Author: Cameron Webb

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org December 2, 2010 SUMMARY On Monday, November 29, 2010, the Federal Court of Canada rendered a landmark ruling on accessibility of websites for persons with disabilities. It will very powerfully support our call for the McGuinty Government to strengthen its weak proposals … Continue reading Court rules that federal inaccessible government websites violate the constitutional rights of blind Canadians – strong reason for McGuinty government to substantially strengthen its weak proposed information and communication accessibility standard

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org December 1, 2010 SUMMARY Last year, to its credit, the McGuinty Government created the new full-time position of Assistant Deputy Minister of Government Services for Accessibility. That person has lead responsibility for making the Ontario Public Service fully accessible. This includes making … Continue reading Will the McGuinty government restore as a full-time position the vital post of assistant deputy minister of government services for accessibility?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org November 26, 2010 SUMMARY Please add your voice to our call for the McGuinty government to enact strong and effective new accessibility standards, to be enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The McGuinty Government is now working on finalizing … Continue reading Join our call for strong new accessibility standards – and distribute our new leaflet!

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario October 19, 2010 SUMMARY The Ontario Human Rights Commission has just made public its POWERFUL October 15, 2010 submission to the Ontario Government, giving feedback on the Government’s proposed integrated accessibility standard. (12 pages, set out below) … Continue reading Ontario Human Rights Commission Slams McGuinty Government’s Proposed Integrated Accessibility Standard as Falling Short of Human Rights Requirements

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario October 8, 2010 SUMMARY Today we make public our finalized, comprehensive brief to the Ontario Government which gives our feedback on the Government Summary of the proposed integrated accessibility standard. We are very eager for you to … Continue reading Tell the Ontario Government if you Endorse the AODA Alliance Finalized Brief on Government Summary of Proposed Integrated Accessibility Standard

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario September 24, 2010 SUMMARY Two recent Toronto Star articles have covered our concerns with the McGuinty Government’s weak proposals for new accessibility standards to be enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. First, the Friday, … Continue reading Toronto Star Reports on AODA Alliance Serious Concerns with Government’s Weak Proposed Integrated Accessibility Standard

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario September 15, 2010 SUMMARY We are very eager for your feedback. The AODA Alliance has just prepared a draft brief to the Ontario Government. It offers our input on the Government’s September 2, 2010 summary of its … Continue reading Send Us Feedback on Our Draft Brief on the Government’s Summary of Proposed Integrated Accessibility Standard

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 2, 2010 SUMMARY The McGuinty Government has just released a detailed summary of the contents of the proposed accessibility standard it is planning to pass into law. It is proposing a single integrated standard to address barriers in transportation, employment, and … Continue reading McGuinty Government Gives 45 Days for Public Comment on its Just-Released Summary of Proposed New Accessibility Standards – Send Us Your Input Too

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario WAS THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT FOREWARNED THAT THE PRESTO SMART CARD TECHNOLOGY FOR PAYING PUBLIC TRANSIT FARES HAS DISABILITY BARRIERS? August 27, 2010 SUMMARY Presto Systems, a part of the Ontario Government, has designed a Smart Card system … Continue reading Was the Ontario Government Forewarned that the PRESTO Smart Card Technology for Paying Public Transit Fares has Disability Barriers?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org August 12, 2010 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has called on the Ontario Government to halt deployment of the Government-financed Presto System Smart Card technology for paying public transit fares in Ontario, until disability barriers that the AODA Alliance identified in this new … Continue reading AODA Alliance Calls on Ontario Government to Halt Deployment of PRESTO Public Transit Smart Card System Until Disability Barriers are Removed

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org August 11, 2010 SUMMARY On August 11, 2010, the McGuinty Government released a weak and inadequate final response to the Government-appointed Charles Beer Independent Review of the AODA. (5-page text set out below) The Government has disregarded, ducked or delayed on much … Continue reading McGuinty Government Issues Weak Final Response to Beer Independent Review of AODA – Government Does not Promise the New Leadership or Transformative Change that Charles Beer Recommended

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 23, 2010 On June 14, 2010, an independent study commissioned by the McGuinty Government was released on the economic benefits to Ontario of providing full accessibility to persons with disabilities. You can download this report in MS Word format by clicking … Continue reading Independent Study Commissioned by McGuinty Government Shows Real Economic Gains to Ontario if Persons with Disabilities Provided with Accessibility

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 21, 2010 SUMMARY We want to bring to your attention a very troubling example that shows the need for the Ontario Government to develop a new, concerted policy, procedure and practice to ensure that it does not use public funds to … Continue reading McGuinty Government uses Public Tax Dollars to Develop Public Transit Smart Cards with Barriers Against People with Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 20, 2010 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has been trying for quite some time to convince the Ontario Government to implement an effective policy and procedure to ensure that no public tax dollars are used (e.g. via capital or infrastructure spending) to … Continue reading AODA Alliance Continues to Press the Ontario Government to Ensure that no Public Capital or Infrastructure Spending is Used to Create, Perpetuate or Exacerbate Barriers Against Ontarians with Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 18, 2010 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has submitted its brief to the Ontario Government on the final proposed Employment Accessibility Standard. It is identical to the draft brief which we circulated for comment and posted on our website in March 2010. … Continue reading AODA Alliance Submits Brief to Ontario Government on Final Proposed Employment Accessibility Standard

