2026 Progress Report for the Disney+ Accessibility Plan
I. General
This Accessibility Progress Report with respect to the Disney+ Canada Accessibility Plan (the “Accessibility Plan”) has been prepared by Buena Vista International, Inc., the operator of the Disney+ streaming service in Canada, in accordance with the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act (“ACA”). The Accessibility Plan covers the business operations and customer offerings of the Disney+ streaming service business in Canada (“Disney+ Canada”).
Providing Feedback
Disney+ Canada provides many ways for our guests to (a) provide feedback on Disney+ Canada’s accessibility, our Accessibility Plan or Progress Report, (b) request our Accessibility Plan, this Progress Report or more about our feedback process in an alternate format, or (c) otherwise contact us for accessibility related questions or other matters.
As more fully described in our feedback process posted on the homepage of the Disney+ Canada website, guests can reach us by the following methods:
Email: DTC.Canada-Accessibility@disney.com
Phone: (833) 628-0712
Webform: https://help.disneyplus.com/accessibility-feedback-form
Mailing Address: Disney+ Canada
200 Front Street West
Suite 2900
Toronto, ON
M5V 3L4
Attn: Human Resources
The person responsible for receiving feedback is the Vice President, Viewer Experience Support and Operations.
II. Executive Summary
Disney+ Canada strives to operate its business and provide its services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. Disney+ Canada is operated by an affiliate of the Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) and is therefore able to leverage Disney best practices in providing its services. We laid out a summary of our philosophy and practices in our initial Accessibility Plan in 2025. In developing this Accessibility Progress Report, we partnered with our colleagues throughout Disney to understand and capture the progress that has been made over the past year.
Disney, on the whole, is committed to delivering accessible experiences for its customers in its products and services as well as for employees in the workspace. Disney+ Canada will continue its efforts to deliver on these commitments.
This year, some key accomplishments include:
We advanced accessibility across the organization by launching a centralized accessibility hub that provides employees with tools, resources, guidance, and learning materials related to disability and accessibility, supporting more consistent integration of accessibility considerations into day‑to‑day work.
We strengthened accessibility governance for digital products by establishing a company‑wide requirement that all new website and application development align with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA standards.
We expanded accessibility education by licensing and launching 60 new online, on‑demand accessibility training courses available to employees through Disney’s enterprise learning platform, organized into six discipline‑specific learning tracks to support accessible practices across product, design, engineering, and related teams.
III. Accessibility Summary
Creating a welcoming and respectful environment for our employees and guests is core to our company culture and our business. We provide entertainment that appeals to a global audience, and having a workforce that reflects the consumers we serve helps drive our business.
Disney+ Canada continues its commitment to providing persons with disabilities the same opportunity to access our building, facilities, employment, goods and services, and allowing them to benefit from the same services, in the same place and in a similar way as other customers. During the reporting period, Disney+ Canada received only seven accessibility‑related contacts through its dedicated feedback channels, primarily related to closed captioning, which were reviewed and addressed in the regular course of business.
Accessibility considerations are integrated into our existing business processes, and various accessibility leads supporting Disney+ Canada bring their expertise and passion to their work every day, acknowledging and addressing accessibility matters. Our business standards align with the following seven principles set forth under section 6 of the ACA:
(a) all persons must be treated with dignity regardless of their disabilities;
(b) all persons must have the same opportunity to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have regardless of their disabilities;
(c) all persons must have barrier-free access to full and equal participation in society, regardless of their disabilities;
(d) all persons must have meaningful options and be free to make their own choices, with support if they desire, regardless of their disabilities;
(e) laws, policies, programs, services and structures must take into account the disabilities of persons, the different ways that persons interact with their environments and the multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and discrimination faced by persons;
(f) persons with disabilities must be involved in the development and design of laws, policies, programs, services and structures; and
(g) the development and revision of accessibility standards and the making of regulations must be done with the objective of achieving the highest level of accessibility for persons with disabilities.
In this Accessibility Progress Report, we provide an update on the enhancements and improvements we have made to our accessibility efforts, since we released our initial Accessibility Plan last year.
IV. Progress on Key Areas of Accessibility
A. Employment
Overview
Disney+ Canada strives to provide an accessible experience for all its applicants and employees. From the application and recruitment process, through an individual being hired, we ensure that reasonable accommodations are made for persons with disabilities wherever possible. The company provides training to educate employees on how to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility, ensuring equitable participation for people of all abilities.
What we accomplished
Disney launched a centralized accessibility hub for employees to access tools, resources, and support related to disability and accessibility. The hub supports employees seeking to better understand disability inclusion and provides practical guidance to help teams integrate accessibility considerations into their daily work. Work is underway to develop Canadian‑specific localization, including identifying opportunities to add materials and resources relevant to employees in Canada.
