Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Accessibility Plan

The SHA is committed to accessibility and continuous quality improvement to ensure equitable care for all.

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SHA Values (C.A.R.E.S.)

SHA Values (C.A.R.E.S.)

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As part of this commitment, SHA is identifying, removing, and preventing accessibility barriers to ensure equitable access for all individuals who use our facilities, programs, and services. This work aligns with The Accessible Saskatchewan Act, which reinforces the right of all individuals to live free of barriers. In accordance with the Act, SHA will publicly post an accessibility plan outlining our strategies to improve accessibility across the health system.

Fostering accessibility is an essential step in building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive health care system—one where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported. We recognize that individuals with disabilities may encounter a range of barriers, including:

• Attitudinal – Misconceptions, stereotypes, or assumptions about people with disabilities.

• Information and Communication – Challenges accessing information in a usable format.

• Physical – Obstacles that make it difficult to navigate spaces or use services.

These barriers are further shaped by intersecting aspects of identity, including race, gender identity, culture, and socioeconomic status. Our approach acknowledges these intersections and incorporates Indigenous perspectives to ensure our work reflects the lived experiences of the people we serve.

To advance this work, SHA is engaging an internal Leadership Working Group and Accessibility Committee, both of which include members with lived experience. We are also establishing an Accessibility Advisory Committee and inviting participation from community members and organizations focused on accessibility and disability inclusion. Their insights will help guide meaningful improvements across our health system.

We are committed to ongoing progress and transparency.

Accessibility Principles and Actions

Goal 1 – Make SHA buildings and surrounding areas more accessible

The SHA acknowledges that making buildings accessible is key to improving access to its services for our patients, residents, and families.

Achievements to date:

The Functional Planning, Major Capital Projects and Building Services teams review accessibility of SHA buildings, project by project. Accessibility is being built in as a consideration for Functional Planning projects and Major Capital Projects. To date, the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Playground has received certification through the Rick Hansen Foundation. To receive this certification, facilities must undergo an accessibility audit and meet certain accessibility requirements.

New 2024 project, Martensville Primary Health Centre, included floor plan designed to be accessible, as well as accessible washrooms for patients, clients, and staff.

Additional upgrades include the installation and the trial of a Scream Alarm in elevators at Parkridge Centre, which is hardware and software installed to assist individuals who are having difficulties in elevators through the use of voice activated assistance sent to the building’s security department. When elevators require upgrading, they are equipped with audible floor announcement feature.

The SHA has and continues to make accessibility improvements to SHA buildings during routine facility updates. This includes but is not limited to replacing doorknobs with lever handles, installing handrails, and installing raised toilet seats.

Actions for 2025-28:

• Increase the number of Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification audits completed on SHA owned buildings. These audits will help to identify accessibility barriers and actions that can be taken to remove physical barriers in SHA buildings.

• Evaluation of SHA buildings to better understand current accessibility barriers and to plan and prioritize future renovation projects.

• Collaborate with SaskBuilds and Procurement to develop strategies that enhance accessible signage and wayfinding for consistency.

• Review accessible parking strategies for SHA buildings and work with local authorities regarding on-street accessible parking at SHA buildings.

• Review and improve lighting and sidewalk maintenance.

Goal 2 – Improve the accessibility of SHA programs and services

The SHA is taking steps to remove accessibility barriers that limit access to SHA programs and services.

Achievements to date:

The SHA provides interpretation services for patients who speak English as a Second Language (ESL) or who do not speak English at all. Since 2022, the SHA has contracted 9-1-1 Interpreters to provide international language and translation services. This includes but is not limited to, video remote interpretation services that are available in American Sign Language (ASL). Interpretation services are available 24/7 in large number of languages, including Indigenous languages. The full list of languages available can be found on the SHA website.

SHA provides templates that are available for use by all employees and physicians, helping to create informational materials for units and patients that are clear, easy to read, and easy to understand. In addition to these templates, organizational guides are available to offer best practice recommendations for communicating in plain language across various formats, such as emails, website content, and more. Internal corporate communications materials, including information items, stories, and updates, are expected to be written in a way that is accessible to individuals at any reading level. These materials also make use of visuals to further enhance understanding and ensure clarity for all audiences.

For educational or informational campaigns, (as an example the annual Immunization campaign), the Communications team develops variations of the most used and requested material in several languages. This approach is designed to better serve communities and ensures that key messages are clearly communicated to a broad audience.

