Accessibility & Inclusivity in Vertical Transportation

Accessibility is more than a technical requirement; it is a human right and a cornerstone of inclusive communities. Across Canada, the conversation around equitable access to buildings and infrastructure is gaining momentum, with growing awareness of the diverse needs of people living with disabilities. Elevators and lifts play a vital role in ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, can move freely and independently within our built environment.

Why Accessibility in Elevators Matters

According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, 27% of Canadians aged 15 and older report living with one or more disabilities that affect their daily activities. This marks a significant increase from 22% in 2017 and highlights a growing need for accessibility across all public and private infrastructure.

Elevators are not just vertical transportation systems; they are enablers of inclusion. Inaccessible elevators can act as barriers, limiting individuals’ access to housing, education, employment, healthcare, and social interaction. Prioritizing accessibility in vertical transportation is therefore not just a matter of compliance, it’s a matter of equity.

Current Standards and Best Practices

Elevator design in Canada follows the CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, which includes Appendix E, a set of recommended best practices for accessibility. These guidelines support universal design through:

  • Proper button heights and reach ranges;
  • Tactile and Braille indicators;
  • Visual and audible floor announcements;
  • Door dwell time and reopening features to accommodate slower-moving passengers.

While Appendix E is not mandatory across all jurisdictions, many modernization projects and new installations voluntarily incorporate its recommendations to meet the evolving needs of building occupants.

Innovative Technologies Supporting Accessibility

The elevator industry continues to develop technology that enhances accessibility and user experience. Today’s solutions increasingly include touchless and contact-reducing features that benefit all users, especially those with limited mobility:

  • Mobile app controls for elevator calls and floor selection;
  • Hover or gesture-based call buttons that do not require physical contact;
  • Foot-activated controls to accommodate users with limited hand dexterity.

These features not only support accessibility but also improve hygiene and usability in high-traffic environments such as hospitals, transit stations, and commercial buildings.

A National Opportunity for Inclusion

While building codes and regulations differ by province and territory, the national trend toward universal design and accessibility is clear. Property owners, developers, elevator consultants, and engineers across Canada have a shared responsibility to:

  • Evaluate existing elevators for accessibility shortcomings
  • Prioritize inclusive features during modernizations
  • Apply universal design principles proactively in new developments
  • Advocate for and implement technology that removes physical barriers.

By taking a holistic, people-centred approach to elevator design, we can support greater independence and quality of life for millions of Canadians.

Final Thoughts

Accessible elevators are not just good design, they are essential for creating communities that work for everyone. As our population ages and the number of Canadians living with disabilities continues to rise, inclusive vertical transportation is no longer optional. It is an investment in fairness, functionality, and the future.