By Helen Henderson
Disabilities Reporter
June 26,2010
Time to get the lead out.
We’ve had enough committees, more than enough promises. If Ontario is serious about being an inclusive province, the time is now.
Time to get beyond the cumbersome committee process and establish an arms-length Ontario Accessibility Standards Board to lead the way.
June 15, 2010
In the 2003 provincial election, Dalton McGuinty promised that the
Disabilities Act his Government would pass would have effective enforcement.
Seven years later, and half a year after the first accessibility standard went into effect under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities
Act, we are only now learning some limited details about what enforcement there will be.
June 21, 2010
SUMMARY
We want to bring to your attention a very troubling example that shows the need for the Ontario Government to develop a new, concerted policy, procedure and practice to ensure that it does not use public funds to create, perpetuate or exacerbate barriers against persons with disabilities in goods, services
or facilities. This is also a compelling case showing why the forthcoming Information and Communication Accessibility Standard, which the Government is
still developing, must effectively set strong accessibility requirements for electronic kiosks.
June 14, 2010
In 2005, the Ontario Legislature passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to improve accessibility across the province. The disability
community saw the legislation as a milestone in the government’s commitment to creating a level playing field for all Ontarians. But many businesses and municipalities across the province responded with skepticism, believing the act would result in increased costs and result in few benefits. However
June 13, 2010
SUMMARY
A very current question in our campaign for a fully-accessible Ontario is whether the McGuinty Government will fully implement the Report of the
Government-appointed Charles Beer Independent Review of the AODA. The McGuinty Government received the Beer Report in February 2010, some four months ago. It did not release it to the public until May 31, 2010.
