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Accessibility and Remote Working

Introduction

Working remotely and need help with adaptive computer technology or job accommodations?

Experts from Shared Services Canada (SSC) can help! The Accessibility, Accommodations and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT) team has put together a list of top tips for accessible remote working.

AAACT supports public service employees who have disabilities, injuries or require workplace adjustments, by providing access to systems, programs, computers, training, and computer resources to help them in the workplace.

The AAACT team continues to serve clients during the COVID disruption via audio and video conference, and can ship equipment directly to where you are working.

Contact AAACT!

The very first thing to do if you need assistance with job accommodations, adaptive solutions and technology is to contact the AAACT team by email at aaact-aatia@ssc-spc.gc.ca or reach them by phone at 819-994-4835, 1-866-44-AAACT (1-866-442-2228) or by TTY 819-994-3692 Monday to Friday, 9a.m. to 5p.m. Eastern Time.

Need a loan?

AAACT also loans adaptive equipment and software for indeterminate employees to try out, and AAACT’s Lending Library can provide quick access to certain solutions to short-term employees for the duration of their employment.

Microsoft Accessibility Resources

With the GC making the move to M365 and TEAMS, it’s important to keep accessibility in mind when doing so. Check out Microsoft’s accessibility page to get started . If you are looking for help with MS Teams, take a look at the Accessibility Overview of Microsoft Teams which includes a list of Teams keyboard shortcuts and help for screen readers. Microsoft also has a Disability Answer Desk for support with Microsoft Office Accessibility product issues, accessibility questions, and use of assistive technology.

Make sure your presentations and documents can be read by everyone.

Working virtually means it’s even more critical that documents are accessible and usable by all. AAACT has created document accessibility guides to explain how to use the built in accessibility checker in MS Office. Make sure you create presentations and documents that everyone will be able to read.

Hold inclusive virtual meetings

Follow best practices for virtual meetings including:

• send the presentation/material in advance
• mute your audio when not in use
• follow speaker rules so only 1 person talks at once

For more tips and suggestions, consult the planning inclusive meetings guide.

Guides and more information about AAACT

Visit AAACT’s Canada.ca page to learn more about AAACT, or view and download our Office 2016 or Office 365 document accessibility guides, see frequently asked questions, and read more about the Lending Library and how to access loans and support for short-term employees who have disabilities, injuries or need job accommodations. (NOTE: some Departments may block access to certain cloud services. If you have any trouble at all accessing the above link, email us to ask for a copy).

Additional Resources

• Check out the M365 GC Collab site for Accessibility training resources.
• DisabilityIN: Digital Accessibility and Other Best Practices for Remote Work

Posted July 2020