As Ontarians continue physical distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they rely on the media for news of the outside world. Access to information keeps all people safe and knowledgeable. To ensure that all people have the benefit of media access at this time, the government and other creators of media must make their programming and media releases accessible. Communicating with people with disabilities in the COVID-19 pandemic means that everyone has access to crucial information.
All posts by Lisa Kovac
Customers with Disabilities in the COVID-19 Pandemic
As Ontarians continue physical distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are serving more customers remotely. Stores and other essential services are now meeting more customer needs by phone, over email, or through delivery options. Remote customer service allows customers to make needed purchases while staying healthy and safe. To ensure that all customers have the benefit of remote service, businesses and other organizations must make their service accessible to customers with disabilities in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Passengers with Disabilities in the COVID-19 Pandemic
As Ontarians continue physical distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are limiting their travel. However, most people need to travel for essential services, such as grocery shopping or medical appointments. Some of these travellers use assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or scooters, as well as public transit, such as buses. Some passengers can board and secure their assistive devices on vehicles independently. However, other passengers require the assistance of drivers for these tasks. Nonetheless, some public transit drivers are refusing to transport passengers with disabilities in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Accessible Online Learning in the COVID-19 Pandemic
As Ontarians continue social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges and universities are implementing online learning. Moreover, elementary and high schools may also turn in-person classes into remote lessons students access online. Remote learning will allow students to complete their current year of study while staying healthy and safe. To ensure that all students have the benefit of remote learning at this time, schools and school boards must make the process accessible to students and educators with disabilities. Accessible online learning in the COVID-19 pandemic will help all students in Ontario learn in a safe environment.
Accessible Remote Work in the COVID-19 Pandemic
As Ontarians continue social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, workplaces are encouraging people to work from home. In addition, some workplaces are providing workers with the technology they need to do their jobs at home. For many Ontario workers, remote work may be a new and strange experience. However, some workers with disabilities already benefit from the accommodation of remote work. Employers who already accommodate employees who work remotely may have an advantage as they extend the same accommodation to non-disabled workers. Workers and employers with previous remote work experience may be able to offer best practices for accessible remote work in the COVID-19 pandemic.