Plain Language for Accessibility and Inclusion – Plain Canada Clair’s 2026 Virtual conference
January 19, 2026
12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EST)
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (PST)
Online via Zoom
Access to information is a fundamental human right, yet there’s still much work to be done to advance accessibility and inclusion in our workplaces and communities.
Plain Canada Clair’s 2026 conference will shine the spotlight on plain language as an essential tool to create more accessible, inclusive communications that meet everyone’s information needs.
Who should attend
- Communications professionals
- Accessibility and inclusion specialists
- Plain language advocates
- Anyone working to advance accessibility and inclusion at work
What to expect
This year’s conference features 8 presentations (5 in English, 3 in French) and a wrap-up session. Each session will be 40 minutes long, followed by 10 minutes for questions and a 10-minute break.
Our speakers will explore topics such as:
- the role of plain language in meeting accessibility standards
- Canada’s new plain language standard
- strategies for inclusive communication, diverse audiences, and/or people living with disabilities
All sessions will be recorded and registered participants will have access to the recordings for a limited time following the live event.
Cost
- $50 for Plain Canada Clair members
- $95 for non-members
Not yet a member? Join today!
Registration
To register, visit our Eventbrite page.
More information
If you have questions or would like more information, email [email protected].
“The way we speak to each other shapes our […] culture and sends—even unconsciously—very clear messages about who belongs and who doesn’t.”
~ Dr. Anne Graefer
Conference program
Pacific time | Eastern time | Session | |
9:00 a.m. | 12 noon | Why We Should Write in an Accessible and Inclusive Way Bill Adair, Director of Community Development, Accessibrand Gillian Lynne-Davies, Director of Marketing and Communications, Accessibrand | |
10:00 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | Strategies for Inclusive Communication Daniel Patterson, project analyst, Health Canada Charlie Johnson, web writer and plain language specialist | Présentation de la Norme nationale du Canada sur le langage clair de Normes d’accessibilité Canada Julie Ruel, chercheuse indépendante, formatrice, chargée de cours, Université du Québec en Outaouais Catherine Buckie, maîtrise en éducation, baccalauréats en journalisme et sciences politiques |
11:00 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. | Introducing the Accessibility Standards Canada Plain Language National Standard of Canada Carol A. Wilson, BSN, RN, health education consultant Iva Cheung, PhD, MPub, plain language editor and trainer, health researcher | La place du langage clair et simple dans l’approche « Par et pour des adultes vivant avec une déficience intellectuelle » Marilyne Cardinal, chargée de projets, Fédération des Mouvements Personne d’Abord du Québec |
12:00 p.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Why, as a Partially Sighted Person, I Really Appreciate Plain Writing and Design Debbie Denault, plain language specialist and advocate, Debbie Denault & Associates | Langage clair et accessibilité : un duo naturel et stratégique Virginie Plante-Lavallée, rédactrice principale en expérience utilisateur (UX), Mouvement Desjardins Félix Le Pailleur, conseiller principal en accessibilité numérique, Desjardins |
1:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. | Partnering with Patients to Develop Accessible Health Materials Colleen Christensen, project coordinator, Patient Education Team, Fraser Health Authority Ashley McDonald, program coordinator, Patient Education Team, Fraser Health Authority Catherine Richardson, patient partner, Fraser Health Authority | |
2:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | Conference wrap-up | |
Why We Should Write in an Accessible and Inclusive Way
9:00 a.m. (PST) | 12:00 noon (EST)
Bill Adair, director of community development, Accessibrand
Gillian Lynne-Davies, director of marketing and communications, Accessibrand
People with disabilities represent 27% of people in Canada, yet we often exclude this group because of the way we communicate. As writers, we can be inclusive and build trust through our words. In this session, you’ll learn how plain language helps people with different types of disabilities. We will discuss inclusive word choices, disability representation, and the business case for accessible and inclusive writing.
Bill Adair has been a leader in the disability community for decades. He was very involved in the creation of the Accessible Canada Act. The Government of Canada sought his input in other areas related to access and inclusion. Bill is one of the first board members of Accessibility Standards Canada. From the beginning of his tenure, he pushed for a Plain Language Standard. Canada released the standard in October 2025. Bill now freelances, including working for Accessibrand. Bill received a Meritorious Service Medal from the Government of Canada in 2016.
Gillian Lynne-Davies is a marketing and communications professional skilled in accessibility and inclusion. She has worked in both the non-profit and private sectors. Recently for Accessibility Standards Canada, she was part of a small team who wrote a plain language summary of the Accessible Canada Act. Gillian has a certificate in plain language from Simon Fraser University.
Strategies for Inclusive Communication
10:00 a.m. (PST) | 1:00 p.m. (EST)
Daniel Patterson, project analyst, Health Canada
Charlie Johnson, web writer and plain language specialist
This presentation will introduce you to different members of your audience and explain what they need from a website or document to easily understand it. The speakers will offer practical advice to help you meet those needs and tips on how to be more inclusive. This presentation will encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to accessibility and ease of use, and to consider a broader audience when writing your documents.