We delivered accessibility‑focused education and instruction to People & Culture and Talent Acquisition teams on disability‑related best practices in recruitment, including the consistent use of standardized accommodation statements and templates throughout the recruitment lifecycle to help ensure candidates are informed of available accommodations during application, interview, and onboarding stages.
We continued to provide individualized consultations and one‑on‑one support to employees who requested assistance related to disability accommodations. Where appropriate, employees were also connected with an employee resource partner for additional guidance and support.
During the reporting period, we began revising our accommodation request processes, including updates to forms and workflows, with the goal of improving clarity, consistency, and employee comfort when requesting accommodations.
We continued to amplify and promote the Accessible Content and Communications Guide, which provides practical direction on making emails, presentations and other communications accessible. To support awareness and adoption, Disney developed and released short instructional videos focused on key topics from the guide.
We maintained ongoing collaboration with internal Learning teams to support the adoption of accessibility guidance in new and updated training materials and internal communications.
B. The Built Environment
Overview
“Built Environment” refers to the physical spaces and structures that people interact with, encompassing everything from buildings and roads to public transport and community infrastructure. In this Accessibility Progress Report, this refers to our Disney+ Canada office buildings.
Disney has made a concerted effort to make sure our built environments are both safe and accessible, taking into account everything from wheelchair and restroom access, to support for service animals. These are all fundamental accessibility support activities and Disney+ continues to embrace them for all employees and individuals accessing our built environment.
Emergency planning is a vital component of our built environments. When we are aware that an employee has a disability and that there is a need for accommodation, a plan is put in place to address this need in an emergency situation, in collaboration with the employee.
What we accomplished
We remain in regular contact with building management, Corporate Real Estate (CRE), Facilities, and Security teams to share information and support preparedness for changes in accessibility‑related legislation and requirements affecting our physical workspaces. As part of this effort, we regularly review our lease agreements to assess alignment with applicable accessibility obligations.
We updated internal templates used for employee notices to provide clearer information regarding known service disruptions, including the nature of the disruption, the anticipated duration, and how individuals can obtain additional information or request accommodations. For unplanned or last‑minute events, such as fire drills or power outages, we continue to post physical notices in accessible, visible locations.
We continue to use both individualized (one‑on‑one) meetings, when requested by employees or leaders, and broader communications to share updates related to our accessibility plan, physical space accommodations, and relevant policy changes affecting the built environment.
C. Information and Communication Technology
Overview
“Information and Communication Technologies” (“ICT”) refers to technology tools used to store or share information. These are commonly recognized by our teams as the websites and apps that support the Disney+ Canada business.
We utilize an industry-leading third-party accessibility consultant to conduct design and functional audits against the latest internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (“WCAG”). We also actively maintain an internal centralized repository of accessibility-focused information, including guidelines and resources that teams can access as they work to educate themselves on accessibility industry best practices. We also provide regular accessibility training (both live and recorded) for our business teams with the goal of making them more aware and knowledgeable so they can incorporate accessibility principles naturally into our products and services.
What we accomplished
Disney’s enterprise technology team implemented a company‑wide requirement that all new development of websites and applications meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards. This requirement applies on a go‑forward basis and is intended to promote consistent integration of accessibility considerations across digital products and platforms.
All content released on Disney+ in the United States and Canada during the reporting period included English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), which will cover more than 4,100 episodes by September of 2026. For clarity, SDH and closed captions are intralingual (i.e., in the same language as the program to which they relate) text‑based accessibility features serving comparable accessibility purposes, though they differ in technical specifications and presentation, with SDH primarily being used for digital streaming.
All content branded as Disney+ Originals continued to launch with English described video (which is referred to as audio description on the service) on Disney+, which will total more than 620 episodes by September of 2026.
We expanded accessibility education by adding 60 new online, on‑demand training courses focused on digital accessibility. These courses are available to employees across the company through Disney’s enterprise learning platform and are organized into six discipline‑specific learning paths focused on accessible practices, product development, design, and engineering.
Disney launched a monthly accessibility newsletter to support awareness and information‑sharing across teams. The newsletter highlights accessibility‑related launches and events, provides links to internal accessibility resources, and shares relevant accessibility‑focused news and updates.
We increased communication and collaboration among Product, Design, and Engineering teams through regular accessibility meet‑ups and other forums, supporting the ongoing exchange of information related to accessibility best practices and regulatory developments.
