Category: What’s New in Our Campaign

What’s New in Our Campaign for the Strong, Effective Implementation of the AODA

Today’s Wynne Government Disability Employment Strategy Offers Too Little Immediate Concrete Action and More Delays for Unemployed Ontarians with Disabilities, After More Than Four Years Since the Government Promised Action

June 5, 2017 Summary June 5, 2017 Toronto: The Wynne Government’s Disability Employment Strategy, unveiled this afternoon, will do little for months, if not  years, to combat high levels of unemployment facing Ontarians with disabilities. In 2015, David Onley (Ontario’s former Lieutenant Governor and now the Wynne Government’s Special Advisor on Accessibility) declared that the unemployment … Continue reading Today’s Wynne Government Disability Employment Strategy Offers Too Little Immediate Concrete Action and More Delays for Unemployed Ontarians with Disabilities, After More Than Four Years Since the Government Promised Action

Wynne Government to Unveil Its Promised New Strategy to Tackle High Unemployment Facing Ontarians with Disabilities on June 5, 2017 (A Strategy On Which the AODA Alliance Was Not Consulted) – AODA Alliance Releases a Backgrounder Documenting Four and One-Third Years of Government Foot-Dragging

June 2, 2017 Summary The unemployment rate facing people with disabilities is not only a national crisis – it is a national shame, according to David Onley, Ontario’s former Lieutenant Governor and now the Wynne Government’s special advisor on accessibility. What will the Wynne Government do about this? On Monday, June 5, 2017, at 1 … Continue reading Wynne Government to Unveil Its Promised New Strategy to Tackle High Unemployment Facing Ontarians with Disabilities on June 5, 2017 (A Strategy On Which the AODA Alliance Was Not Consulted) – AODA Alliance Releases a Backgrounder Documenting Four and One-Third Years of Government Foot-Dragging

An Interim Victory for Our Grassroots Campaign – Wynne Government at Last Invites Applications to Serve on the Education Standards Development Committee

May 29, 2017 Summary Let’s celebrate victories, even interim ones!  We have just won one. On Thursday, May 25, 2017, after we waged a 171-day campaign, the Wynne Government has finally started the delayed process of recruiting people to serve on the promised Education Standards Development Committee, to be appointed under the Accessibility for Ontarians … Continue reading An Interim Victory for Our Grassroots Campaign – Wynne Government at Last Invites Applications to Serve on the Education Standards Development Committee

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

Nova Scotia Is the Third Canadian Provinse to Pass an Accessibility Law – When Will Ontario Live Up to Its Own Accessibility Law’s Potential?

April 28, 2017 Summary On Thursday, April 27, 2017, the Nova Scotia Legislature passed a new accessibility law, the Accessibility Act, following the lead of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Nova Scotia becomes the third Canadian province to enact a comprehensive accessibility law. The Nova Scotia law has the goal of Nova Scotia … Continue reading Nova Scotia Is the Third Canadian Provinse to Pass an Accessibility Law – When Will Ontario Live Up to Its Own Accessibility Law’s Potential?

The Ontario Conservatives Ask the Wynne Government When It Will Appoint the Education Standards Development Committee, But the Wynne Government Doesn’t Give a Direct Answer — and — Come to the April 22, 2017 AODA Public Forum in Georgina Ontario

April 21, 2017 Summary 1. There Have Been 137 Days Since Premier Wynne Promised An Education Accessibility Standard, But Still No Answer On When the Wynne Government Will Post an Ad Inviting the Public To Apply To Serve on the Education Standards Development Committee Over a third of a million Ontario students with disabilities are … Continue reading The Ontario Conservatives Ask the Wynne Government When It Will Appoint the Education Standards Development Committee, But the Wynne Government Doesn’t Give a Direct Answer — and — Come to the April 22, 2017 AODA Public Forum in Georgina Ontario

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

AODA Alliance sends the Wynne Government Detailed Recommendations to Make Sure that the major Renovation to the Government’s Hub in Toronto, the Macdonald Block, Is Fully Accessible to People with Disabilities

April 7, 2017 Summary The Wynne Government is planning a major renovation to the Macdonald Block, the major complex in the heart of downtown Toronto that houses the headquarters of a number of key Government ministries and offices. The Government recently reached out to the AODA Alliance for input on what it should do to … Continue reading AODA Alliance sends the Wynne Government Detailed Recommendations to Make Sure that the major Renovation to the Government’s Hub in Toronto, the Macdonald Block, Is Fully Accessible to People with Disabilities

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

Yet More Great Accessibility Town Hall and Public Forum Events Coming Up Around Ontario — and — More New Quick and Important Ways to Give Your Feedback and Input on Disability Accessibility Barriers You Face

