Requesting Accessible Information

All organizations must make sure that they receive and respond to Accessible Information and Communication requests in a way that makes what is being requested easy to use and available for the person who requires it.

Some of the ways to do this include:

• inform the public and employees that they can request information through a communication support or accessible format

• include information related to emergency procedures or public safety

• consult with the person making the request to identify a support or format that removes the barrier and provide it in a timely manner – ask what is needed!

• not charge the person making a request more than what would be charged to someone who didn’t make a request

In addition to what is listed above, libraries have additional requirements because of the goods and services they offer to the public.

Additional requirements for libraries include:

• Resource procurement – a library must consider the accessibility needs of its users when procuring or purchasing library resources

• Duty to notify and inform – a library must inform its users of each library item that is accessible, and what accessible format it is provided in (example: Braille, video etc.)

Exceptions to Providing Accessible Information and Accessible Library Resources

Organizations may not be required to provide accessible information or an accessible library resource if one or more of the following exceptions apply:

• It is not technically feasible to provide the information or library resource through a communication support or accessible format.

• The technology required to provide the information or library resource through a communication support or accessible format is not readily available.

• Providing the information or library resource through a communication support or accessible format would result in demonstrable undue hardship to the organization.

• The organization does not have direct control over the information or library resource.

• The information or library resource relates to product labels or other product information/resource.

Additional Requirements that Apply to Educational Institutions

In addition to the obligations listed previously, an educational institution must take appropriate measures to inform the following individuals that educational materials are available through a communication support or accessible format on request:

• employees

• students

• applicants and prospective applicants

• parents and guardians of students, applicants and prospective applicants

If educational material cannot reasonably be provided through a communication support or accessible format, the educational institution must provide a comparable resource to the person who requested the support or format.

A comparable resource will provide the same information as the original educational material through an accessible support or format.

An educational institution must not impose an additional cost or fee on a person who requests that educational material be provided through a communication support or accessible format.

No Exceptions for Educational Materials

Exceptions do not apply for requests to educational institutions for educational materials, such as:

• textbooks

• supplementary learning resources

• reference books, workbooks and educational kits

• student records

• class, lesson, workshop or program descriptions, availability, scheduling, and requirements