Accessibility Progress Report 2023
Introduction
In 2021, the National Gallery of Canada (the Gallery) introduced our strategic plan: Transform Together. Along with that plan came our new brand and vision: Ankosé, an Anishinaabemowin word meaning “everything is connected.” At the end of 2022, we published our first Accessibility Plan. Throughout 2023, as we began to implement the commitments made in that plan, we have been striving to make the Gallery an accessible and inclusive place for everyone, including people with disabilities.
This Progress Report outlines the accessibility initiatives that have been started or completed from January 2023 through December 2023. As with many new initiatives, this first year has been a year of learning, and although we have made great strides in certain areas, there is still much progress to be made. In 2024, we will be establishing an external accessibility advisory group composed of people with disabilities, which will be instrumental in shaping and informing many of the Gallery’s future projects. Above all, this group will ensure that the Gallery supports the disability rights slogan, “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
Summary of the Gallery’s Progress
Over the last year, the Gallery has completed many accessibility initiatives, and many others are in the works.
Projects completed in 2023 include:
- We have revised our procurement policy and have incorporated an accessibility lens whenever we buy new goods or services.
- The Gallery displays a toll-free phone number at the top of our contact page.
- The “membership” webpage has information about free admission for a support person accompanying a person with a disability.
- The Gallery’s website has information about the various ways that people can contact the Gallery to purchase tickets.
Ongoing projects include:
- We are working on updating our procurement documents, such as checklists and templates.
- We are in the process of changing bathroom signage to make it clearer which bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.
- We have started to update the Gallery’s signage to make sure that it is accessible. We are developing a new wayfinding signage system that better meets accessibility requirements.
- During our last two annual public meetings, we have incorporated ASL/LSQ in our production, and are working towards integrating that option in all our online and in-person programming by request.
- We are working on adding a TTY line for customers who are Deaf so that they can call the Gallery with their questions and for information.
- We have started to review the Gallery’s website to make sure the language used is respectful of people with disabilities.
- We are updating the Gallery’s website and online ticketing system to be more accessible and compliant with WCAG 2.0 Level AA conformant (WCAG is a set of international guidelines for digital accessibility).
- We are ensuring that images we use on our website, communications, and social media have ALT text.
- We are working to improve the accessibility of the PDF version of our annual report (e.g., page content, alternate text, tables and lists, headings…).
- We are working to make sure that the Gallery’s senior leadership informs all staff and volunteers of the commitment to accessibility.
- We are developing an accessibility awareness and disability sensitivity training strategy for all staff and volunteers.
- We are working towards having at least 5% of our exhibitions include a tactile or experiential component (so that the visually impaired or blind can enjoy the art through their sense of touch).
- We are updating our audio amplification equipment for in-person and virtual tours and reviewing guidelines on how to deliver the online programs.
- We are reviewing our programming and developing guidance on how to make sure programs at the Gallery are accessible.
- We are developing a long-term strategy for consulting people with disabilities, including researching best practices for external advisory groups on accessibility.
How to Provide Feedback
The National Gallery of Canada welcomes feedback from our visitors, employees, volunteers, and members of the public about accessibility and about this Progress Report. You can send us feedback with or without your name. We are committed to reviewing the feedback we receive in good faith and taking steps to address barriers that are identified through this feedback.
You can submit feedback without using your name if you use the online feedback form, the phone, or by mail. To ensure anonymity, do not state your name or provide any identifying information.
If you are using an email address that includes your name and want to remain anonymous, state that you would like your feedback to remain anonymous. That way, we will not identify you with anyone beyond the National Gallery of Canada’s People, Culture and Belonging department.
For physical mail, if you would like to remain fully anonymous, please do not include your return address on the envelope. If you would like to receive an acknowledgment with a response regarding your feedback, please let us know that you would like to remain anonymous but receive a response. We will not identify you with anyone beyond the People, Culture, and Belonging department.
Please note that all feedback will be anonymized when we report publicly on all feedback.
You can submit feedback about accessibility at the Gallery in many different ways:
Email: [email protected]
By phone: 613-990-1985 / 1-800-319-ARTS (2787)
In person and/or in writing: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4
Website: https://gallery.ca/accessibility
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalgallerycanada
X: @NatGalleryCan
Instagram: @NatGalleryCan
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/national-gallery-of-canada
Information about how to submit feedback to the Gallery is also available on our public website here.
