Currently, no AODA standards require provincial or municipal elections in Ontario to be accessible. However, the Third Review of the AODA recommends the creation of standards mandating accessibility in politics and elections. AODA standards in politics and elections could require accessibility in political offices.
Accessibility in Political Offices
In earlier articles, we have outlined the need for accessibility at polling stations and at campaign events. In addition, citizens with disabilities should also have equal access to riding association offices and central party offices. Therefore, these offices should include the same accessible features as polling stations, such as:
- Accessible Parking
- Accessible outdoor and indoor paths of travel
- Ramped or level entrances
- Automatic doors and wide doorways
- Good lighting
- Accessible signage, including features such as:
- Placement at eye level, for citizens at wheelchair and standing heights
- Detailed information
- Clear language or pictures
- Large print and good colour contrast
- Braille
- Line areas and service counters that accommodate voters using assistive devices
- Lifts or elevators whenever there are stairs
- Accessible public washrooms
- Visual fire alarms
Moreover, all information and communication should be accessible. In other words, staff should be prepared to provide accessible formats and communication supports.
While accessible voting is vital, citizens with disabilities should easily take part in other elements of campaigns. In addition to casting a vote, citizens should be able to support their chosen candidates more directly. Removing physical and communication barriers in riding association offices and central party offices would encourage more citizens with disabilities to become campaign staff members. Moreover, accessible political offices would welcome political candidates with disabilities.
Our next article will outline some of the barriers that citizens with disabilities face when campaigning for political offices, and how new accessibility standards in politics and elections could prevent or remove these barriers.