February 17, 2017 Summary Here’s a punchy and heaping grab-bag of news from the front lines of our non-partisan campaign for full accessibility in Ontario. This all shows that the accessibility movement is strong and continually growing. Here are announcements of: * the February 26, 2017 Toronto Town Hall on federal accessibility legislation. * The … Continue reading Yet More Great Accessibility Town Hall and Public Forum Events Coming Up Around Ontario — and — More New Quick and Important Ways to Give Your Feedback and Input on Disability Accessibility Barriers You Face

Federal Accessibility Minister Carla Qualtrough Gives Toronto Star Another Glimpse into Her Thinking on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act — and — AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Presents to the Final Federal Public Consultation Forum on the Canadians with Disabilities Act

February 10, 2017 Summary The February 10, 2017 Toronto Star includes a report, set out below, that offers a further glimpse into Federal Accessibility Minister Carla Qualtrough’s thinking on what the promised Canadians with Disabilities Act should include. Minister Qualtrough made these important points in an interview with the Toronto Star, on behalf of the … Continue reading Federal Accessibility Minister Carla Qualtrough Gives Toronto Star Another Glimpse into Her Thinking on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act — and — AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Presents to the Final Federal Public Consultation Forum on the Canadians with Disabilities Act

On the Eve of Toronto Public Consultations, Canada’s Disabilities Minister Carla Qualtrough Offers a Glimpse Into What the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act May Include

February 6, 2017 Summary The February 5, 2017 Global News reports on an interview that the Canadian Press conducted with Canada’s Disabilities Minister Carla Qualtrough. It offers a glimpse into the Federal Government’s thinking on what the promised Canadians with Disabilities Act should include. (See the article, below) Minister Qualtrough is leading the Federal Government’s … Continue reading On the Eve of Toronto Public Consultations, Canada’s Disabilities Minister Carla Qualtrough Offers a Glimpse Into What the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act May Include

Join Us as the AODA Alliance Comes to Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge Next Week – and – come to the Federal Government’s February 8, 2017 Public Consultations in Toronto on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act, Where the AODA Alliance Will Be One of Many Presenters

February 3, 2017 Summary It’s time to hop back on board the AODA Alliance Express as we make our way around Ontario, helping non-partisan grass roots advocacy efforts in support of accessibility for people with disabilities. On Tuesday, February 7, 2017 Wilfred Laurier University is hosting a public forum on accessibility at 10 AM to … Continue reading Join Us as the AODA Alliance Comes to Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge Next Week – and – come to the Federal Government’s February 8, 2017 Public Consultations in Toronto on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act, Where the AODA Alliance Will Be One of Many Presenters

On January 31, 2017, Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commission Heard David Lepofsky’s Freedom of Information Appeal Regarding Implementation and Enforcement of Ontario’s Disabilities Act, and Reserved Its Decision

February 2, 2017 Summary On Tuesday, January 31, 2017, AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky spent a day before Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commission. He argued his Freedom of Information appeal against the Wynne Government. This appeal garnered media coverage in the Toronto Star (see below. As well, a story ran in French on CBC Radio Canada. … Continue reading On January 31, 2017, Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commission Heard David Lepofsky’s Freedom of Information Appeal Regarding Implementation and Enforcement of Ontario’s Disabilities Act, and Reserved Its Decision

Check out the Arguments the Information and Privacy Commission Will Hear Tomorrow in AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s Freedom of Information Appeal Against the Wynne Government

January 30, 2017 Summary Tomorrow at 10 a.m., AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky will personally argue his Freedom of Information appeal against the Wynne Government. He is appealing the Ontario Government’s refusal to waive the $4,250 fee the Wynne Government is charging to fully answer his June 4, 2015 Freedom of Information application. He seeks … Continue reading Check out the Arguments the Information and Privacy Commission Will Hear Tomorrow in AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s Freedom of Information Appeal Against the Wynne Government

January 31,2017 Reply Affidavit by AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Filed with the Ontario Information and Privacy Commission

January 31, 2017 INFORMATION AND PRIVACY COMMISSIONER OF ONTARIO IN THE MATTER of Appeal Number PA 16-156 under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act REPLY AFFIDAVIT OF DAVID LEPOFSKY I, David Lepofsky, CM, O. Ont., LL.B. (Osgoode Hall), LL.M. (Harvard), LL.D. (Hon. Queen’s University, University of Western Ontario, and the Law Society … Continue reading January 31,2017 Reply Affidavit by AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Filed with the Ontario Information and Privacy Commission

AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s January 30, 2017 Reply memorandum of argument Filed with the Information and Privacy Commission

January 30, 2017 INFORMATION AND PRIVACY COMMISSIONER OF ONTARIO In the Matter of an Application under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.31 dated June 4, 2015, directed to the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, for the Disclosure of Records Regarding the Implementation and Enforcement of the … Continue reading AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s January 30, 2017 Reply memorandum of argument Filed with the Information and Privacy Commission

