Accessibility at the Library of Parliament
Overview
The Library of Parliament is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible environment for employees, clients and the public. To do so, the Library works closely with parliamentary partners and partners in the Government of Canada.
The Library is committed to providing equitable products and services that are accessible to the most diverse group of users possible, regardless of ability. We are actively working to remove accessibility barriers and gaps for employees, clients and the public in everything we do.
Accessibility plan
The Library of Parliament Accessibility Plan 2025–2028 published on December 3, 2025, is the Library’s second accessibility plan. It describes how the Library identifies and removes accessibility barriers in the areas of employment, the built environment, information and communication technologies, communication, the procurement of goods, services and facilities, the design and delivery of programs and services, and transportation and culture.
Progress reports on the implementation of the accessibility plan
The first two progress reports on the implementation of the Library’s accessibility plan were published in 2023 and 2024. The reports describe the many initiatives we have undertaken to remove barriers and improve accessibility within our organization. These initiatives were carried out by various teams at the Library.
Feedback process
The Description of feedback process explains how the Library receives and handles feedback about accessibility.
Accessibility in the Parliamentary Precinct
Guided Tours of Parliament
Visitors to Parliament can learn about accessibility, including accommodations and assistive services available for guided tours, by consulting the Plan Your Visit web page.
Digital Accessibility
In keeping with the new standard issued by Accessibility Standards Canada, CAN/ASC - EN 301 549: 2024 Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services (ASC standard) which outlines accessibility requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) products and services in Canada, the Library ensures that
- websites and web applications are designed and maintained to meet the Level AA and AAA success criteria set out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 integrated into the ASC standard in order to guarantee compatibility with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, screen magnifiers and voice recognition software;
- documents and multimedia content are provided in accessible formats which include structured headings, alternative text for images, captions for videos and accessible tables;
- software and mobile applications used or developed by the Library are evaluated for their accessibility features, such as keyboard navigation, colour contrast and error identification;
- ICT procurement processes make accessibility a core requirement so that technologies purchased or licensed comply with the ASC standard.
Accessible Formats and Communication
The Library’s accessibility plans can be requested in alternative formats, including:
- print and large print;
- Braille;
- audio; and
- electronic formats compatible with assistive technologies.
All communications with the public are available in accessible formats upon request. Library employees are trained to respond to accessibility needs with sensitivity and efficiency.
Conformance
In order to conform to the new ASC standard, the Library has implemented the requirements of that standard. The Library may not be able to conform if a product or service does not exist in an accessible format, but is necessary for Library operations. If this situation arises and creates an accessibility barrier, the Library will make the product or service available in the required accessible format.