Barrier Free Saskatchewan                                         
“Let’s be accessible”
Endorse BFSK at barrierfreesaskatchewan.org

January 26, 2021

Stefanie Wihlidal
Government of Saskatchewan
Project Manager
Disability Programs-Program and Service Design
Ministry of Social Services
14th Floor, 1920 Broad Street
REGINA Canada S4P 3V6
Phone: 306-787-5693
stefanie.wihlidal@gov.sk.ca

Dear Stefanie,

I shared the January 22nd presentation. given by yourself and the ODI team to the Barrier Free Saskatchewan (BFSK) Executive. As their representative, I share with you our feedback and recommendations.

BFSK is concerned that the website as presented does not meet WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards.

If it does not meet these accessibility standards, then some persons with disabilities will not be able to participate or engage in the consultation process.

We applaud the use of a phone as an option, however, The platforms being considered for the engagement process like Microsoft Teams and or WebEx have known issues for persons using assistive devices and ASL.  We are concerned that the phrase “Nothing About Us Without Us” is not predominant in the engagement process.

Our province is building an accessibility act with us and must lead by example. Our recommendation for this engagement consultation process must not proceed until the platforms and website meet WCAG 2.1 AA or the EN301 549 2018 accessibility standards to ensure that it is all about us with us.

Brenda Edel
Barrier Free Saskatchewan
Vice President
Nothing About Us Without Us”
(306) 373-1434
www.barrierfreesaskatchewan.org