Give your feedback to the Ontario Accessibilty Legislation group by Oct 16th
It isn't very often that we get a chance to provide direct feedback on new government regulations before they come into effect. But now is one of those times, and I urge you to get your voice heard.
The new regulations being reviewed is the "Initial Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard" of the Ontario Accessibility for People with Disabilities Act - also knows as OADA.
You'll find details about the proposed regulations here:
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario/accesson/business/environment/index
I think it's important for you to review and add your voice to this important document. It will set the pace of change in Ontario for many years. And, you can bet that it will also heavily influence other jurisdictions in Canada too. So, it's important we get it right.
Remember these are changes that won't be required in some instances till 2025. Do you really want to wait till 2026 before making improvements?
And here is what is REALLY important. As long as you, as a member of the public, make a comment, then in MUST be addressed by the committee as part of the approval process.
So, your voice really will count.
Here are some of the things in the OADA proposal that I've made note of...
There was a decision made to NOT include existing buildings as part of the legislation. But, without addressing retrofits, just how accessible can Ontario really be? Disability groups have raised the issue with the committee, but it needs public support - that means WE have to raise our voice and request it.
- Emergency response requirements have specifically not been included. When our kids are at their most vulnerable, why shouldn't disaster response teams taken them into consideration?
- Summer camps are covered by the regulation. But not it the camps are for kids. Huh?
- There has been no consideration made for the impact of weather, yet people with special needs often have great sensitivity to the elements. There should be a requirement for covered canopies to protect them from summer heat, rain and snow. Especially for wheelchair waiting areas and walkways.
- Backup system requirements have not been addressed. Consider what happens to your child if they're stuck in an elevator, or if the only elevator available requires a key - but there is a power outage. Or the person with the key isn't available - what then?
- There has been little consideration given to the special needs of people whose disability isn't physical or mobility related. What about them?
These are just some of the important things that I've noted. I urge you to read the report and make your feedback known on these points and others that you note.
To comment on the proposed standard, please do so by October 16, 2009. If you require an alternate format or method to provide your feedback, please contact:
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
Outreach and Compliance Branch
Ministry of Community and Social Services
777 Bay Street, Suite 601
Toronto ON Canada
M7A 2J4
E-mail:
publicreview@ontario.ca1-888-482-4317
TTY: 416-326-0148 or 1-888-335-6611 (toll-free in Ontario)
Fax: 416-326-9725
