Accessibility Impacts Checklist

The City of Ottawa strives to be an accessible city that is inclusive of all people. Accessibility simply means helping people with disabilities take part in life’s activities.

Through the City of Ottawa Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP), the City supports the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The AODA was passed in 2005 with the goal to make Ontario accessible for people with disabilities by 2025.

On October 13, 2011 Council, approved motion FEDCO 10/1 .which directs that all reports tabled for consideration at Committee and Council must contain a section that explains how the report recommendations will impact people with disabilities and seniors in terms of reducing, removing or preventing barriers.

City of Ottawa report authors are now required to describe all considerations and actions taken by staff to assess potential accessibility impacts which result from proposed City policies and projects. Any consultations on accessibility matters, including consultation with the City’s Accessibility and Senior’s Advisory Committees, should be recorded in the “Consultation” section of the report. Unlike the Financial and Legal comment section of the report template, it is the responsibility of the originating department to complete the Accessibility Impacts section of the report template.

All reports must be reviewed by the originating branch or department to ensure that accessibility is integrated into the early stages of City initiatives and to track the development and integration of accessibility features. Reports as diverse as site plan approval, the implementation of new infrastructure or a new facility, plans to expand a recreation centre, changes to transit fares, and alterations of operational service standards or programming, all require a thorough consideration of accessibility impacts.

 

Below is a Accessibility Impacts Checklist that covers six specific target areas:

  1. Before You Begin Tool;
  2. General Accessibility Impacts Checklist;
  3. Accessible Formats and Communication Supports;
  4. Built Environment;
  5. Employment; and
  6. Transportation.

By asking your team the questions listed in the Before you Begin Tool and the Accessibility Impacts Checklist, accessibility can be gauged, evaluated and integrated into your projects and legislative reports, thus allowing for potential actions to be identified for inclusion into the project approval process. Use of the checklist can help report authors in the:

  1. identification of barriers which need to be removed or prevented;
  2. provision of a record of accessibility improvements undertaken related to the project; and
  3. development of procedures and work planning based on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”), and regulations there under, as well as the City of Ottawa Accessibility Policy.

The checklist can also be used by managers and report authors for periodic assessment of their department’s position on accessibility and the integration of persons with disabilities and seniors into their business lines.

The checklist will help you consider if all designs are compliant with the Ontario Building Code (“OBC”) and the City’s Accessibility Design Guidelines. It will also help you respond to any applicable elements of the AODA which requires the business community, public sector and not-for-profit sector to develop, implement and enforce mandatory accessibility standards.

 

It is important to note that many barriers can be avoided simply by exercising forethought in the planning and approval stages of a project. This is one of the goals that led to the development of this checklist at the City of Ottawa.

 

Together, the AODA, the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service and the Integrated Accessibility Standard inform the accessibility requirements of the City, and will form an integral component of each legislative decision moving forward. Comprehensively considering accessibility in all report writing at the City, and applying accessibility principles to all aspects and elements of Council’s decision-making process will help ensure that decisions at the City consistently incorporate accessibility for all. All City reports will be evaluated to ensure that new programs, policies and procedures are accessible to all possible users.

 

Potential responses that might be used in the report template are provided in Appendix A. If you have additional questions after reviewing the entire checklist document, you may wish to consult Appendix B which provides a list of on-line resources that may be useful.  Additional background information about the development of the checklist tool is found in Appendix C.

 

**Please note that there is no expectation to respond affirmatively to all of the questions identified in the Before Your Begin Tool or the Accessibility Checklist. The questions are simply meant to help report authors identify how the content of your report fits into current legislative requirements and to help authors complete the Accessibility Impacts section of the report template. The Corporate Accessibility Office is available as a resource to provide additional information and assistance as required.

A: Before You Begin:

 

Before you Begin will help you identify whether your report requires additional research or consultation to inform the  Accessibility Impacts section of the report template.  If you are having trouble completing the Before you Begin Tool you may wish to read the more detailed checklist below to help you consider the implications of accessibility to the subject area of concern.

 

If you answer Yes to all, or most, of the questions in the Before you Begin Tool you may be able to move directly to the completion of the Accessibility Impacts section of the report template.  Simply use the checklist tool as a guide and briefly describe how your report is meeting the objectives contained within the assessment tool.

