Education

Learn about the AODA Alliance’s campaign to get an effective Education Accessibility Standard enacted in Ontario

Tell Us What Disability Barriers Now Impede Students with Disabilities in Ontario’s Education System So We Can Share these with the Education Standards Development Committee

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Update United for a Barrier-Free Ontario for All People with Disabilities www.aodaalliance.org aodafeedback@gmail.com Twitter: @aodaalliance Tell Us What Disability Barriers Now Impede Students with Disabilities in Ontario’s Education System So We Can Share these with the Education Standards Development Committee March 29, 2018 SUMMARY After years of advocacy … Continue reading Tell Us What Disability Barriers Now Impede Students with Disabilities in Ontario’s Education System So We Can Share these with the Education Standards Development Committee

A Lengthy 14 Months after Finally Promising to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard Under Ontario’s Disabilities Act, the Wynne Government Finally Convenes the First Meetings of the Promised Education Standards Development Committees — AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Was Appointed to Serve on the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Update United for a Barrier-Free Ontario for All People with Disabilities www.aodaalliance.org aodafeedback@gmail.com Twitter: @aodaalliance A Lengthy 14 Months after Finally Promising to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard Under Ontario’s Disabilities Act, the Wynne Government Finally Convenes the First Meetings of the Promised Education Standards Development Committees — … Continue reading A Lengthy 14 Months after Finally Promising to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard Under Ontario’s Disabilities Act, the Wynne Government Finally Convenes the First Meetings of the Promised Education Standards Development Committees — AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Was Appointed to Serve on the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee

After Months of AODA Alliance Advocacy Efforts, the Wynne Government Announces the Chairs of the Education Standards Development Committee And Year-End Report on Efforts in 2017 of Ontario’s Grassroots Non-Partisan Accessibility Campaign

December 8, 2017 1. Today the Wynne Government Finally Announced the Chairs of the Promised Education Standards Development Committee In a news release today, set out near the end of this Update, the Wynne Government today finally started to announce the appointment of the promised Education Standards Development Committee. We have led the campaign for … Continue reading After Months of AODA Alliance Advocacy Efforts, the Wynne Government Announces the Chairs of the Education Standards Development Committee And Year-End Report on Efforts in 2017 of Ontario’s Grassroots Non-Partisan Accessibility Campaign

The Opposition New Democratic Party and Progressive Conservative Party Each Draw on The AODA Alliance’s December 4, 2017 News Release to Support Our Call for the Wynne Government to Now Appoint the Overdue Education Standards Development Committee

December 5, 2017 One full year ago today, Premier Wynne announced in the Ontario Legislature that her Government would create an Education Accessibility Standard under the AODA. We have led the campaigned for this, to tear down the many disability barriers that impede students with disabilities in Ontario’s education system. Yesterday, the AODA Alliance issued … Continue reading The Opposition New Democratic Party and Progressive Conservative Party Each Draw on The AODA Alliance’s December 4, 2017 News Release to Support Our Call for the Wynne Government to Now Appoint the Overdue Education Standards Development Committee

Anniversary of Wynne Government Inaction — One Year After Promising A New Regulation for One-Third of a Million Ontario Students with Disabilities to Tear Down Disability Barriers in Schools, Colleges and Universities, Why Hasn’t Premier Wynne Appointed the Mandatory Advisory Committee to Recommend What that Regulation Should Include?

December 4, 2017 Tomorrow, December 5, 2017, will mark the one-year anniversary of Premier Wynne promising to develop and enact a new regulation under Ontario’s Disabilities Act, to tear down the many disability barriers that impede one-third of a million Ontario students with disabilities from fully benefitting from schools, colleges and universities. Yet her Government … Continue reading Anniversary of Wynne Government Inaction — One Year After Promising A New Regulation for One-Third of a Million Ontario Students with Disabilities to Tear Down Disability Barriers in Schools, Colleges and Universities, Why Hasn’t Premier Wynne Appointed the Mandatory Advisory Committee to Recommend What that Regulation Should Include?

On the Eve of the International Day for People with Disabilities, will the Wynne Government Invest $125 Million In Another New Public University Building Whose Preliminary Design Has Serious Accessibility Problems?

December 1, 2017 Toronto: On the eve of the International Day for People with Disabilities (December 3), it looks like millions of provincial dollars are destined for another brand-new building with serious disability accessibility problems, in a preliminary design revealed two days ago. These problems are similar to some of those which the grassroots AODA … Continue reading On the Eve of the International Day for People with Disabilities, will the Wynne Government Invest $125 Million In Another New Public University Building Whose Preliminary Design Has Serious Accessibility Problems?

