Publisher: Nicole Gladstone, Tessa MacNeil & Dr. Amos Zehavi
Topics: Supported Employment Practice-Business Intelligence, Compliance-Policies
Year published: 2017
Type of resource: Publication

This policy brief investigates government innovation policy that supports a steadily growing and often marginalized group in society: People with Disabilities (PWD). This brief surveys existing government activities related to technological innovation for PWD to determine barriers and opportunities. Alongside Canada, this brief consulted practices in Israel, the United States, and other countries in order to understand their influence as states at the forefront of technological innovation. In addition, qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in each sector were conducted in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the interaction between government policy and technological
innovation for PWD. These interviews have informed the subsequent sections of this brief.

This brief makes the following recommendations:
● Government should evaluate all relevant policy systematically through an accessibility lens.
● Government initiatives to support innovation should better include commercial firms.
● Government should support inclusive design principles through regulation.
● An interdepartmental government program or research center specializing in innovation for PWD should be created.

Access the resource here: Innovation Policy for People with Disabilities.