 

If you answer No to one or more questions contained in the Before you Begin Tool you may:

 

1)    Require the assistance of the Accessibility Office to complete the Accessibility Impacts section of the report template;

2)    Need to look at the larger checklist attached to identify specific accessibility issues relevant to your report;

3)    Need to have the report reviewed by your department’s representative on the corporate interdepartmental Accessibility Working Group (AWG) for feedback; or

4)    Need to consult with the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) or the Seniors Advisory Committee (SAC).

 

Please note:  An asterisk *  field on the checklist  indicates a mandatory field due to the following legislation/policy:

·         Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, c. 11
Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, O. Reg. 429/07
Integrated Accessibility Standards, O. Reg. 191/11

·         Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19

·         Canadian Human Rights Act (R.S., 1985, c.H-6)

·         Highway Traffic Act, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 629/07

·         Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2001

·         City of Ottawa, Transit Services Department, Accessible Customer Service Policy (2011)

·         City of Ottawa, Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy (2009)

·         City of Ottawa, Duty to Accommodate Policy (2003) - will be updated in 2012

·         City of Ottawa, Multiple Formats Policy (2002) – will be updated in 2012

·         Request Form for City of Ottawa Documentation in Multiple Formats

·         City of Ottawa, Equity and Diversity Policy (2002)

 

 

 

Yes

No

Comments

(a)*

Has accessibility been reflected in the project (overall planning, objectives, project purpose, results, activities and outputs) such that people with agility, mobility, mental/cognitive, hearing, speech and visual disabilities can participate in and/or benefit from it on an equitable basis?

 

 

 

(b)*

Does the report consider the regulations contained within the AODA and the City of Ottawa Accessibility Policy?

 

 

 

(c)*

Has staff included accessible features and criteria in the procurement process as prescribed by s. 5 of the Integrated Accessibility Standard (O.Reg 191/11) under the AODA?

 

 

 

(d)*

Will the program, project or activity reflect the City’s accessibility principles?  City services, programs and goods that are to be provided in a manner that:

1.    Accommodates disability-related needs;

2.    Reflects the principles of dignity and independence; and/or

3.    Seeks to provide integrated services.

 

 

 

(e)*

Are there feedback mechanisms in place to ensure monitoring and ongoing evaluation of accessibility issues?

 

 

 

(f)*

Has consideration been given to how changes proposed in this report may create barriers for seniors and people with disabilities and how they may be prevented (include assumptions, risks, uncertainty and flexibility)?

 

 

 

(g)*

Has advice been sought from all relevant stakeholders, to ensure that accessibility concerns have been included?

 

 

 

(h)

Do cost estimates and financial comments reflect the need to integrate the accessibility features and criteria in accordance with provincial legislation such as the OBC and the AODA?

 

 

 

(i)

Does the report being proposed result in sustainable improvements from the standpoint of people with disabilities and seniors (consider the policy support, appropriate technology, or management capacity)?

 

 

 

B: General Accessibility Impacts Checklist

 

The detailed checklist below is designed to help report authors identify areas that can be used to complete the Accessibility Impacts section of the report template. The checklist is designed to help you identify areas that can be expanded upon to complete this section.   Complete this checklist, then simply describe in more detail those areas you have indicated as relevant to the program, policy or operational change contained in your report (items marked as yes below).  

 

 

 

Yes

No

Comments

(a)

Does the subject matter of the report affect people with disabilities or seniors? 

 

 

 

(b)

Did persons with disabilities participate in the decision-making process for this report?

 

 

 

(c)*

Has the department followed the new Corporate Accessibility Policy (2012)?

 

 

 

(d)*

Are there legislative requirements under the AODA that are required in this report?

 

 

 

(e)

Has staff consulted with their departmental representative of the corporate interdepartmental Accessibility Working Group for feedback?

 

 

 

(f)

Have resources been allocated to improve accessibility for the accessibility actions identified in this report?

 

 

 

(g)

Have monitoring and evaluation arrangements, sensitive to accessibility issues, been integrated into the planning process, or operations?

 

 

 

(h)*

Has staff included accessible features and criteria in the procurement process per section 5 of the Integrated Accessibility Standard (O.Reg 191/11) under the AODA?

 

 

 

(i)

Does the content in this report include the provision of physical access to public buildings, facilities or infrastructure?

 

 

 

(j)

Does the content of this report require training to broaden staff understanding of issues concerning persons with disabilities and seniors?

 

 

 

(k)

Has staff put in place a system for considering the operational identification of barriers to accessibility?

 

 

 

(l)

Is there an action plan and budget provided to prevent barriers and increase accessibility?