January 24, 2017 Affidavit that the Wynne Government Filed against AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky with Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commission

January 24, 2017 INFORMATION AND PRIVACY COMMISSIONER of ONTARIO  IN THE MATTER of Appeal Number PA 16-156 under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act AFFIDAVIT OF JENNIFER BROWN  This affidavit was created as a result of an oral inquiry pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Accordingly the use … Continue reading January 24, 2017 Affidavit that the Wynne Government Filed against AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky with Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commission

January 24, 2017 memorandum of argument Filed with the Information and Privacy Commission Against AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky

January 24, 2017 Wynne Government’s INFORMATION AND PRIVACY COMMISSIONER OF ONTARIO In the Matter of an Application under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.31 Dated June 4, 2015, Directed to the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, for the Disclosure of Records Regarding the Implementation and Enforcement … Continue reading January 24, 2017 memorandum of argument Filed with the Information and Privacy Commission Against AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky

AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky to Battle the Wynne Government at a January 31 Information and Privacy Commission Public Hearing, As He Tries to Unearth Government Records on Its Implementation and Enforcement of Ontario’s Disabilities Act –Watch David Lepofsky Appeal to the Information and Privacy Commission to Force the Government to Disclose Records, Without Demanding that this Unfunded Coalition Pay a Hefty $4,250 Fee

January 23, 2017 SUMMARY On Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at 10 AM, come to the Ontario Information and Privacy Commission’s downtown Toronto offices at 2 Bloor St. East Suite 1400. Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky, a visiting professor at the Osgoode Hall Law School, argue his Freedom of Information appeal against the Wynne Government’s … Continue reading AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky to Battle the Wynne Government at a January 31 Information and Privacy Commission Public Hearing, As He Tries to Unearth Government Records on Its Implementation and Enforcement of Ontario’s Disabilities Act –Watch David Lepofsky Appeal to the Information and Privacy Commission to Force the Government to Disclose Records, Without Demanding that this Unfunded Coalition Pay a Hefty $4,250 Fee

AODA Alliance Writes Tracy MacCharles to Propose Action Priorities for Her as Both Accessibility Minister and Minister of Government and Consumer Services

January 16, 2017 SUMMARY Now that Premier Wynne has assigned Tracy MacCharles to serve as both Ontario’s Accessibility Minister and Minister of Government and Consumer Services, the AODA Alliance has written Minister MacCharles to provide a thorough list of priorities for action on accessibility in each portfolio. We set out that letter below. This new … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes Tracy MacCharles to Propose Action Priorities for Her as Both Accessibility Minister and Minister of Government and Consumer Services

Yesterday’s Ontario’s Cabinet Shuffle Is a Step Backwards for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities

January 13, 2017 SUMMARY We unfortunately start this new year with a Cabinet shuffle that for people with disabilities, is a case of one step forward and then seven months later, one step backward. Yesterday’s Cabinet shuffle significantly unravelled the gains we applauded last June. For years, we pressed the Ontario Government to appoint a … Continue reading Yesterday’s Ontario’s Cabinet Shuffle Is a Step Backwards for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities

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

Progressive Conservative Party and Green Party Candidates in the Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook November 17, 2016 By-elections Answer the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire

November 15, 2016 SUMMARY We have just received the responses to the AODA Alliance’s accessibility questionnaire from the Progressive Conservative Party’s and the Green Party’s candidates in the November 17, 2016 by-elections in the Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook ridings. We set these responses out below. We should note that we had not sought commitments … Continue reading Progressive Conservative Party and Green Party Candidates in the Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook November 17, 2016 By-elections Answer the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire

Ottawa Vanier Liberal Candidate in the November 17, 2016 By-election Nathalie Des Rosiers Answers the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire – Only the Conservative Candidates in the Ottawa and Niagara By-elections Have Not Answered

November 14, 2016 SUMMARY Earlier today, the AODA Alliance released the answers to the AODA Alliance’s accessibility questionnaire that it had received from any of the November 17, 2016 Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook by-election by our November 13, 2016 deadline. Since we made those public, the Liberal candidate in the Ottawa Vanier by-election, Nathalie … Continue reading Ottawa Vanier Liberal Candidate in the November 17, 2016 By-election Nathalie Des Rosiers Answers the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire – Only the Conservative Candidates in the Ottawa and Niagara By-elections Have Not Answered

Three of the Six Major Parties’ Candidates in the November 17 2016 Ottawa and Niagara By-Elections Answered the AODA Alliance’s Requests Seeking Accessibility Commitments – Neither of the Conservative Candidates nor the Ottawa Liberal Candidate Has Answered Our Letter

