All posts by Lisa Kovac

In the third review of the AODA, the Honourable David Onley recommends needed improvements to the Act. One of these improvements is the need for further development of education standards and healthcare standards. During the public meetings Onley held while preparing his review, the government had postponed work on these AODA standards. Therefore, Onley’s review recommended that the government allow the standards development committees creating these standards to continue their work. Currently, these committees have resumed their work creating education and healthcare standards.

Further Development of Education Standards and Healthcare Standards. Read full article.

In the third review of the AODA, the Honourable David Onley recommends needed improvements to the Act. One of these improvements is the need to help professionals, such as architects or interior designers, create more accessible products. During public meetings Onley held while preparing his review, attendees requested that the government mandate more focus on accessibility in professional training.

Accessibility in Professional Training. Read full article.

In the third review of the AODA, the Honourable David Onley recommends needed improvements to the Act. One of these improvements is the need to help more Ontarians learn about people with disabilities and understand accessibility. During public meetings Onley held while preparing his review, attendees requested that the government mandate accessibility in school curriculums at every level. If students learn about disability during elementary and high school, they will know the truth about how disability impacts people’s lives. Moreover, they will be comfortable interacting with people who have disabilities.

Accessibility in School Curriculums at Every Level. Read full article.

In the third review of the AODA, the Honourable David Onley recommends needed improvements to the Act. One of these improvements is the need to increase public awareness about the AODA and accessibility. During public meetings Onley held while preparing his review, attendees stated that many people are unaware of the AODA. Alternatively, people may know that the AODA exists but may not understand why they need to comply with it. In addition, Ontario people and organizations need to understand that accommodating people with disabilities is an every-day part of serving the public and doing business. Therefore, the government needs to develop a public education campaign on the business case for accessibility.

Public Education Campaign on the Business Case for Accessibility. Read full article.

In the third review of the AODA, the Honourable David Onley recommends needed improvements to the Act. One of these improvements is the need to help Ontarians become more mindful of accessibility. During public meetings Onley held while preparing his review, attendees stated that the AODA alone cannot make Ontario accessible. Instead, people and organizations must understand that accommodating people with disabilities is an every-day part of serving the public. Organization staff should expect to be serving customers with disabilities and know more about what these customers’ needs are. This knowledge will help them prepare to meet those needs in advance, instead of as an afterthought. Therefore, the government needs to develop opportunities to grow awareness of every-day accessibility in Ontario.

Awareness of Every-Day Accessibility in Ontario. Read full article.