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 17, 2010 SUMMARY We now enter a new, important phase in our campaign for a barrier-free Ontario for all persons with disabilities. After much hard work in 2009, the disability community successfully convinced the Government-appointed Charles Beer Independent Review to recommend … Continue reading Join our Non-partisan Campaign to get the Government-Appointed Charles Beer Report on the AODA Fully Implemented to Revitalize the AODA’s Implementation

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 15, 2010 SUMMARY In the 2003 provincial election, Dalton McGuinty promised that the Disabilities Act his Government would pass would have effective enforcement. Seven years later, and half a year after the first accessibility standard went into effect under the Accessibility … Continue reading Will the McGuinty Government Keep its Election Promise of Effective Enforcement for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 13, 2010 SUMMARY A very current question in our campaign for a fully-accessible Ontario is whether the McGuinty Government will fully implement the Report of the Government-appointed Charles Beer Independent Review of the AODA. The McGuinty Government received the Beer Report … Continue reading Will the McGuinty Government Fully Implement the Recommendations of the Government-Appointed Charles Beer Independent Review of the AODA?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 8, 2010 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has received a wonderful letter of thanks and encouragement from our counterpart in Manitoba, set out below. Barrier-Free Manitoba is a non-partisan grassroots disability coalition fighting for comprehensive accessibility legislation in Manitoba. Their agenda and … Continue reading AODA Alliance Gets Encouraging Thank-You Letter From our Counterpart in Manitoba

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 6, 2010 SUMMARY On May 28, 2010, TV Ontario’s widely-respected flagship current affairs program “The Agenda with Steve Paikin,” airing across Ontario, included a 15-minute interview with AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky. It focused primarily on our campaign for fully-accessible elections … Continue reading Watch TVO Ontario’s “The Agenda” Program’s May 28 2010 Broadcast Item on the AODA Alliance’s Work

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 4, 2010 SUMMARY On Thursday, June 17, 2010 from 7 to 9:30 pm, the Toronto Transit Commission will be holding a public forum in Toronto on the barriers and problems that passengers with disabilities face on TTC services. It will be … Continue reading Attend June 17 2010 Toronto Transit Commission Public Forum on Barriers Facing Passengers with Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 3, 2010 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance here releases a thorough analysis of the Charles Beer Independent Review of the Ontario Government’s implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (about 20 pages). We hope you find this helpful as an … Continue reading AODA Alliance Releases its Detailed Analysis of the Charles Beer Independent Review Report on the Effectiveness of the Government’s Implementation of the AODA

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org May 3, 2010 SUMMARY Today, the Ontario Legislature passed Bill 231 on Third Reading. This is the last step that the Legislature needs to take on this proposed legislation. Bill 231 is the McGuinty Government’s proposal to modernize Ontario elections, including addressing … Continue reading BILL 231 PASSES THIRD READING VOTE TODAY AT QUEEN’S PARK –AODA ALLIANCE WRITES ELECTIONS ONTARIO TO CALL FOR SPEEDY ACTION ON ELECTIONS ACCESSIBILITY

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 30, 2010 SUMMARY On Thursday, April 29, 2010, the Ontario Legislature resumed Third Reading debates on Bill 231, the McGuinty Government’s proposed legislation to modernize elections in Ontario. Third Reading debates were concluded at that time. The formal Third Reading vote … Continue reading Bill 231 Finishes Third Reading Debates on April 29, 2010, Focusing on Disability Access Amendments that McGuinty Government Voted Down – Third Reading Vote to Take Place Monday May 3, 2010

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org ONTARIO HANSARD APRIL 27, 2010 ORDERS OF THE DAY ELECTION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2010 / LOI DE 2010 MODIFIANT DES LOIS EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES ÉLECTIONS Ms. Smith, on behalf of Mr. Bentley, moved third reading of the following bill: … Continue reading Read the 1st Day of the Legislature’s Third Reading Debates on Bill 231 on April 27, 2010

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 27, 2010 SUMMARY Today, the Legislature began the final phase in its consideration of Bill 231, the proposed law to modernize elections in Ontario. During this first day of Third Reading debates, Liberal MPP David Zimmer said the following about what … Continue reading As Bill 231 Creates Major Obstacles Impeding the Use of Accessible Telephone and Internet Voting in Provincial Elections, Some Ontario Municipalities Blaze the Accessibility Trail with These Technologies

Click to Download 0410 Revised Bill 231

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 26, 2010 SUMMARY On Wednesday, April 21, 2010, the Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly completed its clause-by-clause review of Bill 231. Bill 231 is the McGuinty Government’s proposed legislation to modernize Ontario elections, including addressing recurring barriers that impede … Continue reading Bill 231 Finishes Standing Committee Clause-by-clause Debates and Returns to Legislature for Third Reading Debates – Read More Media Coverage of our Campaign for Accessible Elections

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Wednesday 21 April 2010 ELECTION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2010 The committee met at 1215 in room 151. ELECTION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2010 Consideration of Bill 231, An Act to amend the Election Act and … Continue reading Read the April 21, 2010 2nd Day of Clause-by-Clause Debates on Bill 231 at the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 20, 2010 SUMMARY Late in the day on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, on the eve of the resumption of clause-by-clause debates on Bill 231 by the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly, the McGuinty Government proposed new amendments. These deal with … Continue reading McGuinty Government Proposes New Amendments to Bill 231 to Soften its Ban on Network-Connected Accessible Voting Technology Like Telephone Voting and Internet Voting

