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Welcome to CTRF’s 60th Annual Conference! Enjoy Ottawa
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Five Years of the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations: Outcomes and Opportunities
Monday May 26, 2025 10:30am - 10:50am EDT
Desmarais 1140
Transportation is one of seven priority areas under the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) which sets out to realize a barrier-free Canada by 2040. The Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR) were established to advance this goal and protect the right to barrier-free travel. Most provisions set out in the ATPDR came into force in 2020, while others were phased in until 2022 due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. Five years later, gaps in the consistency and quality of accessible transportation services remain.

A fundamental challenge lies in the disconnect between transportation service providers and other stakeholders within the aviation system. Effective collaboration between various entities is required to deliver a seamless, barrier-free experience for everyone.

This paper reflects on the past 5 years of the ATPDR with a focus on air travel, exploring accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities. It argues that compliance does not necessarily lead to accessible outcomes. As we navigate towards 2040, how might we shift the focus from a compliance-based approach to a framework that prioritizes dignity, autonomy, and empowerment? Over the next five years, what might be done to affect change in the industry and elevate accessibility to the same levels of safety and security?
Speakers
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Sonya Sula

InterVISTAS Consulting Inc.
Sonya is an Analyst at InterVISTAS Consulting, based in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada. She has supported a range of projects relating to economic analysis, policy, accessibility, and customer experience in the transportation industry. She holds a Bachelor of International Economics... Read More →
13. Sula Sonya Paper CTRF2025 pdf
Monday May 26, 2025 10:30am - 10:50am EDT
Desmarais 1140 55 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa ON K1N 6N5
  Enabling fair & ethical transportation

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