We will acknowledge receipt by email to comments received through the online feedback form or by email within five business days.
Acknowledging receipt for comments made by other means will take longer. We will reply to those by the same means of communication used to communicate with us.
We will compile all comments and explain the follow-up actions in our annual progress reports on accessibility and accessibility plans.
If you make comments through the online feedback form, you will receive an automatic confirmation. If you submit comments through other means, you will receive an acknowledgment and response by the same means of communication used to communicate with us.
Our acknowledgment message will include the following information:
- A confirmation that we have received comments.
- Our service standard for replying to comments.
- A note regarding more complex issues that will take more time to solve.
How to Request Alternate Formats
You can request alternative formats for this Progress Report by sending an email to: [email protected]. We will provide the following alternative formats within 15 days of the initial request:
- Print; and
- Large print (increased font size).
We will provide the following alternative formats within 45 days of the initial request:
- Braille (a system of raised dots that people who are blind or who have low vision can read with their fingers); and
- Audio (a recording of someone reading the text out loud).
Our Commitment
The National Gallery of Canada is committed to providing an inclusive experience to the communities it exists to serve. This includes making our workplace, activities, and services accessible for all visitors, employees, volunteers, and contractors. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the Gallery in a way that respects their dignity and independence. We understand that accessibility is an ongoing process and that people with disabilities are the experts in their own experience and accessibility. We commit to listening to people who have disabilities and to keep improving accessibility. We see the Gallery leading boldly towards a future in which art has the power to build bridges and advance a more equitable society. We strive to be responsive in our approach to inclusion and access. We value the diversity, self-worth, and human rights of all. We are committed to fostering belonging which is rooted in our culture.
Areas Described under Section 5 of the Accessible Canada Act
In this section, we have listed all the goals that we set in our Accessibility Plan to be completed in 2023 or early 2024. We have provided updates about each goal, where available, and in some cases have provided a revised deadline for the goal.
We recognize that we are behind with some of the accessibility goals that we set for 2023. However, we are still highly committed to accomplishing the goals that we laid out in our Accessibility Plan and have adjusted our deadlines.
General
This section outlines the general goals that we committed to completing in 2023. It explains the status of the goal (i.e., whether we completed it) and if not, what the new timeline for completion is.
- Goal: By June 2023, we will develop an accessibility consultation strategy that will guide the establishment and maintenance of an external advisory committee.
Status: In progress. We are currently working with a consultant who is helping us set terms of reference and best practices for our consultation strategy. We will continue to work on putting together this strategy through the early parts of 2024.
Revised timeline: September 2024.
- Goal: In September 2023, we will develop an accessibility awareness and disability sensitivity training strategy for all staff and volunteers.
Status: In progress. The strategy is being developed during Winter of 2023 with a goal of roll-out in early 2024.
Revised timeline: November 2024.
- Goal: By December 2023, we will revise existing accessibility training and/or seek new external training to reflect the feedback received.
Status: In progress. Preliminary research on training options has been conducted. Delivery was postponed due to organizational reporting shifts.
Revised timeline: March 2025.
- Goal: By December 2023, we will establish and pay an accessibility advisory committee of people with disabilities to ensure that all accessibility initiatives are led by people with disabilities.
Status: In progress. We have engaged a consultant who has begun researching best practices for external advisory committees on accessibility. The consultant will draft Terms of Reference, develop recruitment materials, and assist with the establishment of the committee. We are late with this goal because we are taking our time and trying to make sure that members of the group will be well supported.
Revised timeline: November 2024.
- Goal: By March 2024, all Gallery staff and volunteers will have received disability sensitivity and accessibility awareness training.
Status: In progress. Our timeline will be extended, as it relies on the creation of the training strategy.
Revised timeline: December 2025.
Built Environment
This section outlines the built environment goals that we committed to completing in 2023. It explains the status of the goal (i.e., whether we completed it) and, if not completed, what the new timeline for completion is.
- Goal: By March 2023, any inaccessible washrooms will have accessible signage removed until changes are made.
Status: In progress. The Gallery is in the process of changing washroom signage to make it clearer which washrooms are accessible by wheelchair. This is captured in a larger wayfinding project that will update signage throughout the Gallery. As part of this wayfinding project, we conducted a focus group with people with disabilities this year and asked them about the proposed newly designed signs. We are moving forward with the Gallery-wide signage system including revisions based on their feedback.