 

 

 

(m)*

Are all the documents and communication materials written in plain language and available in an accessible format?

 

 

 

(n)*

Does the web content about the initiative comply with WCAG 2.0 Level A or Level AA?

 

 

 

(o)

Has staff accounted for the possible impacts of this initiative or decision on persons with agility, mobility, mental/cognitive, hearing, speech and visual disabilities?

 

 

 

C: Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

All report authors need to consider how their report will be communicated to the public. For this reason you should consider reviewing the next section on accessible formats and communications supports below and include in your report how you are meeting your legislative requirements.

 

Definitions:

Accessible formats may include, but are not limited to: large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille and other formats usable by persons with disabilities.

Plain Language:  clear, straightforward expression, using only as many words as are necessary. It is language that avoids obscurity, inflated vocabulary and convoluted sentence construction. Writers of plain language let their audience concentrate on the message instead of being distracted by complicated language. They make sure that their audience understands the message easily.

Communication supports may include, but are not limited to: captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications

 

 

Yes

No

Comments

(a)*

Will the communication material produced to promote this report be in accessible electronic formats of HTML, accessible PDF and Word?

.

.

 

(b)

Are there accessible feedback mechanisms and tools associated with this report?

.

.

 

(c)*

Does the report involve public outreach, communications or advertising? If yes, has staff considered accessible formats including, but not limited to:

·         Large Font Text;

·         Electronic Text;

·         Braille;

·         Accessible audio formats;

·         Reading the written information aloud to the person directly;

·         Accessible Font Type selection;

·         Text transcripts of visual and audio information;

·         Captioning or audio description;

·         Assistive listening systems;

·         Augmentative and alternative communication methods and strategies such as the use of letter, word or picture boards and devices that speak out messages;

·         Sign language interpretation; and, 

·         Repeating, clarifying, or restating information?

.

.

 

(d)*

Will the online roll out of this report comply with AODA standards for websites (World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) level A or AA compliancy) under Part II of the Integrated Accessibility Standard (O.Reg 191/11) under the AODA?

 

 

 

(e)*

Will the roll out of this report comply with AODA standards for communication supports under Part II of the Integrated Accessibility Standard (O.Reg 191/11) under the AODA?

 

 

 

(f)

Has the department consulted with individuals requesting an accessible format or communication support to determine their accessibility needs?

 

 

 

(g)*

Is a fee associated with the cost of providing accessible documentation—a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons?

 

 

 

(h)*

Organizations are required to notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports.  Is the information for this program, facility or policy posted on the premises, such as on bulletin boards in public areas, on the City of Ottawa website in an accessible format or through other reasonable methods?

 

 

 

(i)*

Do departmental materials such as written reports, posters and brochures follow the Clear Print Guidelines (considering including high contrast text, clear, light coloured lettering or symbols on a dark background, or dark characters on a light background)?

 

 

 

(j)*

Has staff used plain language when developing the communications material supporting the implementation of this report?

 

 

 

(k)*

Do signage and information systems show the International Symbol of Accessibility where applicable?

 

 

 

(l)

Does the 3-1-1 Call Centre, OC Transpo Information, Service Ottawa or other City call centres need to be made aware of the proposed changes outlined in the report? 

 

 

 

(m)

Should initiatives from this report be featured on the Accessibility pages of ottawa.ca in the “What’s New” section?

 

 

 

D:  Built Environment **

If your report involves any facilities, planning, built environment, maintenance or construction related issues ask yourself the following question:

 

** For a more detailed checklist on Built Environment please go to Making Buildings More Accessible.

 

 

Yes

No

Comments

(a)

Is the proposed facility or infrastructure, or change to an existing facility or infrastructure, barrier-free?

 

 

 

(b)

Can customer service desks be accessed by persons using a mobility device?

 

 

 

(c)*

Do ramps in the facility comply with the Ontario Building Code (Barrier Free Design section 3.8)?

 

 

 

(d)

Are there any public information systems, auditory signals or way finding for seniors and persons who have visual impairments to move around safely and independently?

 

 

 

(e)

Has staff consulted the City’s Accessibility Guidelines for Built Environment?

 

 

 

(f)*

Are there sufficient public information systems and visual signals for seniors and persons who are hearing impaired to move around safely and independently in the facility?

 

 

 

(g)*

Have building code specifications and City guidelines concerning accessibility been fulfilled?

 

 

 

(h)*

Have accessibility features been incorporated when designing, procuring as per s. 6 of the Integrated Accessibility Standard (O.Reg 191/11) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)?

