The first review of the AODA’s Information and communications Standards became public in 2020. In this review, the AODA Information and Communications Standards Development Committee outlines improvements to make information and communications accessible for people with disabilities by 2025. The Committee recommends changes to the Information and Communications Standards, to identify, remove, and prevent accessibility barriers in information. In addition, the Committee recommends an alternative system for developing, updating, and enforcing AODA standards. This new system would affect the Information and Communications Standards, as well as other existing and future standards. This article will discuss the Committee’s recommendations for better emergency preparedness at all levels of government.
Better Emergency Preparedness at All Levels of Government
The Committee reports that current emergency response at all levels of government does not adequately protect people with disabilities. In other words, current emergency protocols do not focus enough on accessibility, or the safety of people with disabilities. As a result, people with disabilities and their loved ones are in more danger during emergencies than non-disabled people. The Committee has reached this conclusion after analysis of recent outcomes during emergencies involving people with disabilities.
Therefore, the Committee recommends updating relevant laws to ensure better emergency preparedness at all levels of government. When the Solicitor General next reviews the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, people with disabilities should be involved in this process. In addition, the review should also include the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council. Likewise, the Council, and other people with disabilities, should take part in the next review of the Fire Code. In both reviews, planning ways to ensure the safety of people with disabilities during emergencies should be a primary topic for reviewers to focus on. As a result, these laws for emergency preparedness and response can be updated to better protect people with disabilities.