The Accessible Canada Act: Why It Matters to All of Us—and to Yoga

June 21 marked the anniversary of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), which became law in 2019.

The Act includes a clear target: a barrier-free Canada by 2040.

At first glance, 2040 may seem like it's still a long way off. In reality, it's only a few years away, and there is a great deal of work to do if we are going to achieve that vision.

The good news? Every one of us has a role to play.

Accessibility isn't only the responsibility of governments, architects, employers, or large organizations.

It is created one decision, one conversation, one policy, and one welcoming space at a time. Whether you own a business, teach yoga, volunteer in your community, or simply interact with others each day, you can help remove barriers and create a more inclusive Canada.

The Accessible Canada Act is built on seven guiding principles:

• Dignity – Every person must be treated with dignity, regardless of disability.

• Equal Opportunity – Everyone should have the same opportunity to build the life they want.

• Barrier-Free Access – Everyone deserves full and equal participation in society without unnecessary barriers.

• Choice – People must have meaningful options and the freedom to make their own choices, with support when they choose it.

• Inclusive Laws, Policies and Programs – Our laws, policies, services and structures must recognize the diversity of disability, the many ways people interact with their environments, and the overlapping forms of discrimination people may experience.

• Nothing About Us Without Us – People with disabilities must be involved in creating the laws, policies, programs, services and structures that affect them.

• The Highest Level of Accessibility – Accessibility standards should continually strive for the highest level of accessibility possible.

  
  

These principles don't just guide legislation—they offer a framework for how we can build more inclusive communities.

The Act also identifies seven key areas where barriers commonly exist:

• Employment

• The built environment (physical spaces)

• Communication

• Information and communication technologies

• Procurement (buying and renting goods and spaces)

• Programs and services

• Transportation

  
  

When we begin to understand these barriers, we also begin to notice them in our own communities, workplaces, recreation facilities, businesses—and yes, yoga studios.

Accessibility isn't simply about meeting legal requirements. It's about creating environments where people feel welcomed, respected, included, and able to participate in meaningful ways.

Over the coming months, I'll be exploring each of these guiding principles and the barriers the Accessible Canada Act seeks to eliminate. We'll look at what they mean here in Canada, how they connect to accessibility around the world, and how they relate directly to the practice and teaching of yoga.

Because accessibility isn't separate from yoga.

If yoga is about creating space for people to be fully present, then accessibility is one of the ways we make that space possible.