Amazing Responses to, Including More Media Coverage of our New Video on Serious Accessibility Problems at Ryerson University’s New Student Learning Centre — and — The Wynne Government Is Taking Longer Just to Appoint a Standards Development Committee on Education Barriers Facing Students with Disabilities Than It Took the Government to Create Ontario’s Entire Disabilities Act

November 17, 2017 1. Amazing Response to the AODA Alliance’s New Online Video Showing Serious Accessibility Problems at Ryerson University’s New Student Learning Centre There has been an amazing response to the AODA Alliance’s new online video, exceeding our hopes and expectations. This video that shows serious accessibility problems at the new Ryerson Student Learning … Continue reading Amazing Responses to, Including More Media Coverage of our New Video on Serious Accessibility Problems at Ryerson University’s New Student Learning Centre — and — The Wynne Government Is Taking Longer Just to Appoint a Standards Development Committee on Education Barriers Facing Students with Disabilities Than It Took the Government to Create Ontario’s Entire Disabilities Act

Wynne Government Still Hasn’t Appointed an Education Standards Development Committee, Fully 314 Days After Premier Wynne Pledged to Create an Education Accessibility Standard under Ontario’s Disabilities Act — and — Last Day to Complete the Wynne Government’s Online Survey about Disability Barriers in Ontario’s Education System

October 16, 2017 Summary Over one third of a million students with disabilities across Ontario still face far too many disability accessibility barriers when they try to get an education in Ontario’s education system, whether they are studying in early learning programs, in schools in colleges or universities, or in job training programs. We need … Continue reading Wynne Government Still Hasn’t Appointed an Education Standards Development Committee, Fully 314 Days After Premier Wynne Pledged to Create an Education Accessibility Standard under Ontario’s Disabilities Act — and — Last Day to Complete the Wynne Government’s Online Survey about Disability Barriers in Ontario’s Education System

A seriously Flawed Human Rights Tribunal Decision Rules Against the Request of a Nine Year Old Boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Bring His Autism Service Dog to School

September 25, 2017 Summary Here is yet another compelling reason why Ontario needs to enact a strong and effective Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to tear down the many unfair disability accessibility barriers that impede students with disabilities in Ontario’s education system. Almost ten months ago, Premier Wynne promised … Continue reading A seriously Flawed Human Rights Tribunal Decision Rules Against the Request of a Nine Year Old Boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Bring His Autism Service Dog to School

August 30, 2017 Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Ruling On Right of a student with Autism to bring His Service Dog to School

HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL OF ONTARIO B E T W E E N: J.F. by his litigation guardian C.F. Applicant -and Waterloo Catholic District School Board Respondent DECISION Adjudicator:    Laurie Letheren Date:   August 30 2017 File Number:   2016-24088-I Citation:          2017 HRTO 1121 Indexed as:      J.F. v. Waterloo Catholic District School Board APPEARANCES J.F. by his litigation … Continue reading August 30, 2017 Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Ruling On Right of a student with Autism to bring His Service Dog to School

Wynne Government Extends to July 31, 2017 the Deadline for Answering the Government’s Education Barriers Survey and for Giving Feedback on Draft Reforms to Ontario’s Transportation Accessibility Standard – and – Wynne Government Responds to AODA Alliance Letter But Doesn’t Answer Our Concerns With the Government’s Consultation on Education Accessibility Barriers

July 17, 2017 Summary Here are five quick newsworthy items from the front lines of our accessibility campaign in Ontario: 1. Wynne Government Extends Deadline to Complete the Government’s Education Accessibility Barriers Survey At our request, the Wynne Government has extended the deadline for completing the Government’s online survey of disability accessibility barriers in Ontario’s … Continue reading Wynne Government Extends to July 31, 2017 the Deadline for Answering the Government’s Education Barriers Survey and for Giving Feedback on Draft Reforms to Ontario’s Transportation Accessibility Standard – and – Wynne Government Responds to AODA Alliance Letter But Doesn’t Answer Our Concerns With the Government’s Consultation on Education Accessibility Barriers

Before Week’s End, Please Fill Out the Wynne Government’s Online Survey on Disability Barriers in Ontario’s Education system and Endorse the AODA Alliance’s Answers to This Survey, Which We Make Public Today

July 11, 2017 Summary Please email the Wynne Government by the end of Friday July 14, 2017 to say you support the AODA Alliance’s answers to the Government’s survey on the disability accessibility barriers that over a third of a million students with disabilities face in Ontario’s education system. You might just say: “I support … Continue reading Before Week’s End, Please Fill Out the Wynne Government’s Online Survey on Disability Barriers in Ontario’s Education system and Endorse the AODA Alliance’s Answers to This Survey, Which We Make Public Today

After Almost Three Months, The Wynne Government Answers the AODA Alliance’s Request for An Update on Government Plans on Implementing and Enforcing the AODA, but Several of Our Important Questions Remain Unanswered

