Site MenuNew Poll Worker Training Methods – Advisory Group on Disability Issues (AGDI) – Meeting Summary November 24, 2020
Presenter: Gordon Baird (Associate Director, Field Personnel Training)
Mr. Baird updated Advisory Group members on changes to training of poll workers under the current pandemic circumstances. AGDI members were introduced to four training methods Elections Canada has been developing for the next general election: a classroom training session (trainer-led, physical format); remote training session (trainer-led, digital format); training workbook (self-paced, physical format); and an online training module (self-paced, digital format). AGDI members were asked to comment on the training options that EC is considering, thinking of the needs of the communities they represent.
In terms of training, members advised that whatever fonts are used, it was important that they were adjustable for people with dyslexia and visibility issues considering people may find a lot of printed documents challenging. A request was made for the training materials to be sent to people so that they can familiarize themselves with the contents before the training sessions and that all materials be accessible for all disabled people. It was recommended that Elections Canada should develop a workbook guideline on accessibility for the training of the trainers.
Suggestions were also made to improve the current Elections Canada website including the enabling of a chat live function, the ability to search the website with key words, and the implementation of two separate versions of the website with one being laid out in plain accessible language. It was also noted that while the website is accessible, it can be an overwhelming experience with an amount of frustration when information takes an undue amount of time to track down. Ultimately, the website should be made more accessible with clear and direct links.