The right kind of infrastructure can keep older adults healthier and happier longer and cities and towns are starting to make it a priority Published on Jan 30, 2019
by Diane Peters
For older adults dealing with mobility or other health issues, getting around can be a challenge in any weather.
In the depths of winter, most of us struggle to walk on snowy sidewalks, stay warm while waiting for the bus, and keep our footing on steep stairs.
Under the Design of Public Spaces Standard of the AODA, cities and other organizations building or reconstructing exterior paths of travel, such as sidewalks and walkways, must make those paths accessible to travellers with disabilities. Rules for accessible exterior paths of travel apply to private organizations with 50 or more workers and all public sector organizations.
This week is White Cane Week!
White Cane Week, celebrated across Canada in the first full week of February every year, raises awareness about how blind people travel and make a difference in their communities. In 2019, White Cane Week takes place from Sunday, February 3rd to Saturday, February 9th.
Under the Design of Public Spaces Standard of the AODA, cities and other organizations building or reconstructing on-street or off-street parking spaces must make those spaces accessible to visitors with disabilities who hold accessible parking permits. Some people with permits will drive themselves, while others will drive with family or friends. Moreover, some people need accessible spaces because they use mobility aids and need more room to enter and exit their vehicles. In contrast, other people need accessible spaces close to the places they are going to because they cannot walk long distances.
ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE
ONTARIO AUTISM COALITION
NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2019 Toronto: At a news conference in the Queen’s Park Media Studio today at 10:30 a.m., disability advocates will unite to demand that the Ford Government rein in the sweeping power of school principals to exclude a student from school. The Ford Government has so far announced nothing on this. It hasn’t answered the Ontario Autism Coalition’s December 13, 2018 letter to Education Minister Lisa Thompson, which asks the minister to meet about exclusions. It hasn’t publicly responded to recent media focusing on this issue. See e.g. the Globe and Mail.