June 23, 2017 Summary Back on March 16, 2017, the AODA Alliance wrote Ontario’s Accessibility Minister Tracy MacCharles, to ask what the Government has recently done, and what it plans to do over the next year, to implement and enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Eighty-three days after we wrote, the Minister responded. The Government’s … Continue reading After Almost Three Months, The Wynne Government Answers the AODA Alliance’s Request for An Update on Government Plans on Implementing and Enforcing the AODA, but Several of Our Important Questions Remain Unanswered

The Wynne Government’s Current Online Survey of Disability Barriers in Ontario’s Education system Leaves out Many if not the Majority of Barriers Impeding Students with Disabilities in Ontario’s Education System – The AODA Alliance Offers Ways to Fix That Survey

June 21, 2017 Summary On June 21, 2017, the AODA Alliance wrote Ontario’s Minister of Accessibility Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Education Mitzie Hunter, and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development Deb Matthews. In that letter, set out below, we identify problems with the Government’s online survey about disability accessibility barriers in Ontario’s education system. … Continue reading The Wynne Government’s Current Online Survey of Disability Barriers in Ontario’s Education system Leaves out Many if not the Majority of Barriers Impeding Students with Disabilities in Ontario’s Education System – The AODA Alliance Offers Ways to Fix That Survey

We Invite Schools, Colleges, Universities, Early Learning Programs and Job Training Programs in Ontario to Use These Tips for Holding a Public Event to Gather Feedback from Your Organization and the Public on Disability Accessibility Barriers in Our Education System

June 19, 2017 Summary It is commendable that the Government is encouraging schools, colleges and universities to convene public community events to gather information on the accessibility barriers that students with disabilities face in Ontario’s education system. Recent AODA Alliance Updates explained that the Ontario Government is asking the public to tell it about the … Continue reading We Invite Schools, Colleges, Universities, Early Learning Programs and Job Training Programs in Ontario to Use These Tips for Holding a Public Event to Gather Feedback from Your Organization and the Public on Disability Accessibility Barriers in Our Education System

Before July 14, 2017 Please Fill Out the Ontario Government’s Survey of Disability Accessibility Barriers that Hurt Students with Disabilities in Ontario’s Education System – Here Are Great Tips to Help You

June 16, 2017 Summary We strongly encourage you to fill out the Wynne Government’s online survey on accessibility barriers facing students with disabilities in Ontario’s education system, by the July 14, 2017 deadline. Please fill it out whether you are now or have ever been a student with a disability in Ontario, a parent or … Continue reading Before July 14, 2017 Please Fill Out the Ontario Government’s Survey of Disability Accessibility Barriers that Hurt Students with Disabilities in Ontario’s Education System – Here Are Great Tips to Help You

The Wynne Government Posts Details for Applying to Serve on the Education Standards Development Committee – Applications Must Be Submitted by July 31, 2017

June 14, 2017 Summary On June 12, 2017, the Wynne Government at last circulated more specific information on how to apply to serve on the forthcoming Education Standards Development Committee. That Committee will make recommendations on what the Wynne Government should include in the promised Education Accessibility Standard. The Education Accessibility Standard is needed to … Continue reading The Wynne Government Posts Details for Applying to Serve on the Education Standards Development Committee – Applications Must Be Submitted by July 31, 2017

Raise Disability Accessibility Issues in the June 1, 2017 Sault Ste. Marie Ontario By-election

May 4, 2017 Summary On May 3, 2017, the Ontario Government called an Ontario by-election for June 1, 2017 in the Sault Ste. Marie riding. We urge anyone in or near that riding to raise disability accessibility issues with the candidates. Press them to make accessibility pledges. This by-election comes just one year before the … Continue reading Raise Disability Accessibility Issues in the June 1, 2017 Sault Ste. Marie Ontario By-election

There Have Been 127 Days Since Premier Wynne Promised to Create an Education Accessibility Standard, But the Wynne Government Hasn’t Yet Posted an Ad Inviting People to Apply to Serve on the Education Standards Development Committee – and – Encourage All Teachers, Principals and School Board Officials to Watch a New Video on Ensuring that Students with Disabilities Are Able to Thrive in Fully Accessible, Inclusive Classrooms

April 11, 2017 Summary We are very concerned about the Wynne Government’s ongoing delays in getting started on developing an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. An excessive 127 days have passed since Premier Wynne promised to develop an Education Accessibility Standard to tear down the accessibility barriers impeding students … Continue reading There Have Been 127 Days Since Premier Wynne Promised to Create an Education Accessibility Standard, But the Wynne Government Hasn’t Yet Posted an Ad Inviting People to Apply to Serve on the Education Standards Development Committee – and – Encourage All Teachers, Principals and School Board Officials to Watch a New Video on Ensuring that Students with Disabilities Are Able to Thrive in Fully Accessible, Inclusive Classrooms

