Welcome to April everyone and I’m Scott Savoy at the Sterling Creations desk.
Today, very pleased to share our president’s weekly editorial with you and for this week Donna J. Jodhan zooms in on barriers still abounding within the Canadian Government when it comes to the
Overcoming Barriers in the Canadian Government Procurement Process for People with disabilities.
Donna wants to hear from you so just stop by and send an email to her at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.
Enjoy your weekend.
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Overcoming Barriers in the Canadian Government Procurement Process for People with Disabilities
By Donna J. Jodhan
Over the years, a growing chorus of complaints has echoed through the corridors of Canadian government services, with both mainstream citizens and individuals with disabilities highlighting the complexities and obstacles within the procurement process. Canadians with disabilities, in particular, face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to effectively engage with government services, access crucial programs, and secure opportunities. These concerns revolve around the accessibility of forms, the availability of documents in alternate formats, and the often frustrating challenge of securing phone support.
One of the most significant complaints is the difficulty of navigating the procurement forms themselves. The forms are often dense, complicated, and challenging to understand, with little support to guide applicants through the process. This problem is amplified for Canadians with disabilities who may already face challenges such as vision impairments, cognitive disabilities, or mobility restrictions.
The lack of accessible formats – including screen reader-friendly documents or options for Braille – creates an additional layer of difficulty. Many applicants with disabilities, therefore, find themselves relying on sighted assistance from family, friends, or colleagues to complete the process.
Furthermore, phone support, which could serve as a lifeline for individuals struggling with the process, is often difficult to access. Long wait times, inconsistent assistance, and limited staff training on specific needs related to disability further exacerbate the issue.
When Canadians with disabilities do manage to reach out for help, the support they receive is sometimes insufficient or not tailored to their specific needs, leaving them stuck and discouraged from continuing their application.
The question then arises: how can these barriers be rectified?
There is no question that the procurement process for Canadians with disabilities presents a real and significant challenge. Is it an artificial barrier, though? That depends on how we define artificial. The process is not intentionally designed to exclude individuals with disabilities, but the lack of foresight and inclusion during its design has undoubtedly created unnecessary barriers. These barriers are not insurmountable, but they are real, and they require immediate attention from policymakers and government agencies to eliminate.
Is the procurement process a true hindrance to the participation of Canadians with disabilities in government programs? In short, yes. Beyond just the online applications, there are formalities, required documents, and procedures that require in-person visits or detailed written interactions. These practices, when not accessible or accommodating, represent a true barrier that prevents full participation.
To rectify this, the government must take deliberate steps to overhaul the procurement process with accessibility and inclusivity at its core. First and foremost, all forms and documents should be universally accessible. This means offering documents in multiple formats, including accessible PDFs, large print, screen-reader compatible files, and Braille. The government should also invest in assistive technologies that automatically convert online forms into accessible formats, ensuring that no Canadian is left behind.
In addition, an emphasis should be placed on improving phone and in-person support services. Government employees should receive regular training on assisting people with disabilities, ensuring they can offer tailored help when needed. A more robust, dedicated team of accessibility experts should be put in place to guide applicants through every step of the process, ensuring that assistance is available not only for the application but also for subsequent steps if required.
Finally, Canada must look toward a more inclusive design for its procurement system – one that works to anticipate the needs of people with disabilities rather than reacting to them after the fact. This means embedding accessibility into the process from the very beginning, rather than adding it as an afterthought.
The procurement system should never be a gatekeeper that disproportionately disadvantages any group of Canadians. For Canadians with disabilities, this is not just a technical issue; it is a human issue. Their ability to engage fully with society, to apply for and participate in government programs, should not be hindered by poorly designed forms or inaccessible support systems. Only by addressing these barriers can the government ensure that all Canadians, regardless of ability, can take full advantage of the opportunities the Canadian government offers.
Image = an internet banner ad from the Canadian government advertising government jobs. It has the government of Canada logo at the top, and it says: “Canadian Government Jobs! Permanent, Temporary! Apply now!”
To learn more about me as an award winning sight loss coach and advocate visit www.donnajodhan.com