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 19, 2010 SUMMARY As now proposed, Bill 231 would take the extraordinary, if not unprecedented step of banning an entire category of voting technology that could make voting for persons with disabilities far more accessible. Voters with disabilities should be able … Continue reading Why Did the McGuinty Government Propose Banning Network-linked Accessible Voting Technology like Telephone and Internet Voting?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org ONTARIO HANSARD APRIL 14, 2010 STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ELECTION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2010 The committee met at 1224 in room 151. Consideration of Bill 231, An Act to amend the Election Act and the Election Finances Act. The … Continue reading Read the 1st Day of Standing Committee Clause-By-Clause Debates on Bill 231

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 15, 2010 SUMMARY On Wednesday, April 14, 2010, the Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly debated and voted on some of the amendments to Bill 231 that the three parties proposed. Bill 231 is the McGuinty Government’s proposed legislation to … Continue reading One Week Left to Advocate for Accessible Telephone and Internet Voting before Standing Committee Finishes Clause-by-clause Review of Bill 231 – McGuinty Government uses Majority on Standing Committee to Defeat most Opposition Amendments Proposed to Ensure Fully Accessible Elections for Voters with Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 14, 2010 SUMMARY Today we learn whether MPPs will vote for or against ensuring that all elections in Ontario are fully accessible to voters with disabilities. There are amendments now before the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly which will force … Continue reading Preliminary Analysis of Proposed Amendments to Bill 231

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 13, 2010 SUMMARY Below we set out the McGuinty Government’s package of proposed amendments to Bill 231. (About 15 pages.) We have not had time to review these. They will be debated before the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on … Continue reading McGuinty Government Releases Package of Proposed Amendments to Bill 231

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 13, 2010 SUMMARY Below we set out the Conservative Party’s package of proposed amendments to Bill 231. (About 22 pages.) We have not had time to review these. They will be debated before the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on … Continue reading Conservative Party Releases Package of Proposed Amendments to Bill 231

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 13, 2010 SUMMARY We set out below the proposed amendments to Bill 231 that the New Democratic Party has tabled with the Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly. (About 20 pages) These will be debated at the Standing Committee on … Continue reading New Democratic Party releases package of amendments to bill 231 it will present to the standing committee on April 14, 2010

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 12, 2010 SUMMARY What perfect timing! Just two days before the Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly will decide whether to amend Bill 231 to strengthen it, the Toronto Star has run a wonderful editorial endorsing our call for legislation … Continue reading The Toronto Star Publishes a Great Editorial in Support of our Call for Accessible Elections

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 11, 2010 SUMMARY Wednesday, April 14, 2010 is fast approaching. That is when the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly will debate and vote on amendments to strengthen Bill 231. We are still waiting for each political party to make public … Continue reading Recap of Progress to Date in our Campaign for Fully Accessible Elections in Ontario –and More on Options for Accessible Voting Technology –and our Recent Exchanges with Elections Ontario and the Ontario Government on Elections Accessibility Issues

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 9, 2010 SUMMARY The widely-respected street nurse, Cathy Crowe (who was the NDP candidate in the February 4, 2010 Toronto Centre by-election) made a very powerful presentation to the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on March 31, 2010 … Continue reading A Troubling Photographic Record of Some Polling Station Barriers in the February 2010 Toronto Centre By-Election

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 8, 2010 SUMMARY Below we set out the text of the AODA Alliance’s March 31, 2010 presentation on Bill 231 to the Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly. (About six pages.) It is preceded by a short passage from the … Continue reading Text of the AODA Alliance’s March 31, 2010 Presentation on Bill 231 to the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Wednesday 31 March 2010 ELECTION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2010 ONTARIO PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYEES UNION CANADIAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE MS. PENNY LECLAIR MS. CATHY CROWE ARCH DISABILITY LAW … Continue reading Read the 2nd Day of Standing Committee Public Hearings on Bill 231 on March 31, 2010

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 7, 2010 SUMMARY Here is the latest news in our campaign for fully accessible provincial and municipal elections in Ontario: On April 5, 2010 the Toronto Sun had an excellent report on our call for fully accessible elections. (See the article … Continue reading Great Media Coverage of our Campaign to Strengthen Bill 231 – Premier McGuinty Reportedly Open to Consider New Voting Technology- Attend Standing Committee’s April 14 2010 Clause-by-clause Debates on Bill 231

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Wednesday 24 March 2010 ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIR SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT ELECTION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2010 LOI DE 2010 MODIFIANT DES LOIS EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES ÉLECTIONS ELECTIONS ONTARIO ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MS. SUE MORGAN … Continue reading First Day of Standing Committee Public Hearings on Bill 231 – March 24, 2010

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 31, 2010 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has issued the news release set out below to alert the media to its upcoming presentation today to the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly. The AODA Alliance will call for fully accessible … Continue reading AODA Alliance Issues News Release on its Upcoming Presentation to Legislature’s Standing Committee Today, Calling for Fully-Accessible Elections for Ontarians with Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 31, 2010 SUMMARY It remains unbelievable that in the middle of Canada’s biggest city in 2010, a by-election took place with some polling stations that lacked full accessibility. What is the full story behind this? Here is all we know as … Continue reading A Chronology of the Unfolding Events About the Toronto Centre February 4, 2010 By-election Inaccessible Polling Stations Saga