With Only One Year Until the 2018 Ontario Election Campaign, the AODA Alliance Asks Accessibility Minister Tracy MacCharles for a Detailed Update on What the Ontario Government is Doing and Plans to Do to Ensure Ontario Reaches Full Accessibility for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities by 2025

March 16, 2017 Summary The AODA Alliance has just written the Wynne Government’s lead minister responsible for leading Ontario to full accessibility by 2025, Accessibility Minister Tracy MacCharles. We ask for a detailed update on what the Government has been doing, and what it plans to do, to ensure that Ontario reaches full accessibility by … Continue reading With Only One Year Until the 2018 Ontario Election Campaign, the AODA Alliance Asks Accessibility Minister Tracy MacCharles for a Detailed Update on What the Ontario Government is Doing and Plans to Do to Ensure Ontario Reaches Full Accessibility for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities by 2025

Media Reports on Our Getting the Wynne Government to Agree to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard – Federal Government to Consult on Adopting the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Ontario Public Service Restructures Who Leads Its Own AODA Compliance

December 8, 2016 SUMMARY This is our last AODA Alliance Update for 2016. Enjoy the peace and quiet as we take an email and social media break until the new year. We wind up 2016 with good news, highlighted below: * The Toronto Star reported on our important success earlier this week, when the Wynne … Continue reading Media Reports on Our Getting the Wynne Government to Agree to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard – Federal Government to Consult on Adopting the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Ontario Public Service Restructures Who Leads Its Own AODA Compliance

Breaking News –Premier Wynne has Just Announced in the Legislature that the Ontario Government Agrees to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

December 5, 2016 SUMMARY This news is hot off the presses! In Question Period today, Progressive Conservative MPP Bill Walker asked Premier Wynne to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard to tear down the accessibility barriers impeding hundreds of thousands of students with disabilities  in Ontario schools, colleges and universities. Premier Wynne said yes. … Continue reading Breaking News –Premier Wynne has Just Announced in the Legislature that the Ontario Government Agrees to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

22 Major Disability Organizations Send Premier Wynne an Open Letter Calling for the Wynne Government to Agree to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard under Ontario’s Disabilities Act – Check out the Open Letter and AODA Alliance News Release and a Toronto Star Article on This

December 5, 2016 SUMMARY Today, 22 major disability organizations, including the AODA Alliance, sent Premier Kathleen Wynne a compelling open letter that calls on her Government to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. As well, the AODA Alliance today issued a news release, to publicize this … Continue reading 22 Major Disability Organizations Send Premier Wynne an Open Letter Calling for the Wynne Government to Agree to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard under Ontario’s Disabilities Act – Check out the Open Letter and AODA Alliance News Release and a Toronto Star Article on This

On this International Day for People with Disabilities, We Look Back at Kathleen Wynne’s Written Promises to 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities, Made Four years Ago Today, on What She’d Do on Disability Accessibility if She Became Ontario’s Premier

December 3, 2016 SUMMARY Let’s look back at a very important letter that Kathleen Wynne wrote to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance four years ago today, on December 3, 2012. December 3 is the day which the United Nations declares as the International Day for People with Disabilities. To set the stage, … Continue reading On this International Day for People with Disabilities, We Look Back at Kathleen Wynne’s Written Promises to 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities, Made Four years Ago Today, on What She’d Do on Disability Accessibility if She Became Ontario’s Premier

Excellent Toronto Star Article Reports on the AODA Alliance’s Captioned Video about Accessibility Problems at the New Centennial College Culinary Arts Centre

December 2, 2016 SUMMARY An excellent article in the Toronto Star on December 2, 2016, set out below, reports on the AODA Alliance’s video which depicts a number of accessibility problems in the brand-new Centennial College Culinary Arts Centre. The article lets far more members of the public know about this incident, and about our … Continue reading Excellent Toronto Star Article Reports on the AODA Alliance’s Captioned Video about Accessibility Problems at the New Centennial College Culinary Arts Centre

Ontario and Federal Governments Announce $44 Million for New Infrastructure at Centennial College But Announce No Strings To Ensure It’s Fully Disability-Accessible – Deeply Worrying After the AODA Alliance’s Online Video Shows Significant Accessibility Deficiencies at Centennial College’s Brand-New Culinary Arts Centre

