingenium’s commitment to reducing barriers in its built environment was initiated during the planning and development of new capital infrastructure projects at the Canada Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) and the Ingenium Centre. These projects, initiated in 2014, provided the spark that spurred Ingenium’s interest, increased our awareness, and fortified our commitment to reducing barriers to access.
2.1 Accomplishments
Since the initiation of these major capital infrastructure projects, Ingenium has achieved the following built environment accomplishments.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) building renewal achieved Gold level recognition from the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ program | DG, CSTM | November 2017 |
| Developed Accessibility Standards for Exhibitions; applied Standards to the 2017 renewal of the CSTM, and all new exhibitions across Ingenium | DG, CSTM DG, CAFM DG, CASM |
Standards finalized in 2017, applied on an ongoing basis |
| Following an internal accessibility audit of Canada Aviation and Space Museum (CASM), the museum achieved Accessibility Certified recognition from the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ program |
COO |
March 2019 |
| Ingenium Centre building achieved Gold level recognition from the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ program | CEO | November 2019 |
| Implemented improvements to exhibition lighting at CSTM, with goal to increase lighting levels, reduce glare and shadows for circulation and engagement | DG, CSTM | Initiated in Fall 2019, completed in Fall 2021 |
| Implemented accessibility standards for exhibitions on numerous Ingenium projects, including: Soil Superheroes (2021) Eyes on the Skies (2021) – with NAV Canada Earth in Focus (2021) – with Canadian Space Agency Aquaculture (2022) – with Department of Fisheries and Oceans |
DG, CAFM DG, CASM DG, CSTM |
2021-2022, see details in Description |
| At CSTM, a separate universal washroom is available, equipped with an adult-sized change table and a motorized lift. | DG, CSTM | November 2017 |
2.2 Goals
Ingenium is committed to continuing to improve accessibility at its facilities.
Our commitment to elevating the standards across all our buildings has continued through an accessibility audit of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum (CASM) by the Rick Hansen Foundation’s certification program. While the Museum attained accessibility certification, the audit identified key areas of improvement for us to further reduce barriers. These recommendations are assisting us in planning remedial work at the site over several years.
For CASM, the Rick Hansen Foundation report made 25 recommendations to further reduce barriers for people with disabilities. To date, 21 of the 25 recommendations have been actioned and completed, with the remaining changes planned for completion in 2022-2023. The most important gaps are in staff-facing areas of our buildings. Remaining recommended and planned improvements are included in the goals listed below.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Implemented remedial modifications to CSTM mechanical HVAC system to reduce air flow noise and reverberations. Improvements to acoustics at CSTM reduced reverberations, echoing, and environmental noise | DG, CSTM COO |
Initiated Fall 2021, completed Fall 2023 |
| Implemented remedial modifications to CSTM ceiling grid by adding noise dampening baffles to reduce sound bleed, sound bounce, and reverberations caused by visitor activity | DG, CSTM | Initiated Fall 2022, completed Fall 2023 |
| Review and update Emergency Evacuation Plans from an accessibility perspective. Ensure that all our employees, visitors and volunteers can safely exit our sites in case of an emergency. | COO | Winter 2022 |
| Install an accessible ramp at CASM at the employee entrance | COO | March 2023 |
| Install a power assist door opener at the employee entrance at CASM | COO | March 2023 |
| Conduct a complete wayfinding review at CASM and implement changes throughout galleries | COO DG, CASM |
March 2023 |
| Install cane detectable guard rails at CASM to targeted areas with low beams | COO | March 2023 |
| Conduct an accessibility audit at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (CAFM)2 | DG, CAFM | Completion date March 2024 |
|
Implement accessibility standards for exhibitions on upcoming projects, including: Snootli Hatchery Interpretive Centre (2024) – with Department of Fisheries and Oceans |
DG, CASM DG, CSTM |
Launch dates planned for 2023-2024, see details in Description |
| Develop and launch an accessible tractor simulation interactive experience at CAFM | DG, CAFM | 2023 |
| Develop and launch an accessible locomotive experience (onsite and online) at CSTM | DG, CSTM | Launch 2025 |
| Develop and launch an accessible guided tactile experience at CASM | DG, CASM | Launch in 2024 |
| Initiate a pilot project for multi-purpose ‘’Quiet rooms’’ for employees at various Ingenium sites | CEO COO |
Initiate January 2023 |
2 CAFM is on a national historic site which is under the stewardship of another federal department. This complexity will inform action plans derived from the audit and will have a significant impact on timelines and permissions. We are tenants on the CAFM premises and therefore must work with our landlords at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAC).
