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Accountability Framework Governments recognize the growing public demand for greater democratic engagement in the form of transparency and public participation — key dimensions of the social union. They consult with consumers and disability stakeholders on an ongoing basis on a range of issues. Governments are moving away from an approach where they are accountable largely to each other to an approach in which they are more accountable to the public. This shift means that jurisdictions will need to measure outcomes that are important to the public. In adopting this approach, it will be equally important for jurisdictions to focus on the processes of developing an accountability framework. As the agenda for action evolves, governments are committed to evolving the approach to accountability. Some specific accountability actions are already in place; the EAPD agreements have a built-in accountability framework. In focusing on In Unison, the federal and provincial/ territorial governments could, for example, produce an annual report on the status of persons with disabilities which documents key performance measures and progress around efforts to remove barriers and promote inclusion. Jurisdictions could explore using this annual report as a basis for engaging the public at the local level on the progress of the disability agenda.
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