IMPROVING  ACCESSIBILITY IN GRAVENHURST IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO…

Approximately 1.85 million people in Ontario have disabilities, representing 15.4% of Ontario’s population. This percentage will increase dramatically as the population ages.

How do we define disability?

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 2005 uses the same definition of “disability” as the Ontario Human Rights Code, which includes visible and non-visible disabilities. When we think of disabilities, we think of people with visible disabilities such as those who use wheelchairs or walk with a white cane. Disabilities, however, come in many forms and are often non-visible. Non-visible disabilities may include multiple chemical sensitivities, limited hearing abilities, intellectual, developmental, learning and mental health disabilities.

From an economic perspective, improving accessibility is the right thing to do.  The Royal Bank of Canada estimates the spending power of persons with disabilities is around $25 billion annually. There are also a large number of persons able to be employed within the disabled community. The benefits of making Ontario accessible opens up many opportunities.

The right to dignity and access for everyone is recognized in Canadian and Ontario law. Through the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 2005, Ontario is working towards making the Province accessible for persons with disabilities by 2025.

Gravenhurst is striving to become a fully accessible community by 2025. When it completes its current projects, Gravenhurst hopes to be recognized as a leader in its commitment to the removal of existing barriers and the prevention of new barriers that inhibit any individual from full participation in community life.

To find out more about the Standards of Customer Service, Built Envrionment and other information about disabilities, visit our Online Resources Page.

Also see how our Community Supporters are making a difference in Gravenhurst.

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