New service offered to the visually impaired

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and theCanadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) announced today that effectiveimmediately, the CRA will offer a new multiple format service for visuallyimpaired individuals. The new multiple format service will allow visually impaired Canadians toself-identify to receive CRA printed material in the alternate format of theirchoice by making a one-time alternate format request to the CRA.

Once an individual has self-identified, the CRA will send all subsequentmaterial that is specific to the individual, such as a Notice of Assessment,in the alternate format of choice. To obtain publications that are not client-specific, such as generic tax information publications, visuallyimpaired individuals will be required to make a separate request.

The new alternate format service will enable the CRA to mail certainpaper and alternate format material together. Some material will still requireseparate mailing of the paper and alternate format. If printed and alternateformat material cannot be sent together, the alternate format will be mailedwithin 5 days of the mailing of the paper material.

The CRA listens to Canadians in its commitment to continuously improvehow it delivers its programs and services. The new alternate format procedureprovides consistent and timely service to visually impaired Canadians.