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 31, 2010 SUMMARY Under s. 55.1 of the Election Act, Elections Ontario must have each returning officer report on measures they took to make each election accessible to persons with disabilities. We have obtained the reports of each returning officer in … Continue reading What do Elections Ontario’s Own Records Show About Barriers Facing Voters with Disabilities in Ontario Elections Since 2007?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 28, 2010 SUMMARY On March 24, 2010, the Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly’s public hearings heard a resounding, unanimous call from all community organization presenters, from the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and from several individuals with disabilities. They called … Continue reading First Day of Public Hearings Show Resounding Support for our Call for Bill 231 to be Strengthened to Ensure Fully Accessible Elections for Ontarians with Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 24, 2010 SUMMARY It turns out that we were given incorrect information earlier today. Contrary to our earlier announcement, today’s public hearings on elections accessibility before the Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on Bill 231, will not be broadcast … Continue reading Correction – Standing Committee Hearings on Bill 231 won’t be broadcast until this Friday some time after 10 a.m.

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 21, 2010 SUMMARY On March 24 and 31, 2010, the Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly holds its public hearings on Bill 231. That bill is the McGuinty Government’s proposed legislation for reforming Ontario’s election laws. The AODA Alliance here … Continue reading Attend the AODA Alliance’s March 31 2010 Presentation on Bill 231 to the Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly – Consider our Helpful Tips For Preparing A Written And/or Oral Presentation On Bill 231 To The Legislature’s Standing Committee On the Legislative Assembly

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 17, 2010 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has submitted a detailed brief to the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly. It calls for detailed amendments to Bill 231 to ensure that provincial and municipal elections in Ontario are fully accessible … Continue reading Please Endorse the AODA Alliance Brief on Strengthening Bill 231 to Ensure Fully Accessible Elections for Voters and Candidates With Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 8, 2010 SUMMARY Today, the Ontario Government commenced a new session of the Ontario Legislature with a Speech from the Throne. This is where the Government sets out its priorities for action over the next session of the Legislature. In today’s … Continue reading Ontario Throne Speech Makes Progress on Disability Accessibility A Priority for the McGuinty Government

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 5, 2010 SUMMARY We urge you to have your views and concerns heard by the Ontario Legislature on the need for strong legislation to ensure fully accessible elections in Ontario. On December 8, 2010, the Government introduced Bill 231 into the … Continue reading Ask the Legislature to let you Present at Standing Committee Public Hearings on Bill 231 – Ontario’s Proposed Legislation Addressing Election Barriers Confronting People with Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 4, 2010 SUMMARY The Ontario Government is planning to enact an Employment Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It appointed a Standards Development Committee to develop a proposal for this accessibility standard. The Employment Standards Development Committee … Continue reading Send us Your Feedback on the Draft AODA Alliance Brief on the Final Proposed Employment Accessibility Standard

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO Tuesday 8 December 2009 Mardi 8 décembre 2009 INTRODUCTION OF BILLS ELECTION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2009 / LOI DE 2009 MODIFIANT DES LOIS EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES ÉLECTIONS Mr. Bentley moved first … Continue reading First Reading Debates on December 8, 2009 in the Ontario Legislature on Bill 231 the proposed Elections Reform Legislation

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO Tuesday 16 February 2010 Mardi 16 février 2010 ELECTION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2010 / LOI DE 2010 MODIFIANT DES LOIS EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES ÉLECTIONS Mr. Bentley moved second reading of the … Continue reading First Day of Second Reading debates on Bill 231, the proposed Elections Reform Legislation, held on February 16, 2010

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO Tuesday 2 March 2010 ELECTION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2010 Resuming the debate adjourned on February 16, 2010, on the motion for second reading of Bill 231, An Act to amend the Election Act and the Election Finances … Continue reading Second Day of Second Reading Debates on Bill 231, the proposed Elections Proposed Elections Reform Legislation, held on March 2, 2010

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO ASSEMBLÉE LÉGISLATIVE DE L’ONTARIO Wednesday 3 March 2010 Mercredi 3 mars 2010 ELECTION STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2010 / LOI DE 2010 MODIFIANT DES LOIS EN CE QUI CONCERNE LES ÉLECTIONS Resuming the debate adjourned on March 2, … Continue reading Third Day of Second Reading Debates in the Ontario Legislature on Bill 231, the proposed Elections Reform Legislation, held on March 3, 2010

Download Bill 231

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 3, 2010 SUMMARY On September 22, 2009, the Employment Standards Development Committee, appointed by the Ontario Government, sent the Ontario Government its final proposal for an Employment Accessibility Standard. Download that final proposed standard in MS Word format. Download the letter … Continue reading Review the Final Proposed Employment Accessibility Standard which the Employment Standards Development Committee Recommended to the Ontario Government

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org February 12, 2010 SUMMARY On February 12, 2010, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal rendered a landmark ruling on the rights of voters with disabilities to accessible polling stations during federal elections. Hughes v. Elections Canada, set out below, applies the Canadian Human … Continue reading LANDMARK CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL RULING REQUIRES POLLING STATIONS TO BE ACCESSIBLE TO VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES IN FEDERAL ELECTIONS

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org February 8, 2010 SUMMARY The fallout continues from Elections Ontario’s operating a polling station in the February 4, 2010 by-election that was inaccessible to voters with disabilities, and its then denying to the media that the polling station was inaccessible. The Saturday, … Continue reading AODA Alliance Calls on All Parties to Strengthen Bill 231 to Prevent More Inaccessible Elections in Ontario

