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ASL – Accessibility and accommodations guidelines - 2 of 4

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Video Transcript

How to request accommodations

  1. Any party can request accommodations to participate in any Commission proceeding. This could be related to disability, or to other reasons, like religious observance, or to a combination of reasons.
  2. If someone requests accommodations for the written part of a proceeding, they are encouraged make the request as early as possible after the proceeding starts. The Commission recommends that they make their request within the first 15 days after the application or notice of consultation is posted on the Commission’s website.
  3. For example, in the written part of a proceeding, a party can ask for extended deadlines to file sign language videos instead of written documents, or to have a notice of consultation translated into sign language.
  4. In a proceeding, the Commission often posts documents on its website that it did not create. These documents may not always be fully accessible. Because of this, the Rules of Procedure let parties request documents in alternative formats.
  5. If someone requests accommodations to appear at a hearing, they should make a request within the first 30 days after the application or notice of consultation is posted on the Commission’s website. They should make their request at the same they file their comments and ask to appear at the hearing.
  6. For example, a party wanting to appear at a hearing can ask for sign language interpretation (such as ASL, LSQ, or tactile interpretation), support for their service animal, or additional time or a calmer environment to prepare for their presentation in front of the Commission.
  7. Parties may be receiving personal support services for daily needs, including communication, mobility, personal care, or medical needs. Commission staff cannot provide these services (like the administration of medication) or arrange for the provision of these services. However, Commission staff will work with parties appearing at hearings to accommodate their personal support services.
  8. Making requests within the timelines set out above helps proceedings run smoothly and gives Commission staff time to make necessary arrangements.
  9. Accommodation requests should be filed in one of two ways:
    • in the party’s intervention – that is, their written comments that respond to an application or notice of consultation:
      • parties can file interventions by using a form on the Commission’s website. This form can be found under the “All Public Proceedings Open for Comment” webpage, by clicking the “Submit” button next to the specific proceeding the party wants to participate in; or
    • by sending an email to hearing@crtc.gc.ca.
  10. When a party requests accommodation using the intervention form, they will automatically receive an email acknowledging receipt. When a party requests accommodation by email, Commission staff will acknowledge receipt of the request, usually within 2 business days.
  11. Commission staff might ask the requester for more information to better understand their needs. Communications with parties will take their specific needs into account.
  12. Parties can get more information about accommodations in public proceedings by sending an email to hearing@crtc.gc.ca.

How the Commission considers accommodation requests

  1. These are the guiding principles the Commission follows when considering accommodation requests:
    • All parties are treated with dignity and respect.
    • Parties have the chance to participate fully and meaningfully.
    • Accommodation is a shared responsibility and collaborative process.
    • The Commission is sensitive to the privacy of parties requesting accommodations.
  2. In dealing with accommodation requests, the Commission also considers the following factors:
    • the situation of the requester and their reasons for the request;
    • whether accessibility measures already in place could meet the accommodation request;
    • the type of proceeding, when the request is made, any time constraints on the proceeding, and the procedural fairness rights of all parties; and
    • the requester’s legal rights and the Commission’s legal duties.
  3. All accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, and, in some cases, there may be other relevant factors.
  4. For example, if a party requests a deadline extension late in the proceeding, and granting the request would delay a resolution, this could negatively impact other parties. Therefore, the request may be denied.
  5. If a party requests sign language interpretation to present at a hearing, and the request is made at the same time the party files their intervention, it would usually be granted. This would help the party participate in a meaningful way and there would be enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

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This ASL video is the second of four that set out the CRTC Information Bulletin on Accessibility and accommodations guidelines.

This video describes how to request accommodations and how the CRTC considers accommodation requests.

To see the entire Information Bulletin, please watch all 4 videos in this playlist: ASL – Accessibility and accommodations guidelines.

Accessibility and accommodations guidelines CRTC 2025-95

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