3. Information and communication technologies (ICT)
Ingenium manages multiple public websites, digital asset management and collection database systems, and a variety of software for use in our day-to-day activities. We are currently using Lotus Notes for many of our internal systems, including email, financial and human resources processes, and procurement.
Most of Ingenium’s ICT systems have been in place for decades and were not conceived or implemented to meet accessibility requirements and have not been considered in consultation with people with disabilities. Ingenium is committed to reviewing and updating its information and communication technologies to identify and remove barriers.
3.1 Accomplishments
Following consultations with Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB), Ingenium made several improvements to its public websites to increase accessibility for users with visual impairments.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| User testing leading to modifications to website based on recommendations from the Canadian Council of the Blind | VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | Annual Cadence |
| Developed and maintain Ingenium digital media standards for exhibitions (currently at version 5) | VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | Initial standards completed in 2019 |
| Updated library and archive catalogue database and user interface, improving contrast, providing screen reader access, and providing ALT text for all images | VP, Collection, Research and Corporate Governance | Complete Fall 2022 |
3.2 Goals
A major change for Ingenium will be to transfer our day-to-day processes and systems from Lotus Notes to Microsoft 365, which is a suite of programs that has built-in accessibility features.
Other ICT goals include the following.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Modernize the accessibility page and Plan your Visit section on the public website, posting Accessibility Policy information and describing Ingenium accessibility services and procedures | VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | Publish initial content in December 2022 and update regularly |
| Update Ingenium digital media standards for exhibitions (to version 6) | VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | Winter 2023 |
| Launch a Digital Innovation Lab which will connect national and international collaborators with Ingenium’s UX, interpretive, and digital experts, to develop digital accessibility solutions, methods, and products to help improve access to museum spaces, collections, and experiences for all Canadians | VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | In planning stages, with lab launch planned for 2023 |
| Implement accessibility features for Microsoft Office 365 across Ingenium | COO | Spring 2024 |
| New quality control procedures for web publishing against WCAG 2.1 AA standards | VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | Winter 2024 |
| Implement wayfinding support tools at CASM that meet WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines | VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | 2023 |
4. Communication (other than ICT)
As a public-facing organization, Ingenium recognizes the importance of improving accessibility in communications in all areas. We make efforts to prevent accessibility barriers when conceiving new programs, templates, or products. In many cases, we design and implement pilot programs to evaluate accessibility and identify and remove barriers where possible.
As science communication specialists, we are committed to bridging the gap between the complexity of science and its day-to-day impact in our lives. We are committed to creating experiences, exhibitions, and programs that meet the needs of all our audiences. We work to communicate clearly and provide meaningful information in a way that is free from jargon and easy to understand. These efforts include developing and sharing internal guides and templates to assist employees with creating accessible information in both format and content.
4.1 Accomplishments
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Initiate a pilot project for developing accessible webinar content, including information on live captioning, closed captioning for posting on YouTube, and providing webinar transcriptions | DG, CSTM | Initiated Spring 2021, with ongoing training and resources available |
| Develop and share an Ingenium guide to writing effective alternative text (ALT text) | VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | Completed June 2021 |
| Develop and share an Ingenium guide to creating accessible PowerPoint presentations | VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | Updated, Fall 2022 |
| Update accessible Ingenium PowerPoint templates | VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | Updated, Fall 2022 |
| Update Ingenium Graphics Standards Manual to include accessibility considerations | VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | Updated, Winter 2022 |
4.2 Goals
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Develop a communication plan to raise awareness internally and externally about Ingenium’s commitment to accessibility and availability of accessible services, programs, and resources | CEO | January 2023 |
Develop and share an Ingenium Digital and Design Accessibility Standards
|
VP, Digital and Public Affairs (DPA) | 2023 |
5. The procurement of goods, services, and facilities
Compliance in the procurement of goods and services requires caution to ensure equitable, fair, and transparent processes and issuing of contracts.