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org February 5, 2010 SUMMARY 1. AN UNACCEPTABLE BARRIER TO THE RIGHT TO VOTE The February 5, 2010 Toronto Sun reported that a polling station in the February 4, 2010 Toronto provincial by-election was inaccessible to voters with disabilities. (Making this incident worse, … Continue reading Inaccessible Toronto Polling Station in February 4, 2010 Provincial By-election Highlights Urgent Need for Strong Provincial Legislation to Ensure Accessible Provincial and Municipal Elections

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org December 23, 2009 1. General It is my honour to provide you with my first Year-End Report since I took on the role of Chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance last February. We have accomplished a great deal … Continue reading Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act Alliance Chair’s 2009 Year-end Report

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org December 18, 2009 SUMMARY On December 8, 2009, the McGuinty Government introduced Bill 231 into the Legislature for First Reading. It amends legislation governing Ontario provincial elections. It includes limited provisions addressing some barriers facing voters and candidates with disabilities. To see … Continue reading McGuinty Government Introduces Bill 231 into Legislature to Reform Provincial Elections – AODA Alliance Calls for Stronger Disability Accessibility Provisions

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org December 17, 2009 SUMMARY On October 27, 2009, the McGuinty Government introduced Bill 212, the “Good Government” bill, into the Legislature for first reading. It passed third reading on December 3, 2009. This massive bill included amendments to a large number of … Continue reading McGuinty Government Passes Legislation to Make Municipal Elections Barrier-free for Voters and Candidates With Disabilities – But Rejects AODA Alliance Proposals Needed to Make the Bill Strong and Effective

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org December 16, 2009 SUMMARY The Ontario Government spends billions of public dollars on capital projects, including new infrastructure, and on goods and services it buys for use by the Ontario Public Service and the public. The Government could substantially help make Ontario … Continue reading Ontario Government Inadequately Responds to AODA Alliance Proposals to Ensure Public Funds Not Used to Create or Perpetuate Barriers Against Ontarians With Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org December 15, 2009 SUMMARY On December 11, 2009, the AODA Alliance submitted its final brief to the Charles Beer Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It builds on the draft of this brief which we circulated for your … Continue reading AODA Alliance Submits Final Brief To Charles Beer On Reforming The AODA And Its Implementation

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org November 12, 2009 SUMMARY On July 23, 2009, the AODA Alliance wrote to Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur. She has lead responsibility for the Ontario Government’s implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We asked for specific information … Continue reading McGuinty Government Responds to AODA Alliance Inquiries on its Plans for Implementing the AODA – Much Still Remains Unclear

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org October 5, 2009 SUMMARY The Ontario Government recently made public the final proposed Information and Communication Accessibility Standard. This proposed accessibility standard was developed by the Information and Communication Standards Development Committee, which the Ontario Government appointed under the Accessibility for Ontarians … Continue reading Send us Your Feedback on our Draft Brief on the Final Proposed Information and Communication Accessibility Standard

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org October 4, 2009 SUMMARY We have learned that for reasons entirely beyond his control, Charles Beer has had to postpone the Ottawa Public Forum for his review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The new date for the Ottawa Public … Continue reading Change of Date for Ottawa Public Forum for Charles Beer Indedendent Review of AODA – and Other News

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org October 2, 2009 SUMMARY Here are links to download in MS Word format the final proposed Information and Communication Standard, proposed by the Information and Communication Standards Development Committee, in Spring 2009, and key supporting documents. Text of the final proposed Information … Continue reading Downloadable copies of the final proposed Information and Communication Accessibility Standard

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 27, 2009 SUMMARY It is more important than ever for as many of you as possible to attend the public forums Charles Beer is hosting, to get input on what can be done to more effectively implement the Accessibility for Ontarians … Continue reading New Information and Some Changed Dates for Charles Beer’s Public Forums on How to Improve the AODA

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 17, 2009 SUMMARY We encourage you to sign up to have your say at public forums on whether the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is being implemented quickly and effectively enough. The Ontario Government appointed Charles Beer to conduct an … Continue reading Sign Up For The Charles Beer Independent Review’s Public Forums On How Well Ontario’s Accessibility Legislation Is Working

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org July 29, 2009 SUMMARY We have prepared a draft brief on how to improve the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and its implementation. The Charles Beer Independent Review of the AODA gives the disability community an important opportunity to make forward … Continue reading Send Us Your Feedback on our Draft Brief on How to Improve the AODA, for the Charles Beer AODA Independent Review

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org July 28, 2009 SUMMARY As we previously announced, the Ontario Government has appointed Mr. Charles Beer to conduct an Independent Review of the effectiveness of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act at achieving a fully accessible Ontario for all persons with … Continue reading Plan Ahead To Give The Charles Beer Independent Review of the AODA Your Feedback – Preliminary Schedule for his Fall Public Forums

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org July 27, 2009 SUMMARY For over ten years, the ODA Committee, followed by its successor, the AODA Alliance, and others within Ontario’s disability community, have been trying to secure the removal of barriers that impede voters with disabilities and candidates with disabilities … Continue reading AODA Alliance Presents Brief On Barriers To Voting To Legislature’s Select Committee On Elections – Select Committee Report Acknowledges Need For Solutions

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org July 21, 2009 SUMMARY In the 2007 election, Premier Dalton McGuinty made important election pledges to the disability community, on the topic of teaching school students and professional trainees about disability accessibility. To see all his 2007 election pledges to the AODA … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes Three Cabinet Ministers, To Learn What The Ontario Government Has Done To Keep Premier’s 2007 Election Pledge On Teaching School Students And Professional Trainees About Disability Accessibility

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org July 8, 2009 SUMMARY Every year, the Ontario Government spends billions of public dollars on capital projects, including new infrastructure, and on goods and services that it buys for use by the Ontario Public Service and by the public. Think how much … Continue reading Is The Ontario Government Ensuring That No Tax Dollars Are Used To Create Barriers Against People With Disabilities?

Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org July 2, 2009 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has finalized and submitted its brief to Charles Beer with recommendations on how to conduct his Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005. (See text of that brief, below.) In it, we offer 13 practical recommendations designed to make sure … Continue reading AODA Alliance Submits Brief To Charles Beer Recommending How To Conduct His Independent Review Of The AODA 2005

Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 21, 2009 SUMMARY On Tuesday June 23, 2009 from 7 to 9 p.m., the Toronto Transit Commission will be holding an open, accessible, public forum to hear about the barriers passengers with disabilities face when they try use TTC services. We encourage as many as possible to attend this forum. … Continue reading Attend June 23, 2009 Toronto Transit Commission Public Forum to Give Feedback on Accessibility Needs of Passengers With Disabilities

Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 15, 2009 SUMMARY On Friday, June 12, 2009, the McGuinty Government announced the appointment of Mr. Charles Beer, a former Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly, to conduct an Independent Review of the AODA’s effectiveness. Below we set out the Government’s news release, the Governmen website’s Frequently Asked Questions on … Continue reading McGuinty Government Launches Independent Review of AODA’s Effectiveness

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org EXCERPTS FROM THE JUNE 2009 REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS In June 2009, the Ontario Legislature’s Select Committee on Elections made public its report entitled: “MODERNIZING ONTARIO’S ELECTORAL LEGISLATION”. The report said the following about making elections accessible to persons … Continue reading Excerpts of the Select Committee on Election’s June 2009 Report on Modernizing Ontario Elections Legislation

May 19, 2009 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has finalized its brief to the Ontario Government on the initial proposed Employment Accessibility Standard. The final brief is set out below. We offer 34 recommendations for improvements to the proposed standard. We have submitted our final brief to the Ontario Government. We thank all of you who … Continue reading Tell the Ontario Government if you Support the AODA Alliance Brief on the Initial Proposed Employment Accessibility Standard

May 10, 2009 SUMMARY Four years ago today, on May 10, 2005, the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This was an important milestone on the long, arduous road to a barrier-free Ontario for persons with disabilities. The AODA received royal Assent on June 13, 2005 and went into effect … Continue reading Fourth Anniversary of Unanimous Passage of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – How is the AODA Working So Far?

May 9, 2009 SUMMARY A delegation from the Government of China has been in Canada this week, hosted by the Government of Canada, to learn what is being done in Canada to promote accessibility for persons with disabilities. The AODA Alliance’s Chair, David Lepofsky, was approached to meet with this delegation, to offer our perspective … Continue reading Chinese Government Delegation Consults AODA Alliance on Disability Accessibility

April 30, 2009 SUMMARY Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, a Standards Development Committee was appointed by the Ontario Government to develop an Employment Accessibility Standard to address barriers that impede persons with disabilities from equal access to employment. The Employment Standards Development Committee developed an initial proposal for an Employment Accessibility Standard. … Continue reading Send Us Your Feedback on Our Draft Brief to the Ontario Government on the Initial Proposed Employment Accessibility Standard

This document is also available for download in Microsoft Word format. Key Public Review Question: The Committee’s initial proposed standard sets out specific requirements for all organizations in Ontario with at least one employee. Six classes of organizations have been indentified to represent types and sizes of organizations that may have different compliance schedules. The … Continue reading Initial Proposed Employment Accessibility Standard

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org ONTARIO HANSARD April 28 2009 SELECT COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE The committee met at 1605 in committee room 1. ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE The Chair (Mr. Greg Sorbara): Okay, I’m going to bang … Continue reading Read the AODA Alliance’s April 28, 2009 Deposition to the Ontario Legislature’s Select Committee on Elections

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE BRIEF TO SELECT COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS April 27, 2009 1. Introduction In September, 2007 Premier McGuinty made an election promise to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, to: “Develop an action plan to … Continue reading Read the AODA Alliance’s Brief to the Select Committee on Elections

April 8, 2009 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has finalized and submitted its brief to the Ontario Government on the final proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard. (Text of this brief set out below.) You now have an important opportunity to help convince the Ontario Government to enact a strong, effective Transportation Accessibility Standard. It is easy for … Continue reading Please Tell the Ontario Government if You Support the AODA Alliance’s Brief on the Final Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard

March 30, 2009 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance is eager for you to send us your feedback on the draft brief we have prepared on the final proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard. Our detailed draft brief (about 49 pages) is set out below. After we get feedback, we aim to finalize this brief and submit it to … Continue reading AODA Alliance Seeks Your Feedback on its Draft Brief on the Final Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard

March 17, 2009 SUMMARY Earlier this year, the Ontario government made public the final proposal for a Transportation Accessibility Standard. This was developed last fall by the Transportation Standards Development Committee. (See 31-page text of this proposal below.) This proposed Transportation Accesibility Standard was prepared under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005. If … Continue reading Ontario Government Seeks Public Feedback on the Final Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard, Proposed by the Transportation Standards Development Committee