 

 

 

(i)*

Are elevators and/or ramps incorporated to provide an accessible route of travel to all floors?

 

 

 

(j)

Are entrances accessible to people using wheelchairs or scooters?

 

 

 

(k)

Are mats securely positioned and level with the floor and are door thresholds bevelled so they do not create a tripping hazard?

 

 

 

(l)*

Are elevator doorways wide enough and stay open long enough to allow persons using wheelchairs to pass through easily?

 

 

 

(m)*

Will accessible entrances be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility?

 

 

 

(n)

Are building and route signage provided in large, high contrast lettering?

 

 

 

(o)

Within buildings are accessible routes marked by bright colour or textural changes at floor level, to provide directional cues for people with vision disabilities?

 

 

 

(p)*

Are the following washroom features available (placed at appropriate height and location) for people with a wide range of disabilities:

  • grab bars
  • coat hooks
  • flush controls
  • toilet seat
  • automatic door openers
  • toilet swing bars
  • wash basins
  • toilet paper dispenser
  • call button for emergencies
  • mounted automatic hand-dryers or paper towel holders
  • lever-handled faucets or automatic faucet?

 

 

 

(q)

Does the municipal project or infrastructure address accessibility issues during the construction phase?

 

 

 

 

(r)

Has consideration been given to service/ guide dogs (comfort stations, water)?

 

 

 

(s)

Have accessibility features been intergraded into the planning process for this project and have agreements been established to ensure inclusion of these features into the construction phase?

 

 

 

Interior and Exterior Access for Pedestrians with Disabilities

 

 

Yes

No

Comments

(a)

Can mobility device users and other pedestrians with disabilities easily use the facility?

 

 

 

(b)*

Can exterior routes, footpaths and pavements surrounding the public building be planned to be used easily and safely by persons with mobility devices?

 

 

 

(c)

Are there audible traffic signals planned for installation at pedestrian crossings for the safety of people with visual impairments?

 

 

 

(d)

Have depressed curbs and tactile indicators been planned for installation at pedestrian crossings or at the entry way to City facilities?

 

 

 

(e)

Are those depressed curbs practical and safe for persons who are blind as well as those who use wheelchair or mobility devices?

 

 

 

(f)*

Are there sufficient parking spaces and/or passenger loading areas designated for vehicles driven by or carrying persons with disabilities?

 

 

 

(g)

Are there safe, clearly marked, accessible pedestrian route from the designated parking area to an accessible building entrance or elevator lobby?

 

 

 

(h)*

Have you reviewed the relevant City By-law, and regulation to ensure the provision of ample accessible parking space?*

 

 

 

(i)

Are curb cuts or ramps wide enough for wheelchairs and scooters, is there a non-slip finish and is this area kept clear of snow and ice in winter weather?

 

 

 

(j)

Are there clear routes of travel that are not obstructed by poles, plants, bicycle racks, etc?

 

 

 

(k)

 When planning the construction phase of this project has staff considered potential impacts on persons with disabilities?

 

 

 

 

 

E: Employment

 

If your report is dealing with employment standards, practices or policies ask yourself:

 

 

Yes

No

Comments

(a)

Is information freely available on employment opportunities?

 

 

 

(b)

Is reasonable accommodation (services and physical adaptations) provided for persons with disabilities?

 

 

 

(c)*

Has staff notified employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for applicants with disabilities in your recruitment processes? 

 

 

 

(d)

Are there provisions in place to facilitate the integration of individuals into the workplace with special needs?

 

 

 

(e)*

Has staff consulted the AODA to ensure compliance?

 

 

 

(f)

Do staff advise applicants about where they are in the application process?

 

 

 

(g)

Are community job training and placement programs available for, and accessible by, persons with disabilities?

 

 

 

(h)*

Has staff taken into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities in career development?

 

 

 

(i)*

Are applicants informed that accommodation for people with disabilities is available on request for interviews and other selection processes?

 

 

 

F: Transportation

If your report involves any changes to taxi or transit operations, vehicles, transportation planning, route, service changes, or fare policy you may want to ask yourself:

Conventional and Specialized Transportation

 

 

Yes

No

Comments

(a)

Do the accessibility features on proposed transit vehicles meet current legislative requirements?

 

 

 

(b)

Are the proposed transit services and programs accessible to persons with disabilities?