December 1, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Will Troubling History on Accessibility Repeat itself? Here is yet more proof that the Ontario Government needs to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard. In a November 21, 2016 news release, which we set out below, the Ontario and Federal Governments jointly announce $44 million in new infrastructure spending … Continue reading Ontario and Federal Governments Announce $44 Million for New Infrastructure at Centennial College But Announce No Strings To Ensure It’s Fully Disability-Accessible – Deeply Worrying After the AODA Alliance’s Online Video Shows Significant Accessibility Deficiencies at Centennial College’s Brand-New Culinary Arts Centre

On the 22nd Anniversary of the Birth of Ontario’s Grassroots Accessibility Law Campaign, the AODA Alliance Releases a Striking Video that Shows Significant Accessibility Problems at the Brand New Centennial College Culinary Arts Centre

November 29, 2016 SUMMARY 1. A Video You Must Watch The AODA Alliance today makes public a striking 18-minute video, and a shorter 6 minute version. These shows significant accessibility barriers in a brand-new public building that was just built with public money, the new Culinary Arts Centre at Toronto’s Centennial College. This video depicts … Continue reading On the 22nd Anniversary of the Birth of Ontario’s Grassroots Accessibility Law Campaign, the AODA Alliance Releases a Striking Video that Shows Significant Accessibility Problems at the Brand New Centennial College Culinary Arts Centre

Spread the Word About the AODA Alliance’s New Discussion Paper on What an Education Accessibility Standard Can and Should Include

November 21, 2016 SUMMARY Here is a helpful new tool you can use in our 5-year long campaign to get the Ontario Government to agree to create an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Please check out and spread the word about our new Discussion Paper on What an Education … Continue reading Spread the Word About the AODA Alliance’s New Discussion Paper on What an Education Accessibility Standard Can and Should Include

A Report by the KPMG Consulting Firm Prepared for the Wynne Government Confirms that There Are Recurring Accessibility Barriers in Ontario’s Education System – That Is The Very Reason Why AODA Alliance Calls on the Wynne Government to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

November 9, 2016 SUMMARY Here’s yet another reason why the Wynne Government should agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard to tear down the many accessibility barriers that still persist in Ontario’s education system. Last year, the Wynne Government hired the KPMG consulting firm to prepare a report on accessibility barriers in Ontario’s education system, … Continue reading A Report by the KPMG Consulting Firm Prepared for the Wynne Government Confirms that There Are Recurring Accessibility Barriers in Ontario’s Education System – That Is The Very Reason Why AODA Alliance Calls on the Wynne Government to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Ontario Conservatives Press Premier Wynne in the Ontario Legislature’s Question Period to Agree to the AODA Alliance’s Call for the Government to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard – Premier Wynne says Her Ministers of Accessibility and Education Are Discussing How to Move Forward on This

November 1, 2016 1. SUMMARY During Question Period in the Ontario Legislature yesterday, October 31, 2016, opposition Progressive Conservative MPP Bill Walker pressed Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to ensure that Ontario’s education system becomes fully accessible to students with … Continue reading Ontario Conservatives Press Premier Wynne in the Ontario Legislature’s Question Period to Agree to the AODA Alliance’s Call for the Government to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard – Premier Wynne says Her Ministers of Accessibility and Education Are Discussing How to Move Forward on This

The Canadian Union of Public Employees Ontario Calls On the Wynne Government to Agree to Create an Education Accessibility Standard Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

August 23, 2016 SUMMARY Yet another major voice has joined our call for the Wynne Government to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. On August 10, 2016, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario wrote Ontario’s new Accessibility Minister, Tracy MacCharles, to support our request … Continue reading The Canadian Union of Public Employees Ontario Calls On the Wynne Government to Agree to Create an Education Accessibility Standard Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Please Circulate the AODA Alliance’s News Release Responding to the Wynne Government’s Announcement on School Supports for Students with Disabilities

Even though Ontario is required by law to become fully accessible to all people with disabilities by 2025, less than eight and a half years from now, Ontario’s publicly-funded education system is still full of barriers that can impede 334,000 students with special education needs. The Wynne Government still has no plan in place to … Continue reading Please Circulate the AODA Alliance’s News Release Responding to the Wynne Government’s Announcement on School Supports for Students with Disabilities

Today’s Wynne Government Announcement on Education for Students with Disabilities Falls Miles Short – the Wynne Government Needs to Enact an Education Accessibility Standard to Tear Down the Many Barriers Facing 334,000 Students with Disabilities Throughout Ontario’s Publicly-Funded School System

August 8, 2016 Toronto: the Wynne Government’s announcement today on education for students with disabilities in Ontario, while welcomed by families who fought to keep open all Ontario provincial and demonstration schools,  falls miles short of what is needed by 334,000 students with special education needs, says the Ontario Disability coalition that campaigned for reforms in this … Continue reading Today’s Wynne Government Announcement on Education for Students with Disabilities Falls Miles Short – the Wynne Government Needs to Enact an Education Accessibility Standard to Tear Down the Many Barriers Facing 334,000 Students with Disabilities Throughout Ontario’s Publicly-Funded School System

