CRTC Accessibility Reporting Regulations

Summary#

The Canada Gazette published the final Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Accessibility Reporting Regulations made by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission under the Accessible Canada Act. The rules set who must publish accessibility plans, feedback processes and annual progress reports, how those documents must be presented online, and timing deadlines; they came into force on June 23, 2021.

What it does#

• Establishes classes of broadcasting and telecommunications organizations (e.g., Class B1, Class B2, Class B3, Class T1, Class T2, Class T3, etc.) to set different deadlines and obligations.
• Sets the first deadlines for required documents:
  • Accessibility plans due for larger classes on June 1, 2022 and for some smaller classes on June 1, 2023.
  • If an organization becomes subject to the rules later, its deadline is the June 1 after the year it qualifies.
• Requires organizations to publish their accessibility plans, descriptions of their feedback process, and progress reports:
  • On the main digital platform they control and in a clearly visible place (homepage or obvious link).
  • In a format that meets WCAG Level AA accessibility standards.
• Requires updates and timing:
  • Updated accessibility plans at least every three years (no later than the third anniversary).
  • Progress reports published by June 1 in years when an accessibility plan is not required.
• Requires an accessible feedback process that:
  • Accepts feedback by phone, email, online form or other designated methods.
  • Allows anonymous feedback, names someone responsible for receiving feedback, acknowledges non-anonymous feedback, and protects personal information.
• Requires organizations to provide alternative formats (print, large print, braille, audio, electronic formats compatible with assistive tech) on request, with maximum response times:
  • For braille or audio: by the 45th day after the request.
  • For other formats: by the 15th day for larger classes and by the 20th day for certain smaller classes.
• Requires organizations to notify the Commission by electronic means within 48 hours after publishing an accessibility plan, feedback process, or progress report and to include a link to the published item.

Who's affected#

• Regulated broadcasters that carry on broadcasting undertakings, divided into classes such as Class B1, Class B2, and Class B3 (and smaller classes).
• Regulated telecommunications organizations that are Canadian carriers or service providers, divided into classes such as Class T1, Class T2, and Class T3 (and smaller or limited-service classes).
• People with disabilities and anyone who uses accessibility features — they are the primary users these plans and feedback systems are meant to help.
• Smaller or specialized providers (the rules distinguish businesses with fewer than 10 employees, those with 10 to 99 employees, and services limited to on-site or free/temporary offerings).

Why it matters#

• These rules make it clearer what broadcasters and telecommunications providers must publish about accessibility, and how they must present it online. That helps people with disabilities find and use information about an organization’s accessibility plans and how to give feedback.
• Requiring WCAG Level AA and alternate formats aims to improve real access to documents for people who use screen readers, braille, audio, or other assistive technologies.
• Specified response times and public feedback contacts mean people can expect timelier and clearer follow-up when they request accessible formats or raise accessibility concerns.
• The staggered deadlines give larger organizations more immediate obligations and give smaller ones a bit more time — but all covered entities must now follow the same basic transparency and accessibility standards.