Canada’s first accessibility bill is missing a key aspect, say disability advocates, by not including American Sign Language (ASL) as an official Canadian language.

Deaf persons locally and nationally are calling for the official recognition of ASL and Quebec’s Langue des signes québécoise, the two main sign languages in Canada. They are urging the federal government to revise the bill.

Bill C-81–also known as the Accessible Canada Act–is the first national accessibility bill tabled in Ottawa. Its aims are to remove and prevent accessibility barriers for Canadians with disabilities in places under federal jurisdiction, including national parks and federal buildings.

The bill is currently in its second reading in the Senate.

Patricia Spicer, a member of Regina’s deaf community, was surprised when she heard Bill C-81 didn’t include the recognition and called for an urgent rethink.

“ASL is very important to us because that’s our first language. When we are born we learn sign language and that is our language,” Spicer said through an ASL interpreter.

“My feeling when I first heard that was ‘it has to get in there, how come? We have to do something.’”

Spicer, a deaf support worker, organized a rally in September during International Sign Language Week to press for change. She said deaf people currently face barriers at public places; such as being asked to pay for interpreters.

“It is frustrating to go anywhere. You think it’ll be accessible and you get the runaround, it’s never easy,” Spicer said.

“I go to a public event, I go ‘I’d like to have an interpreter, I’d like this interpreted please,’ they go ‘I’m sorry. No, it’s too costly. It’s a hardship,’” Spicer said.

An estimated 1 in 4 Canadian adults will experience hearing loss at some point in their lives. The Canadian Association for the Deaf (CAD) estimates 357,000 Canadians are deaf while over three million are hard of hearing.

Regina is not the only city calling for the language designation. The CAD-ASC pressed for ASL and LSQ to be indicated as an official language even before the bill was tabled last June.

Frank Folino, President of the Canadian Association of the Deaf – Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC), said “It will make a dramatic improvement in the lives of deaf Canadians.” He said it is a fundamental aspect of accessibility.

This recognition is crucial in Canada, Folino said, and would bring the country closer to becoming fully inclusive and accessible.

“It signifies the human rights protection of deaf people in Canada that will reflect Canadian values on the international stage and at [a] domestic level regarding the freedom, democracy, democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law.”

Members of the disabled community may have another chance to share recommendations if the bill goes to a committee.

In an emailed statement, the Ministry of Persons’ with Disabilities said it anticipates Bill C-81 will be referred to a Senate committee during the second reading.

While at committee, the public may be able to provide input on proposed amendments.

The legislation provides for the development of accessibility standards and regulations that would result in meaningful changes and a difference for persons with disabilities, the Ministry said.

“Specifically, Bill C-81 includes communication, which would include communication using sign languages, as a priority area for the identification, removal and prevention of barriers,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry said the federal government recognizes “the unique needs and culture” of the deaf community and will reach out to look at priorities to help design and deliver services.

“With respect to requests to recognize ASL and LSQ as official languages, any changes to official languages in Canada would be an issue rooted in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, requiring analysis in a broader legal context and public debate beyond the scope of Bill C-81.”

“ASL is a true language.” – Patricia Spicer.

Spicer said even with the barriers, there are small steps forward with expanding ASL classes and the Regina Deaf Crow Collective, a local theatre group, putting on plays using ASL.

“It’s not hidden anymore,” she said. “Deaf or parents of deaf kids see that this is more ‘normal.’”

Anyone can learn ASL, not just those in the deaf community, Spicer said.

“ASL is a true language,” Spicer said.

Morgan Varga, who is not deaf, took it upon herself to learn the language after a man came into her work who was deaf. Varga used paper and pen to communicate and help the man at her work in Regina.

“The whole time this man was just so very humble and just kept thanking me and it was such an impactful experience and I realized that sign language was what I wanted to learn.”

“This was a completely new experience and I had no idea what I was getting into.”

“This was a completely new experience and I had no idea what I was getting into.” – Morgan Varga

Varga started taking evening classes run by the Sask. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. The class was taught by a deaf teacher which made it difficult at first, but Varga said she was very patient.

“I remember being terrified to start,” Varga said. “This was a completely new experience and I had no idea what I was getting into.”

Varga’s not fluent but she’s learning.

“In the future I hope to become an interpreter,” Varga said. “I want to help people.”

As for Bill C-81, Spicer said she doesn’t think ASL being left out is an option.

“We need it in our own in our language, and we will not stop. We will keep rallying the government for the recognition of our languages.”