Procurement

What is accessible and inclusive procurement  ?

Accessible procurement consists in including the diversity of abilities and needs of the population in the procedures for acquisition of products and services. This means guaranteeing that the final products and services can be used by all, without the need for adaptation or special design. By taking accessibility into account at each step, organizations help to create an inclusive and equitable environment, while meeting their legal obligations.

Overview of the situation

Not properly taking into account accessibility in procurement has significant consequences for persons with disabilities. This takes many forms in everyday life. Here are some concrete examples :

• A shuttle that isn’t wheelchair-accessible is keeping Gertrude from getting around efficiently in a nature park.
• A conference room without a hearing assistance system is compromising the ability of Inès, the journalist covering the event, to understand what is being said.
• The paths of a new urban park are keeping Sallia from walking comfortably with her crutches.
• A software program not compatible with a screen reader is preventing Damien from working as a technician in public service.
• A redesigned bus platform makes Katarina nervous at the idea of crossing an unsafe bike path.
• Non-adjustable office furniture is forcing Omar to wait several weeks for an adapted desk, leading to a significant loss of productivity.
• A touch-screen payment terminal restricts Roger’s abililty to function independently whenever he rents skis at a municipal sports centre.

These examples show that adjustments for accessibility involve substantial costs that could have been avoided. This is why organizations should take accessibility into account at each step of the procurement process. However, this complex and highly regulated process presents a number of challenges, among them :

• Market maturity :

  Accessible products and services must be available for purchase.

• Healthy competition :

  Accessibility criteria should not excessively limit the number of eligible suppliers.

• Diversity of needs and of criteria :

  The issues vary greatly according to the product, service or sector.

• Striking a balance with other criteria :

  Accessibility should be considered alongside safety standards, sustainable development standards, and other regulatory requirements.

• Rigorous assessment of suppliers :

  The qualifications of suppliers regarding accessibility should be verified to guarantee compliance of the goods and services delivered.

• Plurality of stakeholders :

  The supply chain involves numerous actors.

To improve the situation, governments, standards bureaus, and research institutions are gradually designing tools to support relevant officials. A true change in culture, adequate training, as well as regulatory and structural improvements are needed.