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Town of Gravenhurst Accessibility Advisory Committee Policies, Standards, Guidelines Resolution 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. If you have a disability, or are concerned about the needs and care of disabled people in your family or in your community, you may find helpful information and links posted on this web-page. To learn more about accessibility issues and what is being done in Gravenhurst and in Ontario, check the links listed below. Let us know what you would like to have included and keep us informed as to what you see around you that could make Gravenhurst more accessible for everyone. The Gravenhurst Accessibility Advisory Committee (GAAC) was formed under mandate of the Ontario Government in 2002. The role of the GAAC is to provide advice to Council each year on the preparation, implementation and effectiveness of the Accessibility Plan. The committee has undertaken many initiatives and accomplished much over the past number of years. The Gravenhurst Accessibility Advisory Committee meets at the Town Office once per month.
The Members of the Committee are: Associate Members: Town of Gravenhurst Representatives: Contact Information: Attention Clerk’s Department |
| Last Updated on Friday, 21 September 2012 11:08 |
