At the City of Ottawa, improving accessibility throughout all of its services and programs is a top priority these days. The city has taken great strides in promoting a barrier-free environment for both its employees and residents.

As city officials work closely with the community to identify barriers to accessibility, “every decision we make has a client-centred focus,” says Clara Freire, Client Services Manager at the City of Ottawa.

Ottawa's Accessibility Advisory Committee chair, Barry McMahon, is proud of the many successes achieved throughout the years. “I felt that it was important to get involved — to just be there and always remind people that accessibility is a very important thing.”

And as the City Hall’s Accessibility Inventory Officer John Prazak lists off the many accessibility improvements already complete or underway, it is clear to see that the city recognizes that inclusion means all citizens, regardless of the type of disability.

Barriers have been removed at Ottawa City Hall, with power door openers and hand rails, accessible washrooms, visually contrasting floor designs and fully accessible Council chambers. Most recently, the city has focused on accessible customer service by improving the service delivery culture of the organization so that everybody can easily access all city services.

Council members and City staff are committed to learning about barriers, removing them, and making sure new barriers are not created, and over time Ottawa is becoming a more inclusive community.