Actions for 2025-28:

• Review and revise the SHA’s Visual Identity Guidelines for appropriate accessible communication guidelines (such as accessible colour combinations and fonts). Consideration of incorporating additional accessibility measures into these guidelines will improve the accessibility of all SHA publications.

• Update SHA’s Signage Guidelines - Exterior, Interior & Wayfinding with best practices for accessibility, ensuring a baseline for signage accessibility to supplement the expertise of SHA’s Infrastructure teams, and contractors.

Goal 3 – Make digital content more accessible

As many individuals access information through digital platforms like websites and social media, it is important to make sure that digital content is understandable and accessible on the devices that people use.

Achievements to date:

The SHA regularly evaluates the Saskatchewan Health Authority website (www.saskhealthauthority.ca) to identify opportunities for improvement.

Many of the tactics outlined in the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Accessibility Guidelines and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) international standard, which apply to technology and design, were built into the SHA's consolidated website, which launched in 2021. The SHA continues to employ these standards for developing and maintaining website content, such as the addition of descriptive text for all images and writing in plain language.

Descriptive text for images has been added on SHA’s X social media channel to make it more accessible to those with visual impairments.

Accessibility audits are conducted on SHA's online health platforms including MySaskHealthRecord and Healthline 811. By assessing the platforms with an accessibility focus, we can identify specific barriers that may prevent individuals with disabilities from fully engaging with these services.

Enhanced virtual care services promotes compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies. Virtual care has proven to be a lifeline for many individuals, particularly those with mobility or visual impairments, and making it compatible with technologies like screen readers helps create a more inclusive experience.

SHA has upgraded the online booking systems to enhance accessibility for individuals with visual and mobility impairments. By improving the user-friendliness and accessibility of these systems, we are breaking down a key barrier to care. Streamlining the process can significantly reduce stress and improve health care access for vulnerable populations.

Actions for 2025-28:

• Continue to review and improve the accessibility of the SHA website and other communication-based online platforms.

• Consider the addition of closed captioning to appropriate videos shared on SHA’s social media channels.

• Review all digital health platforms to meet or exceed Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA accessibility standards.
• Expand the availability of real-time captioning and ASL interpretation for virtual health care appointments.
• Develop a patient feedback mechanism for digital accessibility improvements.

Goal 4 – Improve Accessibility for Indigenous, Rural and Remote Populations

The SHA is committed to improving accessibility for persons with disabilities living in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities. Many individuals in these communities’ experience barriers to full and equal participation in health services due to geographic isolation, limited transportation, and a lack of local providers. When combined with disability-related needs, these barriers can compound inequities in access to timely and appropriate care.

Achievements to date:

SHA currently operates facility-based Telehealth services in 129 facilities across 107 Saskatchewan communities. These services also extend to 51 First Nation sites on the eHealth network, improving access to care for individuals living in remote locations, including those with disabilities.

SHA offers interpretation services that support health care providers in demonstrating cultural competence, making care more accessible and improving outcomes for Indigenous communities and others who face language barriers.

Saskatchewan Virtual Visit (SKVV) is available to all SHA providers and allows patients to receive care from their homes or other locations with sufficient internet access. In 2024–2025, SKVV supported approximately 17,000 participant encounters, many of which served rural patients with limited transportation options or mobility impairments.

Remote Patient Monitoring through the Telus Home Health Monitoring (HHM) platform allows patients to collect and transmit health data from home to their care providers. This service supports accessibility for individuals with chronic diseases or functional limitations that make frequent travel to health care facilities difficult.

The expansion of the Virtual Physician Program has enabled 29 rural Emergency Departments to maintain services and avoid closures. This has improved access for geographically isolated populations and enhanced continuity of care for individuals with disabilities who may be disproportionately affected by service disruptions.

Actions for 2025-28:

• Collaborate with Indigenous communities to co-develop culturally appropriate accessibility supports that address both disability-related and geographic barriers.

• Increase the availability of interpretation services, including sign language interpretation, to improve communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

• Improve the physical and programmatic accessibility of SHA’s mobile health units to better serve persons with disabilities in rural and northern communities.

• Expand virtual care platforms that incorporate accessibility features, including screen reader compatibility, adjustable font sizes, captioning, and alternative formats to support participation by persons with visual, auditory, or cognitive disabilities.