In recent years, Ingenium developed accessibility standards for exhibition design and setup. These standards help ensure that accessibility expectations are defined clearly, early in the bidding process. These standards also ensure that exhibition proposals are assessed to include considerations for accessibility when awarding contracts. It is our intention to apply similar accessibility standards to other procurement areas at Ingenium.
5.1 Accomplishments
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Inclusion of Ingenium accessibility guidelines in scoring grids for review of proposals for exhibitions | COO | Implemented in 2018 |
5.2 Goals
To build on the procurement approach used to help ensure accessible exhibition practices, Ingenium plans to expand these accessible procurement standards in other areas, where possible.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Review existing policies, standards, and directives to ensure guidelines and agreements include accessibility considerations | COO | Initiate in 2023, complete in 2024 |
| Establish criteria and guidelines for accessible procurement, applying the principles of universal design, where possible | COO | Initiate in 2023, complete in 2024 |
| Provide accessible formats and meet accommodation requests in a timely manner for individuals and firms to access and compete in Ingenium’s contracting processes | COO | Initiate in 2023, complete in 2025 |
6. The design and delivery of programs and services
As a public-facing organization, Ingenium is committed to reducing and eliminating barriers for people living in Canada of all abilities to access our collections, programs, and museums. This goal has been embraced by multiple teams across the organization. Ingenium program developers work to meet project-specific accessibility objectives, to identify barriers and improve existing resources, and to consider greater opportunities for inclusion.
6.1 Accomplishments
At a program and service level, openness and enthusiasm from staff has seen the development and implementation of numerous opportunities.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchairs are available at all Ingenium sites for users to borrow at no charge. CAFM only has access to 1. | DGs, three museums | Ongoing |
| Admission for one support person accompanying a person with a disability is available at no charge for Access2 card program participants. | DGs, three museums | Ongoing |
| Service animals are welcome at all Ingenium spaces. | DGs, three museums | Ongoing |
| At CSTM, visit planning tools and sensory guides are available to prepare visitors for things they might see and do as they visit the Museum. These are designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or who may have other cognitive needs. | DG, CSTM | Launched Spring 2022 |
| At CASM, self-guided tours are available where visitors can download the Braille Ready File (.brf) for use on their personal braille reading device, or in accessible Portable Document Format (.pdf) for use with text reading software such as Voice Dream. Visitors can also borrow a physical copy of the braille tour at the information desk. Examples of self-guided tours include Health in Space, Eyes on the Skies, and Early Aviation exhibitions. | DG, CASM | Launched in summer 2022, ongoing for new exhibitions |
| At CAFM, Welcome Wednesdays is available (a monthly, evening event, offered at no charge, during the summer season, for people with disabilities and other participants) | DG, CAFM | Launched in 2019, relaunched in summer 2022 (following COVID-19 closures and re-opening) |
| At CSTM, Sensory Hours (Mellow Mornings) are offered. It is a monthly, morning event, when visitors with sensory sensitivities can visit the museum, with lower sound and light levels, and limited attendance capacity. | DG, CSTM | Pilot launched in fall 2022 to spring 2023 |
| At CSTM, inclusion of accessible technology stories in our “Into the Great Outdoors” exhibition | DG, CSTM | Launched November 2017 |
| A Curiosity on Stage webinar was provided on “The Future of Accessibility,” with Ricardo Wagner (from Microsoft Canada) | DG, CSTM | May 2021 |
| A Curiosity on Stage webinar was provided as part of the Accessible Technology series, on “Remembering your passwords, one picture at a time,” with Elizabeth Stobert (from Carleton University) | DG, CSTM | October 2022 |
| Publication of more than 20 articles related to accessibility and disability on the Ingenium Channel | VP, Collection, Research and Corporate Governance | April 2017- to current |
| Development of a GO STEAM program at CSTM that provides offsite workshops with community groups face barriers to access our sites | DG, CSTM | Initiated fall 2021, Funding secured to December 2023 |