Revised timeline: December 2025.
- Goal: By March 2023 and onwards, we will work with the City of Ottawa to make crosswalks more accessible.
Status: Not started. This goal will be ongoing as we cooperate with the City of Ottawa to work in and around the Gallery.
Revised timeline: March 2025.
- Goal: By June 2023, we will provide information on our website about accessibility features and known barriers at the Gallery. This will list what features the accessible washrooms have on the Gallery website under the section “planning your visit.” This information will include the process for using the elevator, its size, and any requirements for operating (e.g., buzz security to access) and about how to request assistance to navigate the crosswalk. Any disruptions to elevator service should be communicated internally and, on the public-facing website.
Status: In progress.
Revised timeline: December 2025.
- Goal: By June 2023, we will place a sign at the top and bottom of the stepped ramp warning people to be careful maneuvering up and down the stepped ramp.
Status: In progress.
Revised timeline: March 2024.
- Goal: By December 2023, we will develop a plan for making longer-term changes to the accessibility of the Gallery’s built environment.
Status: Not started. We are committed to dedicating additional time and resources to initiate the development of this project.
Revised timeline: December 2024.
- Goal: By January 2024, tactile and braille signage will be provided at all washrooms. They should be mounted at a maximum height of 1500 mm and should be provided on the latch side of the door.
Status: In progress.
Revised timeline: December 2025.
Employment
This section outlines the employment goals that we committed to completing in 2023. It explains the status of the goal (i.e., whether we completed it) and, if not completed, what the new timeline for completion is.
- Goal: By March 2023, we will hire or appoint an accessibility or accommodation coordinator(s).
Status: Ongoing. An Anti-Racism, Inclusion, and Accessibility Coordinator was hired in September 2023 and assigned to support the portfolio in the interim. We plan to hire an Accessibility and Accommodation Coordinator to work exclusively on the Accessibility portfolio.
Revised timeline: March 2024.
- Goal: By June 2023, we will review and revise our process for employee accommodations. This clarified process will outline when fully accessible documents are required and when they are not.
Status: In progress. We are considering adopting the Government of Canada (GC) Workplace Accessibility Passport, which is a voluntary tool for public service employees to document workplace barriers and accommodation needs confidentially. This program facilitates open dialogue with managers for an inclusive work environment while respecting privacy rights under the Privacy Act.
Revised timeline: June 2024.
- Goal: By September 2023, we will permit sit breaks during shifts and have portable seating that is height-adjustable and available for front-line staff.
Status: Ongoing. The Visitor Experience department ensures seating availability at all stations with height-adjustable chairs. Boutique personnel working in the store can be provided with seating accommodations or breaks on a case-by-case basis.
- Goal: By January 2024, we will develop an employee resource group for employees with disabilities.
Status: Ongoing. Preliminary research and development of options have been completed. Best practice research has shown that employee resource groups are best formed by employees with disabilities themselves, rather than from management. Based on this research, we are revising this goal to provide support for an employee Affinity group (an Affinity group typically refers to a designated supportive space where individuals with shared identities, backgrounds, or lived experiences gather to openly discuss, share, and support each other in a respectful environment), rather than to create one. We will encourage employees with disabilities to form such a group and resources will be given to the group once formed.
Revised timeline: Ongoing.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
This section outlines the ICT goals that we committed to completing in 2023. It explains the status of the goal (i.e., whether we completed it) and, if not completed, what the new timeline for completion is.
- Goal: We will immediately begin addressing website barriers identified.
Status: In progress.
- Goal: By January 2023, we will post alternative contact information for individuals requiring assistance to purchase tickets.
Status: Completed.
- Goal: By March 2023, we will have a workplan to prioritize and update the alt-text for older images on the Gallery website.
Status: Completed. We have created the workplan and have begun updating ALT text for older images on the Gallery website. We have gone back and added ALT text to all images that are five years or older and plan to keep going back further to older images.
- Goal: By June 2023, we will upgrade our online ticketing form to meet WCAG 2.0 level AA standards and test it by persons with disabilities before launching the form.
Status: In progress. The Gallery is working on updating its website and online ticketing system to be more accessible and compliant with WCAG 2.0 Level AA conformant (WCAG is a set of international guidelines for digital accessibility).