 

 

 

(c)

Do the proposed changes to transit services have a potentially greater impact on seniors and persons with disabilities?

 

 

 

(d)*

Is the proposed transit facility or the facility retrofit being done in a manner consistent with Building Code specifications and City Guidelines on Accessibility?

 

 

 

(e)

Does the proposed transit technology change impact accessibility?

 

 

 

(f)

Do the proposed changes to transit service area, level of service, fare structure and hours of operation result in adequate service to seniors and persons with disabilities? 

 

 

 

(g)

Is transit information on the proposed changes available and accessible to seniors and persons with disabilities?

 

 

 

Taxis

 

 

Yes

No

Comments

(a)*

Do the accessibility features on taxis meet current legislative requirements?

 

 

 

(b)*

Has staff consulted the AODA for compliance?

 

 

 

(c)*

Is the information regarding changes in service communicated in an accessible format?

 

 

 

Transportation Information

 

 

Yes

No

Comments

(a)*

Is information on the proposed changes available and accessible to seniors and persons with disabilities?

 

 

 

(b)*

Is the signage proposed accessible to people with low vision and other communication-based disabilities, and done in a manner consistent with City Guidelines on Accessibility?

 

 

 

 

Appendix A: Template Responses

 

 

B: General Accessibility Impacts Checklist

 

After reviewing the General Accessibility Impacts Checklist, the report author may be able to insert a comment such as:

 

·         The communications products noted in the report will be made available in accessible formats.

·         This initiative will remove or prevent the following barriers to accessibility....

·         The content of this report does not negatively affect people with disabilities or seniors.

·         The programming for this facility includes accessibility training to facilitate a broad range of participation – including individuals with mobility, cognitive, hearing and visual disabilities and will accommodate persons who use an assistance device or require assistance of a guide/ service animal or support person.

·         The design of this initiative has considered the following accessibility features and criteria (access, hearing, visual, mobility and cognitive disability).The following actions have been identified to prevent barriers and increase accessibility as a result of this initiative:

ü  Communications products and wayfinding has been developed for the construction phase of this project so that an accessible clear path of travel can be maintained during construction;

ü  Accessible features and criteria has been included in the procurement process and tender requirements for this project;

ü   The planning and design for this project is in compliance with the City’s Accessibility Guidelines for Built Environment;

ü  The web content for this project has been developed in accordance with WCAG 2.0 Level A.

 

C: Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

After reviewing the communications checklist, the author would then be able to insert a comment like:

 

·         The communications products noted in the report will be made available in accessible formats;

·         With respect to the communications products noted in the report, staff will ensure the products comply with the AODA standards for communications supports;

·         The web content for this project has been developed in accordance with WCAG 2.0 Level A;

·         Signage for this project has been developed using plain language, large high contrast text, clear, light-coloured lettering or symbols on a dark background;

·         All events associated with this project will be in accordance with the City of Ottawa Accessible Event Checklist (attached in appendix A).

D:  Built Environment

After reviewing the Built Environment Checklist, the author would then be able to insert a general comment like:

·         This project is designed to comply with the Ontario Building Code and in accordance with the City’s Accessibility Guidelines for Built Environment.

·         Specific accessibility features planned for this facility include, but are not limited to

1.    Barrier-free path of travel to entrances;

2.    Automatic doors;

3.    Signage available in symbol form and way-finding signage that is accessible;

4.    Wide and easy to approach washroom doors;

5.    Barrier-free sink at accessible heights with low mounted mirrors;

6.    Accessible toilet heights throughout the facility;

7.    Accessible interior building environment features (including flat non-slope seating area for wheelchairs, public phones mounted at an accessible height, accessible drinking fountains etc....);

8.    Elevator dimension allow turning radius for mobility device and buttons and emergency controls are mounted at accessible height;

9.    Ramps built to accessible standards with strong colour contrast and tactile surfacing on all ramp landings;

10. Handrails installed on both sides of stairwell/ramps with returns;

11. Installation of auditory and visual fire and emergency alarms;

·         Accessible parking for this facility is in accordance with City of Ottawa By-law.

·        Accessibility features have been incorporated when designing, procuring as per s. 6 of the Integrated Accessibility Standard (O.Reg 191/11) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

·        It has been assessed and this project does not create physical barriers for people with disabilities.