D. Communications other than ICT
Overview
“Communications other than ICT” refers to non-digital forms of communication, which at Disney+ Canada includes documents, advertising and marketing materials, in-person meetings, and direct communications with guests (including Disney+ subscribers) and employees. Disney+ Canada works to improve the accessibility of such forms of physical and in-person communications to reach a larger and diverse audience.
We actively maintain an internal centralized repository of accessibility-focused information, including guidelines and resources on various topics, including how to create accessible documents, presentations, marketing content and other materials. We also provide, or arrange for the provision of, accessible formats and communication support for individuals, considering each person’s accessibility needs. We will provide notice of the availability of accessible formats and communication support.
What we accomplished
We updated and shared internal resources outlining accessibility design principles for use in the development of marketing and advertising materials. These resources were tailored for marketing designers, content writers, and other marketing team members and were distributed through centralized marketing communication channels to support consistent and easy reference when developing materials.
We began evaluating brand‑created internal documentation to assess accessibility considerations and identify opportunities to improve consistency and usability across non‑digital communications.
We conducted education sessions for marketing teams on how to identify, source, and self‑educate on accessible formats and tools for documents and marketing materials, supporting greater awareness and adoption of accessible communication practices.
We continued to amplify and promote the Accessible Content and Communications Guide, which provides practical direction on making emails, presentations and other communications accessible. To support awareness and adoption, Disney developed and released short instructional videos focused on key topics from the guide.
E. The Procurement of Goods, Services and Facilities
Overview
“Procurement” is the process of sourcing third-party technologies and services. We utilize many third parties to provide technologies and services for the provision of Disney+ Canada to our guests. For all sourced technology and services, we ensure by contract that our providers follow applicable standards and Disney guidelines, including in many cases by submitting an Accessibility Conformance Report for their software to affirm it meets relevant accessibility standards.
What we accomplished
Disney+ Canada continues to rely on established procurement practices that incorporate accessibility considerations when sourcing goods and services, including contractual expectations related to applicable accessibility standards.
We continue to evaluate procurement practices to identify opportunities to reinforce alignment with accessibility requirements and evolving standards.
F. The Design and Delivery of Programs and Services
Overview
The programs and services we provide to our Canadian subscribers is the core of the Disney+ Canada business, which is accomplished by delivery through our Disney+ website and app. We strive to ensure that the design and delivery of these programs and services results in the best experience possible for all audiences.
We have developed training that helps our employees understand how our programs and services are experienced by users with disabilities and how those users navigate our app and website, including by the use of screen readers and other assistive technologies. We also support our employees’ efforts by establishing educational forums, like our weekly Accessibility Office Hour hosted by accessibility experts, where anyone can drop in to ask general questions regarding accessibility or receive guidance for specific accessibility features of programs or services they are working on.
We also train our customer support employees, who directly interact with and support our subscribers, to understand the foundational elements of accessibility with respect to Disney+ Canada and are able to assist our guests who require help.
What we accomplished
Disney launched a centralized accessibility hub that serves as a resource site for employees, offering accessibility‑related information, guidelines, tools, learning materials, and practical guidance to support accessible program and service design. We continue efforts to make relevant hub content available to Canadian employees.
We expanded accessibility training by making 60 new online, on‑demand accessibility courses available to employees through Disney’s enterprise learning platform. These courses are organized into six discipline‑specific learning tracks to support accessible practices across product development, design, engineering, and related functions.
Internal stakeholders continue to monitor developments in accessibility‑related laws, standards, and guidance by participating in conferences, webinars, and other accessibility‑focused educational forums, helping to inform program and service design considerations.
We maintained active engagement with recognized disability‑focused organizations, including Disability:IN. In addition, team members attended, and in some cases have presented at, leading accessibility and technology conferences, such as the CES, CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, and the Disability:IN Global Conference & Expo, to remain informed about evolving accessibility practices and technologies.
We continue to partner with an internationally recognized accessibility vendor to conduct regular accessibility audits of major products and services. Building on existing auditing practices, Disney implemented a company‑wide requirement that all go‑forward website and application development align with WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards.
During the reporting period, Disney convened its first Digital Accessibility Summit, bringing together digital accessibility leads from across the company for multiple days of information sharing, strategic planning, and engagement with potential vendors to support ongoing accessibility efforts.
We continue to participate in a subcommittee hosted by the Digital Entertainment Group (DEG) that is focused on accessibility best practices for content that is distributed on entertainment platforms and distribution channels. We collaborate with other industry peers to identify barriers and opportunities to enhance accessibility features for digital entertainment.
G. Transportation
Transportation is not applicable to the Disney+ Canada business.