Revised timeline: December 2024.
- Goal: Starting in December 2023, we will ensure that all newly posted website or social media images have high-quality alt-text.
Status: In progress. The Gallery is working towards making sure that all images we use on our website, communications, and social media have alt text. Progress on this goal has been made and now, if someone tries to upload an image on the Gallery’s website, they are prompted to add alt-text. The Gallery is still working on making sure all the existing images on their sites have alt-text.
- Goal: By December 2023, we will conduct a fulsome website accessibility audit.
Status: Completed. We hired a contractor to complete an audit of our website and our Web team then took their recommendations and organized them according to whether the changes will be easy, medium, or hard to implement. We have started making the easy and medium changes and plan to make the harder changes over the long term.
Communication (Other than ICT)
This section outlines the communication (other than ICT) goals that we committed to completing in 2023. It explains the status of the goal (i.e., whether we completed it or not) and, if not completed, what the new timeline for completion is.
- Goal: By January 2023, Gallery senior leadership will communicate commitment to and the importance of accessibility to all staff and volunteers as part of their performance plan.
Status: In progress. The Director of Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility is planning to meet with each department in the new year. These meetings will focus on addressing the commitment to and significance of accessibility, aligning with the senior leadership's performance plan. The objective is to effectively communicate this crucial message to all staff and volunteers. Additionally, these sessions will serve as forums for discussing and identifying essential accessibility tools and resources, enabling teams to share relevant feedback.
Revised timeline: June 2024.
- Goal: By March 2023, the Gallery will review and revise the language on its website referring to people with disabilities to ensure that it is respectful and dignified.
Status: In progress.
Revised timeline: December 2024.
- Goal: By March 2023, we will add and list a TTY number on our website.
Status: In progress. We are working on adding and publicizing a TTY line for customers who are Deaf so that they can call the Gallery to ask a question. They have already added the line but are delayed in making it live because staff have not received training.
Revised timeline: We plan to make the TTY number live by the end of the fiscal year (March 2024).
- Goal: By April 2023, we will display a toll-free number at the top of the contact form and the hours that it is answered.
Status: Completed. The Gallery now displays a toll-free phone number on our Admission page, which also has information on the times when people can call the number to ask a question or get more information.
- Goal: By June 2023, the Gallery will develop and implement accessible PowerPoints and Word templates.
Status: In progress. The Gallery has developed templates following best practices and they will be reviewed by an accessibility consultant to ensure that they are as accessible as possible.
Revised timeline: March 2024.
- Goal: By July 2023, we will develop and post guidelines for requesting alternative formats of written material (e.g., braille, large print, audio, and electronic) on the public-facing website and include in staff training for internal requests.
Status: Not started.
Revised timeline: September 2024.
- Goal: By December 2023, the Gallery will offer plain language training to staff.
Status: Not started. Preliminary research on training options has been conducted. Delivery was postponed due to organizational reporting shifts.
Revised timeline: December 2025.
- Goal: By December 2023, we will review all job postings for inclusive/plain language. Once we establish internal language standards, we will put all new postings into plain and inclusive language.
Status: Not started.
- Goal: By December 2023, we will identify priority signage to replace, and that signage will be replaced by June 2024.
Status: In progress. The needs assessment and prototype testing have been completed as part of the wayfinding project. All signage in the Gallery will comply with best practices, including fonts, font sizes, colour contrast, height, and illumination. Select signs will use braille. An RFP to complete the work will be issued in 2024.
- Goal: By December 2023, we will develop an internal standard on sign language interpretation at events. This standard will include when sign language interpretation will be provided without a request and how requests will be resolved.
Status: In progress. The Gallery is working on making sure that people can request ASL/LSQ interpretation for online and in-person events. During the Gallery’s last two annual public meetings, ASL/LSQ was integrated into the production. They currently do offer this accommodation for in-person events and have offered it for some virtual events but not all of them. The Gallery will continue working towards this goal.
Revised timeline: June 2024.
- Goal: By December 2023, the Gallery will have alternative format documents available on-site for visitors. These will include large print and braille.
Status: Not started.
Revised timeline: March 2025.
- Goal: By December 2023, the Gallery will have established processes to fulfill requests for documents in alternative formats.