AODA Alliance Writes New Ontario Accessibility Minister Tracy MacCharles to List Priority Actions to Get Ontario Back on Schedule to Reach Full Accessibility by 2025, the Deadline that Ontario’s Accessibility Law Imposes

July 12, 2016 SUMMARY On July 10, 2016, the AODA Alliance wrote Ontario’s new Accessibility Minister, Tracy MacCharles. Tracy MacCharles is the fifth minister in the past five years to be assigned lead responsibility for the Government’s implementation and enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Our detailed 10-page July 10, 2016 letter, … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes New Ontario Accessibility Minister Tracy MacCharles to List Priority Actions to Get Ontario Back on Schedule to Reach Full Accessibility by 2025, the Deadline that Ontario’s Accessibility Law Imposes

AODA Alliance Guest Column in the Toronto Star on the 10th Anniversary of AODA Going into Effect Emphasizes that the Wynne Government Must Do More to Get Ontario on Schedule for Full Accessibility by 2025

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario June 12, 2015 Summary It was ten years ago tomorrow, on June 13, 2005, that the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act went into effect. To mark this anniversary, a guest column by AODA Alliance chair David … Continue reading AODA Alliance Guest Column in the Toronto Star on the 10th Anniversary of AODA Going into Effect Emphasizes that the Wynne Government Must Do More to Get Ontario on Schedule for Full Accessibility by 2025

Ontario Government Announces Measures to Implement Recommendations of 2014 Moran AODA Independent Review – Government Commits to Some Helpful Measures Including Increased Enforcement, But Much More Is Still Needed

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario June 3, 2015 Summary On June 3, 2015, the Ontario Government’s minister with lead responsibility for the AODA’s implementation and enforcement, Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid, announced a series of measures to respond to parts of the … Continue reading Ontario Government Announces Measures to Implement Recommendations of 2014 Moran AODA Independent Review – Government Commits to Some Helpful Measures Including Increased Enforcement, But Much More Is Still Needed

How the Ontario Government Should Mark the 10th Anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act — and – Watch AMI-TV’s “Canada in Perspective” on Sunday, May 31, 2015, or Afterward Online, Addressing Barriers to Accessible Public Transit

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario May 29, 2015 Summary Below you will find helpful news on: what we urge the Ontario Government to do as it conducts its celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the enactment of the Accessibility for Ontarians with … Continue reading How the Ontario Government Should Mark the 10th Anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act — and – Watch AMI-TV’s “Canada in Perspective” on Sunday, May 31, 2015, or Afterward Online, Addressing Barriers to Accessible Public Transit

Final Report of Mayo Moran’s Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Just Made Public – Report Reveals Serious Problems – Ontarians with Disabilities See Too Little Progress on Accessibility, While Business and Municipalities Find Accessibility Regulations Too Vague — and — Wynne Government Announces It Will Develop an Accessibility Regulation to Tackle Disability Barriers in Health Care Services, but Says Nothing about Doing So to Address Barriers in Education or Residential Housing

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario February 13, 2015 Summary Here is major news on the accessibility front in Ontario. The Wynne Government today made public the final report of the Independent Review of the Government’s implementation and enforcement of the Accessibility for … Continue reading Final Report of Mayo Moran’s Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Just Made Public – Report Reveals Serious Problems – Ontarians with Disabilities See Too Little Progress on Accessibility, While Business and Municipalities Find Accessibility Regulations Too Vague — and — Wynne Government Announces It Will Develop an Accessibility Regulation to Tackle Disability Barriers in Health Care Services, but Says Nothing about Doing So to Address Barriers in Education or Residential Housing

AODA Alliance Writes Premier Kathleen Wynne to Highlight Major Disability Accessibility Priorities

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, 2014 Summary As the Wynne Government sets its priorities for its new term in office, we have now written ten cabinet ministers with key areas of responsibilities to identify major disability accessibility priorities for their … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes Premier Kathleen Wynne to Highlight Major Disability Accessibility Priorities

AODA Alliance Writes the Ontario Minister of Education, the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities (who is also the Minister of Research and Innovation) and the Minister of Health to Identify Key Disability Accessibility Priorities for Their Ministries

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 22, 2014 Summary With a battery of new cabinet ministers getting up to speed on their new jobs after the 2014 Ontario election, we have written all key Ontario Government ministries to identify important steps they … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes the Ontario Minister of Education, the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities (who is also the Minister of Research and Innovation) and the Minister of Health to Identify Key Disability Accessibility Priorities for Their Ministries

AODA Alliance Writes New Minister Responsible for Implementing and Enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to Urge Priorities for Prompt Action

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario August 14, 2014 Summary On August 14, 2014, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance wrote Mr. Brad Duguid, the new Ontario Minister for Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. He is the new Ontario cabinet minister … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes New Minister Responsible for Implementing and Enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to Urge Priorities for Prompt Action

Send Us Feedback on Our Draft Brief to the Mayo Moran Independent Review of the AODA’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s Implementation and Enforcement.