| Seniors' Centre Without Walls – presentations to residents at senior centres through low-tech means (telephone) | VP, Collection, Research and Corporate Governance | Ongoing – initiated in 2018 |
| Artefacts Consortium Webinar, thematic focus on accessibility | VP, Collection, Research and Corporate Governance | 5-6 October, 2020 |
| Podcast on the Disabled Independent Gardeners Association, in partnership with the Disability Foundation of Vancouver |
VP, Collection, Research and Corporate Governance |
Launched October 2021 |
| Launched social stories and sensory stories, as well as visit planning tools at CSTM | DG, CSTM | Launched spring 2022 |
6.2 Goals
Moving forward, we are working to create a path that allows for coordinated action when developing Ingenium programs and services. The following goals will help us create this path.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Develop a Curiosity on Stage webinar, as part of the Accessible Tech series, on “Designing accessible cultural exhibitions” with Etienne Delage (from Tactile Studio) | DG, CSTM | 2023 |
| Develop a Curiosity on Stage webinar, as part of the Accessible Tech series, on “Accessible Downhill Bikes” (TBC) with Christian Baag (from Bowhead Corp). | DG, CSTM | Winter 2023 |
| Participate in the Sunflower Lanyard membership program, to support employees and visitors with invisible disabilities | CEO | Initiate in 2023 |
| Develop an Accessibility Policy for Ingenium programs and services | CEO | Initiate in 2023, complete in 2024 |
| Review and update Ingenium websites to ensure easy access to information on services and products |
VP, Digital and Public Affairs |
Initiate in 2023, complete in 2024 |
| Develop and deliver training for public-facing staff on best practices when interacting with visitors with various disabilities |
CEO |
Initiate in 2023, complete in 2024 |
| Pilot a project to have access to electric golf carts at CAFM for visitors with mobility impairments (Due to the nature of the site as well as biosecurity concerns with having only one wheelchair available) | DG, CAFM | Initiate in 2023 |
| Podcast on the Tetra Society of North America and how they how work with people with disabilities to create customized tools for use in the kitchen, garden, and on the farm, in partnership with the Disability Foundation of Vancouver |
VP, Collection, Research and Corporate Governance |
2023 |
7. Transportation
We acknowledge that challenges in accessing adequate transportation are often beyond Ingenium’s control as they may result from a lack of reliable, accessible, and affordable public transportation. Driving opportunities for people with disabilities are also more challenging due to cost and other factors which are unique to each individual. We are sensitive to these issues and are committed to continue offering options that provide both access to our sites and opportunities for everyone to experience the museums, wherever they are.
7.1 Accomplishments
Recognizing the challenges and barriers that people with disabilities face to travel between their home and our sites, particularly during the winter months, we have been putting features in place to help facilitate access to our sites for both visitors and Ingenium employees.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| A commitment to snow removal in key areas of the property for access and parking | COO | Ongoing |
| Maintenance of accessible and safe drop-off and pick-up areas | COO | Ongoing |
| Designated accessible parking spaces at no charge for visitors with accessible permits. | COO | Ongoing |
| For all Ingenium employees, access to free parking at all sites, including a large number of accessible parking spaces which exceeds compliance requirements. | COO | Ongoing |
7.2 Goals
Ingenium is committed responding to feedback and providing increased and more accessible transportation options, where possible.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Provide additional accessible parking spaces closer to the main entrance at CAFM | COO | Pending approval from AAG |
| Update designated accessible parking signage across all sites to reflect Ingenium’s ‘’no charge’’ policy for visitors with accessible permits. | COO | Spring 2023 |
8. Awareness, Knowledge, and Culture: Fostering a Sense of Belonging
Attitudinal and behavioural barriers continue to prevent people with disabilities from accessing spaces without the burden of self-advocacy. People with disabilities are often asked to educate others about their needs and rights, which creates additional and unnecessary emotional labour. This leads to a lack of a sense of belonging, including exclusion from opportunities and experiences, as well as career retention and advancement.