Status: In progress. A list of potential suppliers has been identified and we have done some research on different options.
Revised timeline: March 2025.
- Goal: By December 2023, we will develop reference information for visitor services staff to answer accessibility questions. This document will be developed in consultation with people with disabilities and reflected in onboarding and training modules.
Status: In progress. This project will be developed with an external advisory group that the Gallery is in the process of setting up.
Revised timeline: Dependent on the creation of the external advisory group.
- Goal: By December 2023 and onwards, we will ensure that everyone working on the visitor phone line, answering visitor emails, or working at the ticket desk can address access questions or know a point person visitors can be directed to.
Status: Completed. All staff at the Gallery who interact with the public have received training. We plan to keep providing training and keeping staff up to date about any new accessibility information. We are also working on creating written material about accessibility that will be given to staff to help them answer questions.
- Goal: By December 2023, we will develop and post a social story, in an accessible format, describing what visitors can expect during a visit.
Status: In progress. We are currently researching best practices and talking to some other cultural centres to help us develop these social stories.
Revised timeline: December 2024.
- Goal: By December 2023, the Gallery will provide training to all staff that develop documents on document accessibility.
Status: Not started. Preliminary research on training options was conducted. Delivery was postponed due to organizational reporting shifts.
Revised timeline: March 2025.
Design and Delivery of Programs and Services
This section outlines the design and delivery of programs and services goals that we committed to completing in 2023. It explains the status of the goal (i.e., whether we completed it or not) and, if not completed, what the new timeline for completion is.
- Goal: Effective immediately (January 2023), we will begin to explore ways to increase tactile/experiential elements in future exhibits.
Status: In progress/Ongoing. We have several projects underway, including a tactile reproduction of part of an artwork for an upcoming exhibition. We also tested out some tactile features of an exhibit with people who are blind or have low vision.
- Goal: By February 2023, we will list membership information on the website that supports persons/attendants of persons with disabilities who are not required to pay admission.
Status: Completed. The “Membership” page on the Gallery’s website now has information about bringing a support person to the Gallery and states that support people do not need to pay for admission.
- Goal: By June 2023, we will appoint or hire an accessibility coordinator within the Learning and Community Engagement team.
Status: Under review. There has been a recommendation that this position be more centralized to provide coordination and expertise across departments.
- Goal: By June 2023, we will implement and/or review accessibility training for all guards, specifically, as it relates to how to assist people with disabilities in an emergency.
Status: Not started. This delay aligns with our overall training strategy, where resource allocation and prioritization are critical factors. We will aim to ensure comprehensive accessibility training for all guards regarding assisting people with disabilities.
Revised timeline: March 2025.
- Goal: By August 2023, we will develop, implement, and practice a fire safety strategy for persons unable to evacuate independently.
Status: Ongoing. Security and the fire wardens remain committed to providing support on a case-by-case basis as needed, ensuring all individuals receive tailored assistance aligned with their unique requirements.
- Goal: By September 2023, we will review our current audio guides and standards for accessible tours with input from community stakeholders and develop a strategy.
Status: In progress. A review of the audio content is underway.
Revised timeline: September 2024.
- Goal: By September 2023, we will review current guidance on programming. By November 2023, new guidance on the development of accessible programs will be completed. Starting in January 2024, this guidance will be incorporated into the development of all future programming.
Status: In progress. We have begun the review of our programming and guidance development. We have broken this task into three steps. First, we will review the current guidance, then we will develop new guidance, and finally, we will implement the new guidance in future programming. We have completed the first step (review of current guidance) and are currently working on creating the new guidance. We plan to review the new guidance with people who have disabilities before we implement it.
Revised timeline: December 2024.
- Goal: By December 2023, we will provide updated equipment for audio amplification for in-person tours and updated guidelines for captioning for online tours.
Status: In progress. We have purchased the equipment and are currently working out the logistics of distributing the equipment and updating the guidelines. We hope that this will be completed by the end of December 2023.
- Goal: By December 2025, we will aim to have 5% of our exhibits be tactile/ experiential or have a tactile alternative.
Status: In progress. We have already made some progress. We have several projects underway, including a tactile reproduction of part of an artwork for an upcoming exhibition. We also tested out some tactile features of an exhibit with people who are blind or have low vision.