V. Consultations
In drafting this Accessibility Progress Report, we consulted with many of the disability and accessibility experts, both internal and external, with whom we ordinarily consult in the regular course of our business.
In this reporting period, Disney+ Canada continued to consult with disability and accessibility experts, both internal and external, in the regular course of business. This included collaboration with Disney employees with accessibility expertise, vendors specializing in accessibility for Disney+ Canada products and services, and organizations that represent the interests of persons with disabilities.
We regularly engage with external organizations and stakeholders to better understand accessibility community priorities, concerns, and existing barriers. This includes our active engagement with recognized disability‑focused organizations, including Disability:IN and our continued participation in a subcommittee hosted by the Digital Entertainment Group (DEG) that is focused on accessibility best practices for content that is distributed on entertainment platforms and distribution channels. This ongoing dialogue continues to inform improvement efforts and enhancements to the accessibility of Disney+ Canada’s services for viewers with disabilities.
Disney’s diverse workforce participates in employee resource groups, several of which focus on disability and accessibility. These groups meet regularly and support Disney accessibility efforts by sharing lived experience, insights, and best practices that help inform product and service decisions, including for streaming services such as Disney+ Canada.
Disney continues to partner with an internationally recognized accessibility vendor that provides consultation, training, and accessibility audits, particularly from a product and service perspective. This vendor employs individuals with disabilities who assist in testing new and existing features and provide direct feedback to product teams, helping to inform ongoing accessibility improvements.
Disney also continues to host a regular Accessibility Meet‑Up, open to employees who work on accessibility‑related initiatives or who are interested in learning more about accessibility topics. These sessions feature speakers from both inside Disney and external organizations and provide opportunities to share industry developments, best practices, and lessons learned that help inform ongoing accessibility efforts.
What we learned
Centralizing accessibility‑related resources, guidance, and training materials improved employee awareness and ease of access to information needed to support accessible practices. This approach supported more consistent consideration of accessibility across different roles and teams during the year.
Regular training and internal knowledge‑sharing activities during the reporting period helped reinforce accessibility principles and supported continued awareness across the design, development, and delivery of programs and services. These activities contributed to ongoing familiarity with evolving accessibility expectations.
In addition, ongoing engagement with internal stakeholders, employee resource groups, external accessibility organizations, and specialized vendors provided useful input that informed accessibility‑related decision‑making during the year. Monitoring legal developments, evolving standards, and feedback throughout the reporting period also reinforced the value of treating accessibility as an ongoing, iterative process that can adapt over time.
We will also continue to review continuously evolving and emerging technologies to improve accessibility of our products and services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
VI. Feedback Received and How it Was Taken Into Consideration
Between June 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, Disney+ Canada received seven accessibility‑related contacts through its designated accessibility email address and telephone line. All feedback received during the reporting period related to closed captioning.
The feedback included requests for additional French closed captioning (three submissions), questions or requests for assistance in managing closed captioning settings (two submissions), a report regarding caption speed on Korean‑language content (one submission), and a general concern regarding viewer warnings preceding specific content (one submission).
In addition to feedback received through dedicated accessibility feedback channels, Disney+ Canada also received accessibility‑ and language‑related feedback through general customer support channels during the reporting period. The customer inquiries and feedback relating to accessibility issues accounted for approximately 0.06% of all customer support inquiries for D+ Canada last year. This feedback provided broader insight into viewer experiences related to language selection, subtitles, closed captioning, and audio options.
Accessibility‑related feedback is reviewed on an ongoing basis in the regular course of business. During the reporting period, responses to closed captioning inquiries included acknowledging receipt of feedback, providing information and guidance on managing caption settings, routing content‑related requests to appropriate internal teams, and sharing customer support resources where live assistance was appropriate.
A manual review of accessibility‑related contacts during the reporting period also helped identify opportunities to improve internal processes for tracking and categorizing accessibility feedback. These observations will support more effective identification and review of accessibility‑related contacts in future reporting periods.
Feedback received continues to be considered alongside other inputs, such as accessibility audits, training insights, and stakeholder engagement, to inform ongoing accessibility efforts and improvements to Disney+ Canada’s services. In parallel, Disney+ Canada continues to evaluate evolving technologies, features, and operational opportunities to support the ongoing improvement and refinement of closed captioning and audio description as part of its broader accessibility efforts.
VII. Glossary:
As used in this document, the following terms have the following meanings given to them under section 2 of the ACA:
1. “Barrier” means anything — including anything physical, architectural, technological or attitudinal, anything that is based on information or communications or anything that is the result of a policy or a practice — that hinders the full and equal participation in society of persons with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment or a functional limitation.
2. “Disability” means any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.