While this category is not specifically included in the ACA, Ingenium believes in the need to identify specific barriers and goals in this area. Increasing awareness and knowledge about disability and accessibility and improving the workplace culture will help provide an environment that fosters a sense of belonging for all.
8.1 Accomplishments
As part of our commitment to accessibility, Ingenium is committed to lessening the burden of self-advocacy. By providing mandatory training and offering educational opportunities for all staff, Ingenium is working towards developing a more inclusive organizational culture. Employees will have a greater understanding about disability and accessibility and team members will be aware of how to identify, remove, and prevent barriers.
The following initiatives have been implemented.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HR Downloads training: Unconscious bias awareness and diversity awareness sessions | COO | March 2020 |
|
Provided all-staff training on “Accessibility 101: A Moment of Reflection and Customer Service” (with a focus on increased awareness about disability as another dimension of our humanity, increased understanding of types of disabilities and barriers, and increased awareness around unconscious bias) |
COO | February 2021 |
|
Provided anti-oppression training to all staff, in two stages (2021-2022): |
COO |
Stage 1: Fall 2021
|
8.2 Goals
Ingenium is committed to the following initiatives to continue raising awareness and understanding about disability and accessibility.
| Description | Accountability | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Identify available accessibility training as part of our new access to the Canadian School of Public Service (CSPS), and implement as mandatory training for all staff, based on workplace roles and responsibilities. | CEO | 2022-2023 |
| Implement an extensive internal communication strategy to raise awareness about Ingenium accessibility initiatives, services, and programs, and to provide a range of accessibility resources to employees. | CEO | Launch in January 2023, ongoing |
| Develop a communication strategy for National AccessAbility Week 2023 to raise awareness and promote activities around accessibility at Ingenium (internal and external) | VP, Digital and Public Affairs | May 28th – June 3rd 2023 |
| Implement guidelines to ensure informal out-of-office social events consider accessibility requirements. | CEO | Conversation initiated in late 2021, ongoing |
Consultations, Collaboration, Co-creation and Co-development (The 4 C’s)
This Plan and its goals include input from a diverse group of individuals, including people with disabilities and those who have expertise in the field of accessibility, critical disability studies, and social justice within the Corporation.
Over the years, Ingenium has consulted with people with disabilities, including contacts at the Canadian Council of the Blind, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Get Together with Technology, Aspire Academy, Association de l’ouïe de l’Outaouais, Trait d’union Outaouais, and the Canadian Hearing Society. Ingenium has also sought the expertise of the Rick Hansen Foundation to help identify barriers and recommend solutions to accessibility issues.
Ingenium is committed to ongoing consultations, collaboration, co-creation and co-development with people with disabilities. We continue to seek input and to collaborate with those who self-identify as facing accessibility barriers in the community. This includes those with physical, mobility, cognitive, sensory, visual, and all types of disabilities, whether they are visible or non-visible.
Ingenium team members participate in community collaborations and consultations to review and discuss best practices regarding accessibility topics. This includes a review of similar organizations (museums and arts and culture facilities) and their Accessibility Plans, facilities, accessible services and procedures, as well as their accessibility barriers and challenges.
Ingenium has also included accessibility as a key measure when seeking visitor feedback in our annual surveys. This includes our first visitor survey, which was completed in 2022. During this period, eight percent of those completing the survey self-identified as being a person with disabilities or accompanying a visitor with disabilities. While the majority of these respondents (92%) rated accessibility of services as excellent or good, several suggestions for improvements were shared.
1: “The flight simulator at CASM is not wheelchair friendly, the button at the front entrance does not work, the observation deck goes over grass. Cessna is not accessible and there is no accessible button to go in our out to flight observation space” (Rated as 1)
2: “Tools to help with sensory issues” (Rated as 3)
The status of the accessibility goals included in this Plan are reviewed annually and the Ingenium Accessibility Plan is updated based on ACA requirements (currently, every three years). Accessibility feedback and questions are encouraged to help the continuous shaping of this Plan.
Questions or inquiries about Ingenium’s Accessibility Plan or other accessibility initiatives can be directed to accessibility-accessibilite@IngeniumCanada.org.