Daniel Patterson works for Health Canada and specializes in training people on document accessibility and plain language. Daniel has also been trained in writing descriptive video for movies and television.
Charlie Johnson has been a professional plain language editor since 2017. He also trains colleagues on plain language and inclusive writing, focusing on the perspectives of different audiences when consulting with clients. Being disabled, queer, trans, and an immigrant, his advice often comes firsthand.
Présentation de la Norme nationale du Canada sur le langage clair de Normes d’accessibilité Canada
10:00 a.m. (PST) | 1:00 p.m. (EST)
Julie Ruel, chercheuse indépendante, formatrice, chargée de cours, Université du Québec en Outaouais
Catherine Buckie, maîtrise en éducation, baccalauréats en journalisme et sciences politiques
En 2020, Normes d’accessibilité du Canada a commencé l’élaboration de sa norme sur le langage clair et simple. Depuis son examen public en 2024, cette dernière a fait l’objet de plusieurs changements significatifs. Des membres du groupe de rédaction, issu du comité technique, vous présenteront les éléments suivants :
- la norme et ses principales caractéristiques;
- le contexte dans lequel elle s’inscrit;
- la manière dont cette norme complète les autres normes et directives, en les comparant.
Julie Ruel a travaillé plus de 35 ans auprès des personnes vulnérables dans les domaines de la santé, des services sociaux et de l’éducation. Elle est, entre autres, chercheuse associée au Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais, au Québec, et à l’Institut universitaire en déficience intellectuelle et en trouble de l’autisme. Ses recherches visent l’accès inclusif à l’information et à sa compréhension ainsi que le développement d’environnements capacitants. Elle intervient auprès d’organisations et de services pour les aider à mieux informer leurs publics, peu importe leurs compétences. Elle a été membre du comité technique pour l’élaboration de la 1re norme canadienne sur le langage clair.
Depuis plus de 20 ans, Catherine Buckie aide les gouvernements, les organismes de réglementation, les universités, les organismes à but non lucratif, et les Premières Nations à communiquer avec leurs publics cibles. Elle met à profit son expertise en langage clair et en accessibilité pour s’assurer que les publics peuvent trouver, comprendre et utiliser l’information dont ils ont besoin. Catherine a été membre du comité technique qui a élaboré la première norme sur le langage clair au Canada. Elle est également membre du comité d’élaboration des normes en matière d’information et de communication de la Direction de l’accessibilité de la Nouvelle-Écosse.
Introducing the Accessibility Standards Canada Plain Language National Standard of Canada
11:00 a.m. (PST) | 2:00 p.m. (EST)
Carol A. Wilson, BSN, RN, health education consultant
Iva Cheung, PhD, MPub, plain language editor and trainer, health researcher
The Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) Plain Language Standard began its development in 2020 and has had many significant changes since it was released for public review in 2024. Members of the writing group on the technical committee that developed the standard will introduce:
- the standard and key features
- the context for the standard
- how this standard complements and compares with other standards and guidance
They will also answer common questions about the intersection of plain language and accessibility, using standards and the Accessible Canada Act.
Carol A. Wilson is an experienced nurse educator with a passion for person-centred health care, health literacy, health equity, and clear communication. She has worked as a plain language and health literacy specialist as an employee and independent consultant. She is very aware of how stress and illness can impact a person’s ability to find, understand, and use information. She has helped many clinicians translate complex health information into everyday language. Since 2020, Carol has brought her passion for accessible, person-centred communication to the technical committee writing the ASC Plain Language Standard. She feels privileged to have been a part of this national standard.
Iva Cheung is a certified professional editor, plain language trainer, publishing consultant, and health research coordinator. She holds a master of publishing degree and a PhD in health sciences, and she has worked with historically silenced groups to co-create accessible health information. She teaches the Plain Language in Health Literacy course for SFU Continuing Studies’ Plain Language Certificate program and has been a member of the Plain Language Technical Committee for Accessibility Standards Canada since 2020.
La place du langage clair et simple dans l’approche « Par et pour des adultes vivant avec une déficience intellectuelle »
11:00 a.m. (PST) | 2:00 p.m. (EST)
Marilyne Cardinal, chargée de projets, Fédération des Mouvements Personne d’Abord du Québec
De quelle façon le langage clair et simple est-il utilisé par des adultes qui vivent avec une déficience intellectuelle? Pendant cette conférence, nous allons explorer différents moyens que ces personnes adoptent pour s’assurer de bien comprendre l’information et de bien se faire comprendre. Nous vous présenterons aussi les effets de l’utilisation du langage clair et simple sur l’autonomie des personnes vivant avec une déficience intellectuelle, quand les bons moyens sont mis en place.