February 23, 2009 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance today announces that at the unanimous invitation of the AODA Alliance’s board, David Lepofsky has agreed to take on the role of the chair of the AODA Alliance. The AODA Alliance expresses its deep and abiding gratitude to Catherine Dunphy Tardik for her extraordinary service as the AODA … Continue reading David Lepofsky Becomes New Chair of AODA Alliance

Download: 0209-Human-Rights-Tribunal

January 22, 2009 SUMMARY After soliciting input from the broad disability community, the AODA Alliance has finalised its brief to the Ontario government on the initial proposed information and communication accessibility standard. This brief has been submitted to the Ontario government. See a copy of this brief below. This brief is substantially the same as … Continue reading Please Endorse the AODA Alliance’s Brief on the Initial Proposed Information and Communication Accessibility Standard

December 12, 2008 SUMMARY On December 11, 2008 an AODA Alliance delegation met with the McGuinty Government’s minister responsible for the AODA’s implementation, Madeleine Meilleur. The AODA Alliance’s December 12, 2008 letter to the minister, set out below, summarizes the meeting’s key points. The AODA Alliance wishes one and all a happy holiday and a … Continue reading AODA Alliance Delegation Presents Recommendations To Improve AODA’s Implementation To Community And Social Services Minister

December 10, 2008 SUMMARY In the 2007 election, Premier McGuinty, as well as the NDP leader Howard Hampton and Conservative leader John Tory each promised, if elected, to develop an action plan for making elections in Ontario accessible for persons with disabilities. We look forward to working with the McGuinty Government and both opposition parties … Continue reading What Steps Is The McGuinty Government Taking To Keep Its 2007 Election Promise Of An Action Plan For Accessible Elections?

December 9, 2008 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has prepared a Draft thirty-three-page Brief to submit to the Ontario Government. It offers feedback on the proposed Information and Communication Accessibility Standard that the Government has circulated for public comment. For more on the proposed Information and Communication Accessibility Standard, visit: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario/questions/aodo/faqs_incomm.htm We are eager for your … Continue reading Please Give Us Your Feedback On The AODA Alliance’s Draft Brief On The Proposed Information And Communication Accessibility Standard

November 22, 2008 SUMMARY On November 17, 2008, the Ontario Government made public the initial proposal for a Information and Communication Accessibility Standard, and has asked for public feedback and input on it. The AODA Alliance has written the McGuinty Government’s minister responsible for this legislation. It asked for further information to assist the public … Continue reading Please Give The McGuinty Government Your Feedback On The Proposed New Information And Communication Accessibility Standard

October 29, 2008 SUMMARY A guest column by the AODA Alliance’s David Lepofsky in the October 29, 2008 Toronto Star marks this important 10 year anniversary of a major event in our campaign for a fully-accessible Ontario for persons with disabilities. (See this article below). Ten years ago today, the Ontario Legislature passed a landmark … Continue reading Toronto Star Guest Column Marks Important 10-year Anniversary in Campaign for Barrier-Free Ontario and Calls for Renewed Government Action

October 2, 2008 SUMMARY October 29, 2008 is the 10th anniversary of an extremely important event in the decade-long battle for the enactment of a strong Disabilities Act, to achieve a barrier-free Ontario for persons with disabilities. On October 29, 1998, during the first term of the Conservative Mike Harris Government, the Ontario Legislature unanimously … Continue reading Upcoming 10th Anniversary of Major Event in the Long Campaign for Strong Disability Accessibility Legislation

Vote on McGuinty Government’s Motion to Shut down Promised Public Hearings on Bill 107 Ontario Hansard November 21, 2006 The Acting Speaker: All those in favour, please rise one at a time and be recognized by the Clerk. Ayes Arthurs, Wayne Bentley, Christopher Berardinetti, Lorenzo Bradley, James J. Brownell, Jim Bryant, Michael Caplan, David Chambers, … Continue reading Closure Motion

Ontario Legislature’s Third Reading Vote on the Widely-criticized Bill 107 – Privatizing Enforcement of Human Rights in Ontario Ontario Legislature Tuesday, December 5, 2006 HUMAN RIGHTS CODE AMENDMENT ACT, 2006 / LOI DE 2006 MODIFIANT LE CODE DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE Deferred vote on the motion for third reading of Bill 107, An Act … Continue reading Bill 107 Vote

May 13, 2008 SUMMARY On May 20, 2008 at 7 p.m., the Toronto Transit Commission will hold a public forum to hear from members of the public on what needs to be done to make TTC services fully accessible to passengers with disabilities. We encourage you to attend. Tell others about this event. TTC was … Continue reading Toronto Transit Commission Ordered To Hold Public Forum On Meeting Needs Of Passengers With Disabilities – Upcoming May 20 TTC Forum A Good Model For All Ontario Transit Authorities To Follow

May 6, 2008 SUMMARY On May 6, 2008, the Ontario Human Rights Commission released an important 24 page report that has significant implications regarding the McGuinty Government’s implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. That report documents what Ontario public transit authorities have agreed to do to comply with the 2007 Ontario Human … Continue reading Human Rights Commission Releases Report On Transit Authorities’ Steps To Announce Bus Stops – Will The Human Rights Commission Take Prompt Action To Enforce The Law For The Minority Of Ontario Transit Authorities Who Are Foot-dragging About Obeying The Law?