Buying (Procurement of) Goods, Services and Facilities
This section outlines the buying (procurement of) goods, services, and facilities goals that we committed to completing in 2023. It explains the status of the goal (i.e., whether we completed it) and if not, what the new timeline for completion is.
- Goal: By December 2023, we will review our procurement documents through an accessibility lens. This will include procurement checklists, procurement policies, requirement templates, and template contracts.
Status: Ongoing. The procurement policy has been revised to ensure accessibility is considered whenever we buy new goods or services. We are working on updating procurement checklists, templates, and template contracts.
Revised timeline: December 2024.
- Goal: By December 2023, people who work in procurement and contracts will receive training on accessibility in procurement.
Status: Not started. We have had a challenging time sourcing this training, which is why we have not been able to start work on this goal. We will continue to look for options over the next year.
Revised timeline: March 2025.
- Goal: From January 2024 onwards, accessibility will be considered in all procurements. We will do this by including accessibility requirements or documenting the decision to not incorporate accessibility requirements.
Status: Completed. We have revised the NGC Procurement Policy, including accessibility. This was approved by the Gallery’s Board of Trustees in March 2023.
Transportation
As the National Gallery does not offer public transportation, this pillar is not addressed in this plan. However, we understand that being aware of transportation barriers around our facility is our responsibility. Therefore, the Gallery will now be monitoring and noting transportation-related barriers and opportunities as they arise.
Consultations
A consultation was held on October 11, 2023, with eight Canadians who live in different parts of Canada, and between them, represented a wide variety of disabilities.
A draft version of the progress report was shared with the participants one week before the consultation. At the consultation, the participants were asked several questions including:
- What are your general impressions of the progress report?
- What are your thoughts on the progress made?
- What do you think is missing from this progress report?
- What do you like about the progress report?
Participants provided a great deal of detailed and thorough feedback including:
- Participants appreciated that there were distinct, specific deliverables, and milestones with dates attached.
- They felt the report was well-organized and sequential.
- One participant asked for more details about user testing; more details are now provided in this report.
- Some participants asked for more details about the training that we provide to our staff. We will make sure to include those details in future Progress Reports and Accessibility Plans as the information becomes available.
Feedback
The Gallery launched a mechanism to collect and organize feedback about accessibility in December of 2022. Through that mechanism, people can provide their feedback through phone, e-mail, or mail. Since we launched the feedback mechanism, 19 people have provided feedback about accessibility at the Gallery. The following is a summary of that feedback and how we plan to respond to it.
- We received feedback that some of the locations and features in the Gallery are hard to find. Specifically, the elevators, some automatic door openers, and the Tavern. We hope to address this issue through our updated signage and wayfinding project.
- One person gave us feedback that they appreciate our audio guides and think that we should promote them more.
- One person told us that the long ramp near our entrance can be hard to climb and might benefit from more handrails. We will investigate whether this is possible in the future.
- One person shared a story about how our security guards interacted with their child who has a disability. They recommended that we provide training to our security staff to better understand different types of disabilities. We hope to address this feedback through our ongoing plans to train all staff who interact with visitors.
- We have received a few different comments about the weight limit of the mobility scooters that we have available for the public to borrow. We will explore the possibility of purchasing at least one scooter with a higher weight limit in the future.
- We had some feedback about a particular exhibit from a person who uses a wheelchair and could not see all parts of the exhibit. Staff responded to this by touring the exhibit from various viewpoints and trying to make small adjustments as needed. We will consider this for future exhibits.
- One person said that some of the captions on our videos (either online or shown at the Gallery) have spelling and grammar errors which can make them hard to understand. We will try and address any existing spelling and grammar issues with the video captions and will ensure that newly produced videos have accurate captions.
- One person mentioned that our bag check policy can be a problem for people with disabilities who need to always keep medical equipment with them. We will look into our bag check policy to see what changes can be made to better accommodate people with disabilities in the future.
- We received positive feedback about some of the accessibility features at the Gallery, particularly our staff interactions.
Conclusion
Over the last year, the Gallery has worked hard to improve accessibility for our visitors, employees, volunteers, and members of the public. We have accomplished a great deal, but also recognize that we are behind with some of our goals. We remain committed to following through with the goals as set out in our Accessibility Plan. Over the next year, we will continue to move forward with our accessibility initiatives and will look for new opportunities to improve accessibility at the National Gallery of Canada.