Marilyne Cardinal est chargée de projets pour les Mouvements Personne d’Abord du Québec. Elle les soutient dans la réalisation d’outils et de projets dans une philosophie de « Par et Pour » : ce sont les adultes vivant avec une déficience intellectuelle qui les produisent à l’intention d’autres personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle. La défense collective des droits est au cœur de la mission de la Fédération des Mouvements Personne d’Abord du Québec, qui aide les personnes vivant avec une déficience intellectuelle à s’exprimer en leur propre nom pour défendre leurs droits.
Elle sera accompagnée des personnes suivantes :
- Mégane Éthier, Mouvement Personne d’Abord de Saint-Eustache;
- Nathalie Ladouceur, Mouvement Personne d’Abord de Laval;
- Sylvie Monette, Mouvement Personne d’Abord de Saint-Jérôme.
Why, as a Partially Sighted Person, I Really Appreciate Plain Writing and Design
12:00 p.m. (PST) | 3:00 p.m. (EST)
Debbie Denault, plain language specialist and advocate, Debbie Denault & Associates
In this presentation, Debbie will take you through her world as a plain language specialist and advocate and a partially sighted person. With stories, she will illustrate her everyday challenges with accessing information. She will discuss how we, as citizens, have a shared responsibility to make our communications as accessible as possible. Debbie uses an “ask me anything” approach on this topic. You will leave the session with ideas and resources that truly make a difference.
Debbie Denault is an enthusiastic advocate for plain language and accessibility from Chilliwack, BC. Professionally, she has a long history of employment and self-employment in social service and literacy non-profit organizations. Personally, she is a person who lives with sight loss. She volunteers with the City of Chilliwack’s Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s BC Advocacy Committee, and the Canadian Council of the Blind’s Chilliwack Chapter. She knows that clear communication and accessible design are not “nice to do,” but essential.
Langage clair et accessibilit é : un duo naturel et stratégique
12:00 p.m. (PST) | 3:00 p.m. (EST)
Virginie Plante-Lavallée, rédactrice principale en expérience utilisateur (UX), Mouvement Desjardins
Félix Le Pailleur, conseiller principal en accessibilité numérique, Desjardins
Le langage clair joue un rôle clé dans l’évolution des pratiques de conception numériques, inclusives et accessibles. Au-delà de la pratique rédactionnelle, le langage clair peut devenir une vision stratégique qui permet aux organisations de valoriser l’accessibilité et d’influencer positivement sa clientèle.
Virginie Plante-Lavallée détient un baccalauréat en études littéraires de l’Université Laval. Elle a travaillé en gestion de projets et comme rédactrice au sein d’une équipe offrant des services linguistiques avant de se spécialiser en rédaction UX.
Félix Le Pailleur est titulaire d’une maîtrise en recherche UX d’HEC Montréal. Il a passé cinq ans comme chercheur UX chez Desjardins, où il s’est spécialisé dans la recherche inclusive, avec des utilisateurs vivant avec divers défis. Cette expérience lui a permis de développer une expertise unique en recherche centrée sur l’humain et en accessibilité. Aujourd’hui, il poursuit cette mission en tant que conseiller principal en accessibilité numérique, contribuant à rendre les expériences numériques plus inclusives et équitables pour tous.
Partnering with Patients to Develop Accessible Health Materials
1:00 p.m. (PST) | 4:00 p.m. (EST)
Colleen Christensen, project coordinator, Patient Education Team, Fraser Health Authority
Ashley McDonald, program coordinator, Patient Education Team, Fraser Health Authority
Catherine Richardson, patient partner, Fraser Health Authority
Learn how Fraser Health and patient partners collaborate to make patient health materials more accessible and inclusive. This session will explore the process that Fraser Health used to engage patient partners in creating the Patient Materials Committee. Participants will gain insight into the committee’s development, from its formation to its expanded scope and influence across the organization. Participants will also hear the voices and unique perspectives of the patient partners engaged in this work.
Colleen Christensen is a registered nurse with decades of clinical experience that includes nursing education and patient advocacy. She is passionate about improving equitable access to care and about the quality and experience of care. She currently works at Fraser Health, a large health authority serving 2 million British Columbians. She develops patient education materials and consults on plain language throughout the organization. Outside of work, Colleen is a dedicated sole parent to twin sons.
Ashley McDonald is a dedicated program coordinator for patient education at Fraser Health, with over 18 years of experience in health care administration. She completed the Plain Language Certificate at Simon Fraser University in 2023, strengthening her commitment to making health information clear, accessible, and inclusive. Passionate about health equity, she works to make sure the people her organization serves have the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their care. Outside of work, Ashley is a proud mom of three who finds joy in baking and creating memories travelling with her children.
Catherine Richardson is a patient partner with the Fraser Health Authority whose main areas of interest are patient experience and quality improvement. For Catherine, managing her chronic health conditions and navigating the health care system has been a full-time job for more than a decade now. She believes not just in the importance of lived experience, but that enough lived experience becomes lived expertise. Her goal now is to use her own lived expertise to make accessing and managing health care an easier and safer experience for other patients.
Conference wrap-up
2:00 p.m. (PST) | 5:00 p.m. (EST)