McGuinty Government Releases Accessibility Standard For Public Review
Ontario is taking another step towards improving accessibility for people with disabilities with the release of the proposed employment accessibility standard for public review. The accessibility standard was developed by a committee of people from the disability and business communities.
The proposed standard, which aims to tackle barriers in the workplace, outlines ways that employers can help people with disabilities by:
- developing accessible employment policies
- providing information about a job, such as applications, in accessible formats
- giving disability awareness training to all employees
- preparing accommodation plans to help employees perform their job.
Everyone has the opportunity to provide their feedback to help shape an employment accessibility standard that will apply to businesses and organizations across Ontario.
QUOTE
“The release of this proposed standard is an important step forward to making employment more accessible for people with disabilities,” said Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur. “Now, people in Ontario can take part in the process by providing their feedback on the committee’s proposed standard.”
QUICK FACTS
- Under its accessibility legislation, the province has a goal to make Ontario accessible by 2025 through the development of standards.
- In 2006, 49.5 per cent of people with disabilities between ages 15 and 64 were unemployed, compared to 24.5 per cent of those without disabilities.
- About 1.85 million people in Ontario have a disability. Improving accessibility can help businesses tap into this workforce.
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A diverse workplace makes good business sense. See Joel’s story.
Learn how to make your workplace more accessible.