March 25, 2008 SUMMARY Over the past week the Sarnia Observer reported a shocking and ill-informed outcry by several members of the Sarnia City Council in opposition to taking simple steps to improve accessibility to public transit for persons with disabilities. In the series of articles set out below, strong opposition was voiced to providing … Continue reading Several Sarnia City Councillors Oppose Announcing All Bus Stops to Accommodate Vision Impaired Passengers

March 19, 2008 SUMMARY We earlier reported that the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario was holding a consultation on its important proposed new rules to govern the procedures for all human rights complaints in Ontario after June 30, 2008. Visit: http://www.www.aodaalliance.org/whats-new/newsub2011/human-rights-tribunal-consults-on-important-new-rules-for-enforcing-human-rights-but-who-even-knows-this-consultation-is-going-on/ We called on the Tribunal to properly publicize this consultation, which had until now … Continue reading Human Rights Tribunal Refuses To Publicize Or Extend Its Consultation On Its Proposed New Rules Of Procedure For The General Public –But Gives The AODA Alliance A Special Extension

February 2, 2008 SUMMARY Last year, the Ontario Government had a consultant investigate the effectiveness of the first two Standards Development Committees (SDCs) The SDCs’ work is central to the implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The internal report that this consultant prepared overlooks several serious problems with the work to date … Continue reading Ontario Government Consultant’s Study on Effectiveness of Standards Development Committees Misses Key Problems with Flawed Implementation of the AODA

January 26, 2008 SUMMARY The Saturday, January 26, 2008 Toronto Star includes a column by Helen Henderson, set out below, on the McGuinty Government’s election promise to ensure that there is equal representation by representatives of persons with disabilities at the all-important Standards Development Committees that draft proposed accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians … Continue reading Transportation Standards Development Committee’s Chair Agrees to Abide by McGuinty Government Election Pledge to Ensure Equal Representation of Disability Community when Developing Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard

January 8, 2008 SUMMARY On December 13, 2007, the chair of the Transportation Standards Development Committee, Mr. Al Cormier, wrote a very troubling letter to the McGuinty Government. He urged it to break an important recent election pledge to Ontarians with disabilities. (See text of that letter below.) By way of background, under the Accessibility … Continue reading Transportation Standards Development Committee Chair Urges McGuinty Government To Break Its Election Commitment To Ontarians With Disabilities – Signals Troubling Resistance To Strengthening The Weak Proposed Transit Accessibility Standard

December 12, 2007 On November 21, 2007, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal released an important decision in the case of Lepofsky v. TTC #2. The Tribunal had already ruled on July 26, 2007 that TTC violated the human rights of blind passengers by not having its bus and streetcar drivers announce all route stops. In … Continue reading Human Rights Tribunal Imposes Substantial Orders Against the Toronto Transit Commission to Make Transit Services More Accessible to Passengers with Vision Impairments – But What Will It Take to Get All Other Ontario Transit Providers to Obey the Human Rights Code?

December 10, 2007 SUMMARY Under the heading “Opportunity for All,” the McGuinty Government’s first Throne Speech of its second term committed to work with all Ontarians, to implement the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. In the November 29, 2007 Throne speech, set out in full below, the Government committed: “Opportunity for all means opportunity … Continue reading McGuinty Government’s Throne Speech Commits to Implementing AODA

November 7, 2007 SUMMARY Below we set out further information that the Ontario Government recently provided on its series of public information sessions on Bill 107’s privatization of human rights enforcement in Ontario. We encourage everyone to attend these sessions and to ask detailed questions about the as-yet unexplained plans for the controversial Bill 107’s … Continue reading Further Details on Government’s Information Sessions on Bill 107’s Privatization of Human Rights Enforcement

October 22, 2007 SUMMARY Here is an insight into why the Ontario Government’s work to date on developing accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act has been so ineffective until now at developing strong, effective accessibility standards. Back on August 30, 2007, an AODA Alliance delegation met with the two Ontario public … Continue reading Why Has The Ontario Government’s Development of Accessibility Standards Under The AODA Been So Ineffective So Far?

October 17, 2007 SUMMARY Here are a few recent developments: * Come to the “Carole Riback Memorial Lecture” On Wednesday, November 7, 2007, from 2 to 4 pm, AODA Alliance’s David Lepofsky will be giving a talk on strategies on effective community organizing and advocacy, with lessons from the long campaign for Ontario disability accessibility … Continue reading Bits and Pieces of News on the Accessibility Front, in the Aftermath of Last Week’s Ontario Election

October 16, 2007 SUMMARY When Ontario’s new Lieutenant Governor David Onley was sworn in on September 5, 2007, his inaugural speech laid down a powerful challenge to all Ontarians, including Ontario’s Government, to take strong, effective action to make Ontario a fully accessible province for over 1.5 Ontarians with disabilities. His speech will be very … Continue reading Ontario’s New Lieutenant Governor Challenges All Ontarians to take Strong, Effective Action to make Ontario Barrier-Free for People With Disabilities

October 10, 2007 SUMMARY Ontarians have elected the McGuinty Liberals to a second term in office as a majority government. This was the fourth Ontario general election when persons with disabilities and their supporters at the grass-roots raised important disability issues across Ontario during the campaign. We thank and congratulate all who helped with our … Continue reading Re-Elected Ontario Government Makes Important Election Commitments to Ontarians With Disabilities