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario June 19, 2014 Summary Please send us feedback on our draft brief to the Independent Review of the AODA’s implementation and enforcement that is now being conducted by Mayo Moran. Email your feedback to us no later … Continue reading Send Us Feedback on Our Draft Brief to the Mayo Moran Independent Review of the AODA’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s Implementation and Enforcement.

May 14, 2014 letter from Liberal Party Leader Premier Kathleen Wynne on her party’s 2014 disability accessibility election pledges

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario Dear Mr. Lepofsky: Thank you for your letter and questionnaire regarding the Ontario Liberal’s plans for disability accessibility. I would also like to thank your organization for working with us over the years on this important issue. … Continue reading May 14, 2014 letter from Liberal Party Leader Premier Kathleen Wynne on her party’s 2014 disability accessibility election pledges

Ontario’s English Catholic Teachers Union Presses the Ontario Government to Enact an Education Accessibility Standard under 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 United for a Barrier-Free Ontario January 29, 2014 Summary Here is yet more momentum in support of our call for the Ontario Government to develop and enact an Education Accessibility Standard under the AODA. The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) wrote … Continue reading Ontario’s English Catholic Teachers Union Presses the Ontario Government to Enact an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation Endorses Our Call for the Ontario Government to Develop an Education 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 3, 2013 SUMMARY We are delighted to announce that the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) wrote the Ontario Government on September 3, 2013 to endorse and support our call for the development and enactment of … Continue reading Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation Endorses Our Call for the Ontario Government to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard

Our Campaign for An Education Accessibility Standard Gets another Important boost – Public School Elementary Teachers’ Union Endorses Our Call for the Ontario Government to Develop an Education 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 July 16, 2013 SUMMARY Our campaign to get the Ontario Government to agree to develop an Education Accessibility Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act has received another important boost. The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of … Continue reading Our Campaign for An Education Accessibility Standard Gets another Important boost – Public School Elementary Teachers’ Union Endorses Our Call for the Ontario Government to Develop an Education Accessibility Standard

Ontario Government Finally Appoints All Members to the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council – But Still Hasn’t Said What New Accessibility Standards It Will Develop –Here’s Why Ontario Needs an Education Accessibility Standard

If you don’t now receive our updates directly from us, sign up for AODA Alliance e-mail updates by writing to our new email address: aodafeedback@gmail.comFollow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO June 28, 2013 SUMMARY Last week, after an unexplained … Continue reading Ontario Government Finally Appoints All Members to the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council – But Still Hasn’t Said What New Accessibility Standards It Will Develop –Here’s Why Ontario Needs an Education Accessibility Standard

AODA ALLIANCE WRITES PREMIER KATHLEEN WYNNE TO PROPOSE 9 PRIORITY ACTIONS TO HELP GET ONTARIO BACK ON SCHEDULE FOR BECOMING FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ON OR BEFORE 2025

If you don’t now receive our updates directly from us, sign up for AODA Alliance e-mail updates by writing to our new email address: aodafeedback@gmail.comFollow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO March 4, 2013 SUMMARY An important part of the … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE WRITES PREMIER KATHLEEN WYNNE TO PROPOSE 9 PRIORITY ACTIONS TO HELP GET ONTARIO BACK ON SCHEDULE FOR BECOMING FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ON OR BEFORE 2025

AODA ALLIANCE WRITES DR. ERIC HOSKINS, ONTARIO’S NEW MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING AND ENFORCING THE DISABILITIES ACT, TO URGE PROMPT AND DECISIVE ACTION

If you don’t now receive our updates directly from us, sign up for AODA Alliance e-mail updates by writing to our new email address: aodafeedback@gmail.comFollow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO February 27, 2013 SUMMARY On February 27, 2013, the … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE WRITES DR. ERIC HOSKINS, ONTARIO’S NEW MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING AND ENFORCING THE DISABILITIES ACT, TO URGE PROMPT AND DECISIVE ACTION

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT COMMITS THAT REVAMPED ACCESSIBILITY COUNCIL WILL DEVELOP NEW ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS UNDER THE DISABILITIES ACT – BUT NO COMMITMENTS ON WHICH NEW STANDARDS OR BY WHEN –MANITOBA GOVERNMENT PLEDGES TO INTRODUCE A PROVINCIAL DISABILITIES ACCESSIBILITY LAW IN 2013

