The promise of digital technology to enhance independence and opportunity for people with disabilities depends on something often taken for granted: access to the devices and platforms where that promise might be realized. Yet for many Canadians with disabilities, barriers to obtaining appropriate technology, affording ongoing costs, and accessing platforms designed without them in mind mean that digital opportunity remains unevenly distributed.
The Cost Barrier
Assistive technology costs often exceed what individuals and families can afford. Specialized devices—communication aids, screen readers, alternative input devices, hearing amplification—can cost thousands of dollars. Even mainstream devices that might serve assistive purposes require funds that disability-related income constraints make scarce.
Provincial assistive devices programs help cover some costs, but eligibility requirements, coverage limits, and lengthy wait times leave many needs unmet. The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) in Ontario, for example, covers portions of approved device costs but requires co-payments that remain unaffordable for some. Similar gaps exist across provinces with varying program structures.
People with disabilities in Canada face higher rates of poverty than the general population. The intersection of higher technology needs and lower incomes creates a particularly cruel access barrier. Those who might benefit most from assistive technology often can least afford it.
Private insurance helps those who have it, but coverage varies dramatically and employment that provides benefits may be unavailable to people with significant disabilities. The patchwork of public programs, private insurance, charitable funding, and out-of-pocket payment leaves many people unable to access technology they need.
Device Availability and Choice
Even with funding, appropriate devices may not be readily available. The Canadian market is small for specialized assistive technology, and some devices available elsewhere aren't sold here. Supply chain issues affect specialized equipment as much or more than mainstream products.
Assessment and fitting requirements add complexity. Unlike buying a laptop, obtaining many assistive devices requires professional assessment, customization, and training. The professionals who provide these services are unevenly distributed geographically, creating access barriers beyond device cost itself.
Choice among options may be artificially limited by funding program rules. Provincial programs typically maintain approved device lists, and coverage may not extend to newer alternatives that might better serve individual needs. The gap between what's available and what's covered shapes access as much as the gap between availability and affordability.
Mainstream Technology
Mainstream consumer technology—smartphones, tablets, computers—increasingly includes built-in accessibility features that serve as assistive technology. Apple's VoiceOver, Android's TalkBack, Windows' accessibility settings, and similar features provide functionality that once required specialized devices.
This integration benefits those who can access mainstream devices. Rather than carrying separate assistive technology, people with certain disabilities can use the same devices as everyone else. Normalization and convenience improve alongside functionality.
However, mainstream devices still cost money, and accessibility features often require specific knowledge to configure and use effectively. Someone needing these features may not have the resources for current devices or the support to set them up appropriately. Built-in accessibility helps most those who already have access.
Internet Access
Internet connectivity underlies most digital opportunity, but access remains unequal. People with disabilities face the same connectivity challenges as other Canadians—geographic limitations, affordability barriers, infrastructure gaps—plus additional challenges related to accessibility of connection processes and support.
Setting up internet service often requires processes—phone calls, website navigation, technician visits—that pose accessibility barriers. Customer support may not accommodate communication differences. Self-installation may not be possible for those with physical limitations. The path to connectivity has accessibility barriers beyond cost and availability.
Low-income programs for internet access exist but aren't specifically designed for disability-related needs. The Connecting Families initiative provides subsidized internet to low-income families with children, but many adults with disabilities don't qualify. CRTC proceedings have considered accessibility in telecommunications but implementation of requirements remains ongoing.
Platform Accessibility
Having devices and connectivity means little if the platforms and services accessed through them aren't usable. Websites, apps, and digital services vary enormously in their accessibility. Despite legal requirements and standards, many remain partially or wholly inaccessible to people with various disabilities.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide internationally recognized standards for digital accessibility. Canadian governments at various levels reference these standards in policies and regulations, but compliance isn't universal. Private sector websites face less consistent requirements depending on jurisdiction and interpretation of human rights obligations.
Mobile apps present particular accessibility challenges. While mobile operating systems provide accessibility frameworks, app developers don't always use them properly. Essential services—banking, government, healthcare—increasingly happen through apps that may not work with assistive technology.
Provincial Variations
Assistive technology funding and accessibility requirements vary by province and territory, creating geographic inequities in access. Someone with identical needs might receive substantial support in one province and little in another.
Ontario's Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) includes requirements for digital accessibility, though compliance and enforcement remain imperfect. Other provinces have varying accessibility legislation with different digital provisions. The patchwork means experiences differ based on where someone lives.
Federal jurisdiction adds another layer for telecommunications and federally regulated entities. The Accessible Canada Act establishes accessibility requirements but implementation timelines extend into the future. Comprehensive, consistent accessibility standards across all jurisdictions remain aspirational.
Educational Access
Students with disabilities need accessible technology for equitable educational participation. Schools and post-secondary institutions have obligations to provide accommodations, but implementation varies widely.
The shift to digital learning materials can help or hurt accessibility depending on how it's done. Properly structured digital content may be more accessible than print for some students; poorly implemented digital materials may create new barriers. Whether digitization improves or worsens accessibility depends on choices that aren't always made with accessibility in mind.
Post-secondary students may navigate complex systems of institutional accessibility services, provincial funding programs, and personal resources. The burden of accessing access falls on students already managing disability-related challenges.
Workplace Technology Access
Employment increasingly requires digital technology use, but workplace accessibility varies. Employers have duty to accommodate obligations under human rights law, but the processes for requesting and receiving technology accommodations can be cumbersome and uncertain.
Remote work potentially expands opportunity for people with disabilities who can work from accessible home environments, but only if remote work tools themselves are accessible. Video conferencing, collaboration software, and productivity tools all have varying accessibility. The promise of remote work depends on accessible implementation.
Emerging Technologies
New technologies present both opportunity and risk for accessibility. Artificial intelligence powers new assistive applications—better speech recognition, image description, predictive text—that expand possibilities. But AI systems trained without disability representation may work poorly for disabled users.
Virtual and augmented reality technologies largely exclude people with certain disabilities. As these technologies become more important for work, education, and social life, those who cannot access them face new exclusions. Whether emerging technologies advance or hinder accessibility depends on choices made during their development.
Questions for Reflection
Should internet access be considered essential infrastructure that public funding ensures everyone can access, including with appropriate assistive technology support?
How can accessibility requirements for digital platforms be strengthened and enforced to ensure people with disabilities can use essential services?
What role should disability communities play in decisions about assistive technology funding priorities and platform accessibility standards?