Background

Environment Canada's Accessibility, Accommodations and Adaptive Computer Technology Program AAACT mandate is to assist in the integration into the workplace of employees with disabilities, injuries and ergonomic requirements who require access to systems, programs, information, computers and computer resources.

People with disabilities may find that their access to certain jobs is limited because an employer might assume that such a candidate is unable to complete certain job functions. For example, computing skills are highly valued and are becoming a necessary component of many jobs, yet standard computer interfaces are often inaccessible to persons with disabilities.

People with limited vision or blindness may not be able to see information on a typical computer screen, or those with mobility impairments may have trouble using a standard keyboard or mouse. Individuals with learning disabilities may have problems comprehending screen information and those with hearing impairments may not be able to hear sounds coming from their computers. A common perception is that instead of making the workplace more accessible to people with disabilities, rapid computerization is building barriers to employment. If this idea persists, then a person with a disability could be barred from a large portion of available job opportunities.

Fortunately, AAACT helps to alleviate this problem. AAACT is any modification or enhancement to a computer system that enables access by removing the barriers presented with standard interfaces. In 1991 Environment Canada recognized that standard programs alone were insufficient to meet the goals of employment equity. The Department officially began the AAACT Program on February 26, 1991. Since 1991, Environment Canada's Accessibility, Accommodations and Adaptive Computer Technology Program AAACT has been a driving force in assisting persons with sensory, mobility or learning disabilities to be integrated into the workplace by providing access to integrated adaptive computing devices which reduce, and in many cases eliminate the barriers presented by the standard computer interfaces.

Environment Canada's Accessibility, Accommodations and Adaptive Computer Technology Program has actually gained international recognition for the unique services provided to persons with disabilities. In 1998, the AAACT program was a nominee for the SAP Stevie Wonder role model organization of the year award for an outstanding organization for the integration of the blind or visually impaired into its workforce.

Through the support of Treasury Board Secretariat and the Employment Equity Positive Measures Program, Environment Canada's Accessibility, Accommodations and Adaptive Computer Technology Program AAACT has created a multi-dimensional instructional program for Information Technology professionals within the Public Service. Recognizing the unique expertise of AAACT, the Employment Equity Positive Measures Program (EEPMP) funded the development of a course to train technicians in supporting adaptive computer devices. Information Technology support staff throughout government departments have the opportunity to be instructed on how to effectively support and implement Adaptive Computer Technology in their own departments.

A multidimensional instruction program on adaptive computer technology has been developed. The first Web-based on-line training course began on November 22, 1999 and the follow-up first hands-on part started January 17th, 2000 when the Accessibility, Accommodations and Adaptive Computer Technology Program's Training Centre opened its doors to its first training session.