The Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 places the Government of Ontario at the forefront of change. Among other things, the ODA requires that each government ministry make its facilities, its practices, its programs and its publications and Internet sites more accessible and inclusive.
Section 10 of the Act specifies that each ministry is responsible for preparing annual accessibility plans and making them available to the public. Ministry accessibility plans must include the same information as the plans of other sectors named in the ODA.
In preparing annual accessibility plans, ministries must consider the following:
- The plans must address a broad range of disability issues, taking into account the full definition of disability under the ODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
- Ministries are required to integrate accessibility planning into their business planning cycles to ensure an effective and efficient process and meaningful outcomes.
- Ministry plans will examine and address accessibility improvements from the perspective of both an employer and a service provider.
- The ODA specifies that ministries must consult with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario when preparing their annual plans.
The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario provides on-going support and outreach to ministries as they prepare their plans. Working in partnership with a number of ministries, the Directorate developed a customized guide to assist with the planning process which ministries now use to prepare their annual plans.