• Monitor and evaluate utilization data from virtual platforms to assess impact on accessibility and equity.

Goal 5 - Strengthen Accessibility in Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response

The SHA is committed to ensuring that emergency preparedness and disaster response systems are fully accessible and inclusive for all individuals.

Achievements to date:

SHA facilities developed accessible emergency response plans so that individuals, regardless of disability, receive the support they need during emergencies.

The SHA provides staff with training to assist individuals with disabilities during emergencies. This training helps create a safer and more inclusive environment during emergencies, especially in high-stress scenarios. Staff are prepared to address unique needs of individuals with disabilities, they can respond quickly and appropriately, providing the support needed during critical moments.

The SHA has started to install visual and auditory emergency alert systems in SHA buildings. In many cases, individuals with hearing or visual impairments are at risk of missing emergency alerts or instructions, which could put them in even greater danger. These systems can make a significant difference in creating a safer and more inclusive environment during an emergency.

Actions for 2025-28:

• Expand accessible emergency notification systems across SHA buildings.

• Review emergency preparedness plans to include mobility, sensory, and cognitive disabilities during evacuations.

• Improve disaster response training for frontline staff to assist individuals with disabilities.

Goal 6 – Support a diverse and inclusive SHA workforce

The SHA recognizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.

Achievements to date:

The SHA has advanced several initiatives that support a more accessible and inclusive workplace. Policy language has been reviewed and updated to ensure clarity, inclusivity, and the removal of language that may create barriers for employees with disabilities. New resources have been introduced to support inclusive communication, including materials designed to assist staff whose first language is not English. Education related to wellbeing and resilience has been provided to promote healthy workplace practices and reduce stigma connected to disability. Workplace accommodation processes have been strengthened to support timely and safe accommodation requests, ensuring employees with disabilities receive the adjustments they need. Recruitment and onboarding practices have also been examined to identify and address barriers that may limit equitable access for employees with disabilities.

Actions for 2025-28:

• Review the current process for accommodations.
• Validate resources are in place to support medical accommodations in the workplace.
• Review the current process for SHA staff to self-declare a disability.
• Clearly outline and communicate the accommodations process to staff.
• Develop a hiring tool for managers to help build more inclusive interview processes and guides.
• Develop and provide leadership resources and tools, including supportive accessibility language and practices, to help with hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities.

Goal 7 – Improve employee knowledge and awareness of accessibility

Increasing employee awareness about accessibility and understanding the importance of inclusion are key to improving the quality of services provided to all individuals, including persons with disabilities.

Achievements to date:

The Organizational Development team has been working on complying with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 standards including:

• closed captioning;

• font sizes;

• mobile device friendly;

• contrast and colour choices;

• audio narration;

• reading level; and

• speed variability.

Future learning models will be built to function with screen readers.

Actions for 2025-28:

• Explore and develop accessibility-focused training for SHA employees to increase accessibility awareness and promote a more inclusive and accepting work environment. This training will expand on information contained in existing disability awareness training and will help employees identify and remove accessibility barriers, more confidently interact with persons with disabilities, and create more inclusive spaces for all.

• Work with portfolios to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 standards when developing training for staff.

Goal 8 – Provide leadership to promote accessibility and inclusion

As part of the implementation of The Accessible Saskatchewan Act, the SHA has committed to following any requirements created by the Act and the regulations created under it.

Achievements to date:

The SHA developed the Manager Leadership Learning Pathway to build skills to lead diverse teams and navigate complex dynamics with:

• belonging, diversity and inclusion principles;

• cultural capacity learning;

• focus on importance of partnerships; and

• leadership development.

Actions for 2025-28:

• Provide support to portfolios to implement the SHA’s Accessibility Plan under The Accessible Saskatchewan Regulations. These efforts will help to ensure that portfolios can effectively develop a plan and work towards preventing and removing accessibility barriers.

• Develop and distribute a Guide for Hosting Accessible Events. This resource will be available for SHA staff to help make events more accessible.

• SHA will include accessibility requirements during the procurement and tendering processes. Including accessibility considerations will ensure SHA proactively considers accessibility when purchasing goods and services.

• Establish a committee of senior executives to oversee the implementation of the SHA’s Accessibility Plan 2025-28.