 

 

E: Employment

 

After reviewing the Employment Section of the Checklist the author would then be able to insert a general comment like:

·         Communication of the policies and procedures described in this report will be available in an accessible format;

·         The recruitment policy described in this report includes a broad range of job advertisement strategies including: simple accessible large typeface for all ads, web-based listing and radio ads, outreach to local agencies and campus placement offices that support people with disabilities...;

·         The following workplace accommodations have been incorporated into the rollout of the program described in this report:

1.    Voice input or speech recognition aids;

2.    TTY telephone service;

3.    Computer screen magnifiers....

F: Transportation

After reviewing the Transportation Section of the Checklist the author would then be able to insert a general comment like:

 

·         The proposed transit services and programs described in this report are fully accessible to persons with disabilities.

·         The information regarding changes in service will be communicated in an accessible format.

·         The proposed transit facility or the facility retrofit described in this report is consistent with Building Code specifications and City Guidelines on Accessibility;

·         The proposed transit technology change described in this report will improve the accessibility of all riders including seniors and persons with disabilities by ensuring destination signs are illuminated, have non-glare surfaces and are positioned to minimize glare.

 

Appendix B: List Resources

 

References

City of Ottawa, Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP)
City of Ottawa, Accessibility Training for Customer Service – Reference Guide (2009)

City of Ottawa, City Strategic Plan, Updated 2007-2010 (2010)

City of Ottawa, Transit Services Department, Accessible Customer Service Policy (2011)

City of Ottawa, Accessibility Design Guidelines – Buildings

City of Ottawa, Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy (2009)

City of Ottawa, Duty to Accommodate Policy (2003) - will be updated in 2012

City of Ottawa, Multiple Formats Policy (2002) – will be updated in 2012

Request Form for City of Ottawa Documentation in Multiple Formats

City of Ottawa, Equity and Diversity Policy (2002)

City of Ottawa, Equity and Inclusion Lens- Users Guide

Markham – Accessibility Design Guidelines

Accessible Digital Office Document

 

 

County of Wellington -Accessible Communications Guidelines.

CNIB Clear Print Guidelines

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association- Communications Accessible Checklist

City of Saskatoon – Accessibility Planning Checklist

City of London - The Facility Accessibility Design Standards (FADS)

Quick Tips to Make Accessible Web Sites

City of Ottawa Accessible Event Planning Toolkit

 

Legislative and Administrative Authorities

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, c. 11
Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, O. Reg. 429/07
Integrated Accessibility Standards, O. Reg. 191/11

Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19

Canadian Human Rights Act (R.S., 1985, c.H-6)

Highway Traffic Act, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 629/07

Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2001

AccessON

Understanding Barriers to Accessibility

Ontario Building Code

Canadian Standards Associations (CSA)

 

For more information on the principles of universal design please visit:

Center for Universal Design (North Carolina State University).

Understanding the International Symbols of Accessibility

Greater Toronto Hotel Association Hospitality Checklist

Ontario Building Code

 

 

 

Appendix C: Background Development of the Tool

The AODA requires the City, as well as businesses and organizations such as community agencies, hospitals and schools, to follow accessibility standards.

The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service was the first regulation passed under the AODA (Regulation 429/07). As a result of this legislation, the City has trained over 13,389 City staff and 1,920 volunteers/third party contractors on the delivery of accessible customer service. Any staff still requiring this mandatory customer service training can contact Christine Malone in the Accessibility Office at extension 26892 or can contact the Learning Centre.

The next three accessibility standards –Employment,  Transportation, and Information and Communication – have been combined under one regulation; the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (Regulation 191-11).  Regulation 191-11 is now law and requirements are being phased in across Ontario.

On October 13, 2011 Council, approved motion FEDCO 10/1 that:

 

Staff be directed to immediately include a section called “Accessibility Impacts” in all reports to Committee and Council that would describe all actions taken to ensure that staff review proposed projects, prior to Council approval, for any potential positive or negative impact on People with Disabilities and seniors; and,

 

That by the end of 2011, the Accessibility Office staff work with the Accessibility Advisory Committee to develop an “Accessibility Impacts Checklist” to assist staff when writing committee reports to determine the impact of their work on People with Disabilities. This is to be accomplished within existing budgets.

 

The City also wishes to maximize the participation of seniors and persons with disabilities  so that they can fully participate and contribute to the success of any program, facility or legislative change.

 

While it is relatively easy to recognize and meet the needs of people with clearly identifiable mobility limitations such as those who use wheelchair or other mobility aids, it is more difficult to understand and implement solutions that also consider the needs of people who are visually or hearing impaired, or who have invisible disabilities such as cognitive impairments.