Glossary of Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ableism | Prejudice and discrimination against people with a disability. (Source: Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology, Federal Public Service Interdepartmental Terminology Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) |
| Accessibility |
The degree to which a product, service, program, or environment is available to be accessed or used by all. OR The quality of an environment that enables a person to access it with ease. |
| Accommodation | Employers, landlords, service providers, and others have a duty to consider the needs of persons with disabilities up-front. This means designing for buildings, processes, programs or services inclusively. If existing physical structures, systems, or attitudes create barriers, they must be removed. Where it is impossible to remove barriers without undue hardship, arrangements must be made so that persons with disabilities can fully participate. This is what is called "accommodation." (Source: Ontario Human Rights Commission) |
| Advancement | The process by which professionals use their skill sets and determination to achieve new career goals and more challenging job opportunities, either through promotions or exploration of complementary job areas. (Source: What is Career Advancement? Definition and Examples, Indeed, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-career-advancement ) |
| Alternative text | Text which can help to describe the content and/or function of an image. This allows a screen reader to pick up on the description of the image. (Source: Creating Accessible Documents, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) |
| Audit | A process which provides feedback on government management practices and activities, both at the department/agency level and horizontally. This aims to promote the overall effectiveness and efficiency of government operations and the transparency of decision-making (Source: Internal Audits, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat) |
| Barrier |
Anything that hinders the full and equal participation in society of persons with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, or sensory impairment or a functional limitation. Barriers can be physical, architectural, technological, or attitudinal. |
| Belonging | The experience of personal involvement in a system or environment so that persons feel themselves to be an integral part of that system or environment (Source: Hagerty, B. M., Lynch-Sauer, J., Patusky, K. L., Bouwsema, M., & Collier, P. (1992). Sense of belonging: a vital mental health concept. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 6(3), 172-177) |
| Bidding process | The process used to select a vendor for subcontracting a project, or for purchasing products and services that are required for a project. The Government of Canada’s bidding process is governed by procurement standards regulated by Public Services and Procurement Canada. (Source: The Procurement Process, Public Services and Procurement Canada) |
| Cane detectable | Refers to an accessibility feature for those with visual impairments who navigate their environment with a white cane. To be made ‘’cane detectable’’, an object or rail must follow specific accessibility guidelines. More information can be found on the Clearing Our Path website. |
| Collective agreement | A negotiated contract between the employer and a union that outlines many of the terms and conditions of employment for employees in a bargaining unit. (Source: Labour Relations – Frequently Asked Questions, University of Guelph) |
| Colonialism |
A political doctrine by which a country or state takes control of a foreign territory for the purposes of occupying and exploiting it. |
| Corporate donations | Any financial contribution made by a corporation to another organization that furthers the contributor’s own objectives. (Source: Corporate Donations, Wikipedia) |
| Crown Corporation | Wholly-owned federal or provincial organizations that are structured like private or independent companies. Crown corporations have greater freedom from direct political control relative to government departments. (Source: Crown Corporation, The Canadian Encyclopedia) |
| Dignity | That an individual or group feels self-respect and self-worth. It is concerned with physical and psychological integrity and empowerment, and can be harmed by unfair treatment based on personal traits or circumstance which do not relate to individual needs, capacities or merits. (Source: Law v. Canada (Minister of Immigration, 1999) |
| Disability/Disabilities |
Any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation, whether permanent, temporary, or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society. |
| Diversity | The variety of identities found within an organization, group or society. Diversity is expressed through factors such as culture, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, language, education, ability, family status or socioeconomic status (Source: Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology, Federal Public Service Interdepartmental Terminology Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) |
| Emotional labour | The mental activity required to manage one’s emotions in order to present oneself and interact with other people in a certain way while doing a job. (Source: Oxford Languages) |
| Equality | The principle of treating everyone in the same manner by ensuring they have access to the same resources and opportunities. Equality does not necessarily lead to fair outcomes since it does not consider people’s unique experiences and differing situations. (Source: Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology, Federal Public Service Interdepartmental Terminology Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) |
