The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 calls on us to work together to develop and implement accessibility standards that will apply to public, private and non-profit sectors. Standards are being developed in five important areas of our lives, one of which is in the area of the built environment.

What is the built environment?

Built environment refers to access to, from and within buildings and outdoor spaces and could include, for example:

• counter heights, aisle/door widths
• parking
• pedestrian access routes, and
• signal systems.

The standards development committee is looking at developing accessibility standards for public open spaces and streetscape elements, and for building elements in a range of occupancies.

Visit the ministry's website for more information on the Accessible Built Environment Standards Development Committee:

• Terms of Reference
  
• Committee Members
  
• Minutes of Meetings