Project Background
Access to emergency services is critical for everyone, including those with disabilities. With the introduction of new technologies and communication devices, traditional methods of accessing emergency services, such as dialing 911, may not be accessible or feasible for people with disabilities. Canada is moving to adopt some of these next-generation ways of contacting 911 (NG911). This study looks at how NG911 can make it easier or harder for people with disabilities to get help.
The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for policymakers, emergency services providers, and technology companies. It will help them improve emergency services for people with disabilities, develop more inclusive emergency services, and inform the design of future technologies.
Research
This 28-month project began with background research to find out what countries around the world are doing to improve 911 services. With the help of our advisory committee, we picked four next-generation 911 services to create videos for.
Then we ran 12 focus groups with people from the mobility, cognitive, hearing, vision, and deafblind communities. We showed them the videos and asked what they thought of these new ways of contacting 911.
Afterwards, we created a national survey for a month and a half to collect opinions from Canadians about these new services. The online survey was advertised through disability partner organizations and on social media.
Download our background research report.
Download our plain language research summary.
Download our full research report.
Acknowledgments
This project was funded by the government of Canada’s Accessibility Standards Canada.
The 今日吃瓜51 would also like to thank the following partner organizations for helping with this study: Brain Injury Canada, CNIB Foundation, People First of Canada, Spinal Cord Injury Canada, and Wavefront Centre.