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HWDSB Opens its Doors to Be More Accessible and Inclusive

Hamilton, ON – April 26, 2010: Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) has released two documents that build on a vision of an accessible school Board for all. Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy and the Draft Equity Policy Supporting Guidelines: Persons with Disabilities, part of the Board’s Equity Policy, are now available for public feedback.

“Our Board is committed to improve accessibility for everyone with a disability,” said Jessica Brennan, Chair of Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.
“By removing barriers for all individuals we are promoting an environment where people feel welcomed, supported and included.”

During this round of public consultation, members of the Policy Working Sub-Committee request that individuals comment on the following areas:

  • Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy, which is in response to the government’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and the first of five standards to be implemented province-wide by businesses and organizations that provide goods and services to people in Ontario.
  • The Draft Equity Policy Supporting Guidelines: Persons with Disabilities, which is the final supporting guideline in the Board’s Equity Policy addressing
    issues related to disabilities and the removal of barriers to support student achievement.

Stephanie Orphanacos, Special Needs Services at McMaster Children’s Hospital, commends HWDSB for their movement towards accessibility:

“As a Professional who advocates for children with special needs, I know the value in making an environment truly accessible. So many people are living with physical and emotional barriers. The Board recognizes that students flourish academically when these barriers are removed and everyone is treated with dignity and respect the moment they enter a school or board building.”

Individuals can view the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy and the Draft Equity Policy Supporting Guidelines: Persons with Disabilities and provide comment through online surveys at www.hwdsb.on.ca/feedback.

Consultation ends on May 26, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.

Reproduced from http://www.hwdsb.on.ca/media/releases/details.aspx?id=1084