If you don’t now receive our updates directly from us, sign up for AODA Alliance e-mail updates by writing to our new email address: aodafeedback@gmail.comFollow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO January 21, 2013 SUMMARY Today there have been two … Continue reading MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT COMMITS THAT REVAMPED ACCESSIBILITY COUNCIL WILL DEVELOP NEW ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS UNDER THE DISABILITIES ACT – BUT NO COMMITMENTS ON WHICH NEW STANDARDS OR BY WHEN –MANITOBA GOVERNMENT PLEDGES TO INTRODUCE A PROVINCIAL DISABILITIES ACCESSIBILITY LAW IN 2013

KATHLEEN WYNNE IS SECOND ONTARIO LIBERAL LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE TO MAKE DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENTS

If you don’t now receive our updates directly from us, sign up for AODA Alliance e-mail updates by writing to our new email address: aodafeedback@gmail.comFollow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO December 3, 2012 SUMMARY On December 3, 2012, Ms. … Continue reading KATHLEEN WYNNE IS SECOND ONTARIO LIBERAL LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE TO MAKE DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENTS

AODA ALLIANCE LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO GET MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP THREE NEW ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS TO ADDRESS BARRIERS IMPEDING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN ACCESS TO EDUCATION, TO HEALTH CARE AND TO RESIDENTIAL HOUSING – MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT HASN’T ANNOUNCED ITS PROMISED CONSULTATION ON WHICH NEW ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS TO DEVELOP NEXT

If you don’t now receive our updates directly from us, sign up for AODA Alliance e-mail updates by writing to our new email address: aodafeedback@gmail.comFollow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO July 10, 2012 SUMMARY It is essential for the Ontario … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO GET MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP THREE NEW ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS TO ADDRESS BARRIERS IMPEDING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN ACCESS TO EDUCATION, TO HEALTH CARE AND TO RESIDENTIAL HOUSING – MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT HASN’T ANNOUNCED ITS PROMISED CONSULTATION ON WHICH NEW ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS TO DEVELOP NEXT

Comparison of the Major Parties’ 2011 Election Commitments on Disability Accessibility

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 2, 2011 SUMMARY This is a list of the commitments we sought from Ontario’s major parties on disability accessibility, and their actual commitments, on an issue-by-issue basis. Our July 15, 2011 letter to the parties, seeking their commitments, can be found at: http://www.www.aodaalliance.org/whats-new/new2011/aoda-alliance-writes-three-political-parties-to-request-2011-election-commitments/ A … Continue reading Comparison of the Major Parties’ 2011 Election Commitments on Disability Accessibility

Read the Ontario Liberal Party’s August 19, 2011 letter to the AODA Alliance, Setting out its 2011 Election Commitments on Disability Accessibility

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 2, 2011 SUMMARY August 19, 2011 Mr. David Lepofsky, CM, O.Ont. Chair Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance 1929 Bayview Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4G 3E8 Dear Mr. Lepofsky: Thank you very much for your recent letter and for providing me with an opportunity … Continue reading Read the Ontario Liberal Party’s August 19, 2011 letter to the AODA Alliance, Setting out its 2011 Election Commitments on Disability Accessibility

AODA ALLIANCE WRITES THREE POLITICAL PARTIES TO REQUEST 2011 ELECTION COMMITMENTS

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org July 19, 2011 SUMMARY We have just launched the next phase in our campaign for a fully-accessible Ontario. We will raise accessibility issues in the upcoming October 2011 provincial election. We also want to again try to ensure that this election is … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE WRITES THREE POLITICAL PARTIES TO REQUEST 2011 ELECTION COMMITMENTS

The McGuinty Government has Done Little to Keep 2007 Election Promise on Educating Students and Professional Trainees on Disability Accessibility

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@rogers.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org November 10, 2009 SUMMARY On July 20, 2009, the AODA Alliance wrote to three Ontario Government Ministers to ask what the McGuinty Government has done so far, and what else they plan to do to keep Premier McGuinty’s September 14, 2007 election … Continue reading The McGuinty Government has Done Little to Keep 2007 Election Promise on Educating Students and Professional Trainees on Disability Accessibility

Ontario Political Parties Asked to Make Election Commitments on Disability Accessibility

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE UPDATE AODA ALLIANCE SEEKS THREE ONTARIO PARTIES’ ELECTION COMMITMENTS ON DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES August 26, 2007 SUMMARY The Ontario election campaign is just around the corner. In the past three Ontario elections, Ontario’s disability community did a great job of raising disability issues, in a non-partisan way. We’re … Continue reading Ontario Political Parties Asked to Make Election Commitments on Disability Accessibility