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Findings and Recommendations

The legislative requirement for an independent review under the AODA is an important step towards keeping Ontario’s commitment to accessibility for persons with disabilities by 2025. My review is taking place at a crucial time — a time when a number of stakeholders have begun to express disenchantment with the implementation of the act, the timelines for change and the ability to realize the 2025 vision.

I believe that the findings from my review provide a solid basis for building on what has been accomplished to date in implementing the AODA. Continued progress towards achieving the 2025 vision will require action by the Ontario government to:

• Harmonize the accessibility standards before they are finalized in regulation
• Renew its commitment and strengthen its leadership on accessibility
• Build awareness and educate the public about accessibility and the AODA and
• Introduce a streamlined standards development process.

To address these objectives and move forward, I am proposing that the Government of Ontario implement the following changes:

1. Harmonize the accessibility standards prior to releasing the remaining proposed standards as regulations
2. Renew leadership for implementation of the AODA by
1. formally designating the Minister of Community and Social Servicesas the Minister Responsible for Accessibility
2. strengthening the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario by:
1. elevating the role of the assistant deputy minister to deputy minister, and
2. focusing on renewed priorities including a public awareness and education campaign to support the AODA
3. Amend the AODA to establish an arm’s-length advisory body — the Ontario Accessibility Standards Board — to review and develop accessibility standards — replacing the standards development committee process.

I will also be making recommendations on the repeal of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 and on the role of Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committees.

Together, I believe these changes will address many of the key issues raised by both the disability community and the obligated sectors during the review.