| Equity | The principle of considering people’s unique experiences and differing situations, and ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities that are necessary for them to attain just outcomes. Equity aims to eliminate disparities and disproportions that are rooted in historical and contemporary injustices and oppression. (Source: Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology, Federal Public Service Interdepartmental Terminology Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) |
| Inclusion | The practice of using proactive measures to create an environment where people feel welcomes, respected and values, and to foster a sense of belonging and engagement. This practice involves changing the environment by removing barriers so that each person has equal access to opportunities and resources and can achieve their full potential. (Source: Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology, Federal Public Service Interdepartmental Terminology Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) |
| Intersect/Intersectionality | An analytical framework for understanding how aspects of a person’s identity (for example, sex, gender, age, ethnicity, class, religion, sexual orientation, ability) combine to create particular forms of discrimination and privilege. (Source: Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology, Federal Public Service Interdepartmental Terminology Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) |
| Learning organization | A learning organization is an organization skilled at creating, acquiring, and transferring knowledge, and at modifying its behavior to reflect new knowledge and insights. (Source: Building a Learning Organization: Beyond high philosophy and grand themes lie the gritty details of practice by David A. Garvin |
| ‘’Nothing Without Us’’ | “Nothing Without Us” Accessibility Strategy for the Public Service of Canada |
| Parliamentary-voted assigned funds | A sum of money allocated by Parliament for a specific purpose outlined in the government's spending estimates (Source: Parliament of Canada, House of Commons Glossary) |
| People living in Canada | Not all people who live in Canada identify as Canadians. In the spirit of inclusion & belonging, Ingenium, encourages using inclusive language. Using ‘’people living in Canada’’ instead of ‘’Canadians’’ is one of many ways to be more mindful with our language and acknowledging the diverse realities experienced by those who exist on this land that we call Canada. |
| Pilot (projects and programs) | Done as an experiment or a test before introducing something more widely (Source: Oxford Dictionary) |
| Public-facing | Relating to jobs, activities or facilities that involve direct interaction with members of the public. (Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary) |
| Reconciliation | In the context of Crown-Indigenous relations, the process of repairing and improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and governments. The acknowledgement of the past and present effects of colonialism in Canada is essential to this process. (Source: Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology, Federal Public Service Interdepartmental Terminology Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) |
| Recruitment | A function of Human Resources. Recruitment is the process of actively seeking out, finding and hiring candidates for a specific position or job. (Source: Sage Glossary Online) |
| Retention | A function of Human Resources. Employee retention refers to the rate at which a company can keep consistent, long-term employees. (Source: Sage Glossary Online) |
| Self-advocacy | The term self-advocacy, which means speaking up for oneself and one's interests, is used as a name for civil rights movements and mutual aid networks for disabled people. The term arose in the broader civil rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s, and is part of the disability rights movement. (Source: Self-Advocacy: The Basics, National Deaf Centre) |
| Unconscious bias | Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. (Source: University of California San Francisco, Office of Diversity and Outreach). Unconscious bias is also known as implicit bias or implicit stereotype. |
| Wayfinding |
Wayfinding refers to the techniques used by all users of the environment as they move from place to place independently and safely. Wayfinding relies on architectural elements to assist people in finding their way and should reassure users as they go on their journey through a building. (Source: O’Herlihy Access Consultancy) |
Glossary of Acronyms and Abbreviations
| Acronym or Abbreviation |
Definition and/or Description |
|---|---|
| AAFC | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada |
| ACA | Accessible Canada Act |
| ALT Text | Alternative text |
| AODA | Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act |
| AWG | Accessibility Working Group |
| CAFM | Canada Food and Agriculture Museum |
| CASM | Canada Space and Aviation Museum |
| CCB | Canadian Council of the Blind |
| CEO | Chief Executive Officer |
| COO | Chief Operations Officer |
| CSPS | Canada School of Public Service |
| CSTM | Canada Science and Technology Museum |
| DG | Director General |
| DPA | Department of Public Affairs |
| EDIWG | Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group |
| HR | Human Resources |
| ICRWG | Indigenous Community Relations Working Group |
| ICT | Information and Communication Technology |
| IT | Information Technology |
| TREDIA | Truth, Reconciliation, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility |
| The 4 C’s | Consultations, Collaboration, Co-creation and Co-development |
| VP | Vice President |