McGuinty Government Making Progress On Developing New Standards For Greater Accessibility

TORONTO – The McGuinty government has made important progress towards implementing the landmark Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, which will make Ontario accessible by 2025, Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur announced today.

“Everyone who lives in, and visits, Ontario should be able to enjoy everything that this great province has to offer,” said Meilleur.  “Whether you have a disability or not, you should be able to access all goods and services and expect the same great service wherever you go.  It’s good for business and it’s good for Ontario.”

The Act, which came into effect just over a year ago, provides for the province to develop accessibility standards that will apply to the private and public sectors across the province in order to address and remove barriers for people with disabilities. The first proposed standard, for customer service, is being posted today for public review and feedback.

Recruitment will also begin today for a new Standards Development Committee, which will work to draft a proposed standard on accessible information and communications. Standards Development Committees consist of people with disabilities, as well as representatives of both the private and public sectors who work together to draft proposed standards, which are then posted for consideration and feedback from the public.  

Those interested in reviewing the proposed customer service standard or participating in the accessibility standards development process can find more information on the Ministry of Community and Social Services’ website at: /mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario/

The development of enforceable accessibility standards is just one of the ways the McGuinty government is working to build a province where everyone has a chance to contribute.  The government is also:

• Committing nearly $276 million in new funding to strengthen community supports for adults with a developmental disability.
• Investing nearly $11 million in interpreter and intervenor services for deaf and deafblind Ontarians.
• Providing $28.2 million to help universities and colleges provide services for students with disabilities to help them succeed.

“We are making progress towards our goal of an accessible Ontario by 2025,” said Meilleur.  “And an accessible Ontario is going to be a stronger Ontario.  Our province can only benefit by making it possible for all citizens to participate fully in every aspect of their communities.”