November 14, 2016 SUMMARY As we have done so often in the past, the non-partisan AODA Alliance has sought commitments on disability accessibility issues from the Liberal, Conservative and New Democratic candidates in the November 17, 2016 Ontario by-elections in the Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook ridings. We wrote the candidates on November 7, 2016, … Continue reading Three of the Six Major Parties’ Candidates in the November 17 2016 Ottawa and Niagara By-Elections Answered the AODA Alliance’s Requests Seeking Accessibility Commitments – Neither of the Conservative Candidates nor the Ottawa Liberal Candidate Has Answered Our Letter

Next Weekend’s Whitby Accessibility Public Forum is the First AODA Alliance Community Event Since the AODA Was Passed to Be Attended by Ontario’s Minister Responsible for Implementing Ontario’s Accessibility Law – The November 12, 2016 Whitby Accessibility Forum Comes on the Heels of Successful Grassroots Action on Disability Accessibility Around Ontario, in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland/ Labrador

November 10, 2016 SUMMARY Here are three late-breaking developments on the road to a barrier-free Canada for people with disabilities that leap to our attention this week. After these, we offer reminders of other important items on the accessibility agenda that can help you. 1. Come to this Saturday’s Durham Region AODA Accessibility Public Forum, … Continue reading Next Weekend’s Whitby Accessibility Public Forum is the First AODA Alliance Community Event Since the AODA Was Passed to Be Attended by Ontario’s Minister Responsible for Implementing Ontario’s Accessibility Law – The November 12, 2016 Whitby Accessibility Forum Comes on the Heels of Successful Grassroots Action on Disability Accessibility Around Ontario, in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland/ Labrador

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

AODA Alliance Offers a Preliminary Look at the Proposed New Accessibility Law that the Nova Scotia Government Tabled in the Nova Scotia Legislature Last Week – A Good Start But It Needs Substantial Strengthening

November 6, 2016 SUMMARY Last week, the Nova Scotia Government introduced a proposed new bill, to be called the Accessibility Act, into the Nova Scotia Legislature. We commend the Nova Scotia Government for doing so. This is especially timely, since the Federal Government is now busy consulting across Canada on the development of the promised … Continue reading AODA Alliance Offers a Preliminary Look at the Proposed New Accessibility Law that the Nova Scotia Government Tabled in the Nova Scotia Legislature Last Week – A Good Start But It Needs Substantial Strengthening

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

Action Kit for Raising Disability Accessibility Issues in the November 17, 2016 Ontario By-elections in Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook

October 31, 2016 1. SUMMARY The Ontario Government has called provincial by-elections for November 17, 2016 in the Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook ridings. These by-elections will replace former Liberal MPP Madeleine Meilleur (Ottawa Vanier), who was the minister responsible for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act from 2006 to 2011, and Tim Hudak, … Continue reading Action Kit for Raising Disability Accessibility Issues in the November 17, 2016 Ontario By-elections in Ottawa Vanier and Niagara West-Glanbrook

Today is the 18th Anniversary of a Pivotal Milestone on the Road to Strong Ontario Disability Accessibility Legislation that Resonates to this Day in Provincial and Federal Accessibility Campaigns

October 29, 2016 SUMMARY Today, October 29, 2016, is the 18th anniversary of an extremely important event in the decade-long battle, from 1994 to 2005, for the enactment of strong Ontario accessibility legislation, to achieve a barrier-free Ontario for persons with disabilities. What was accomplished by Ontario’s grassroots disability advocates back then continues to send … Continue reading Today is the 18th Anniversary of a Pivotal Milestone on the Road to Strong Ontario Disability Accessibility Legislation that Resonates to this Day in Provincial and Federal Accessibility Campaigns

Come to Upcoming Accessibility Forums in St. Johns Newfoundland (Nov4), Burlington Ontario (Nov. 6) and Whitby Ontario (Nov. 7) and Let the AODA Alliance Know of Any Accessibility Barriers You Face when Using Public Transportation in Ontario

October 19, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Come to Upcoming Accessibility Public Forums in St. John’s Newfoundland (November 4), Burlington (November 6), and Whitby (November 12) The grassroots AODA Express is continuing to blaze its tireless community-organizing trail across the land! Here is what is coming next. If you are in the neighbourhood, please plan to climb … Continue reading Come to Upcoming Accessibility Forums in St. Johns Newfoundland (Nov4), Burlington Ontario (Nov. 6) and Whitby Ontario (Nov. 7) and Let the AODA Alliance Know of Any Accessibility Barriers You Face when Using Public Transportation in Ontario

Please Use and Widely Circulate Two New Helpful Resources We Here Give You, Helpful for Anyone Taking Part in the Government of Canada’s Current Public Consultation on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act – Our Short Leaflet and Our Longer, More Detailed Tip Sheet

September 23, 2016 The Federal Government is asking the public to give it input on what should be included in the promised Canadians with Disabilities Act, a new federal disability accessibility law. Are you thinking of taking part in that public consultation and giving the Government feedback? You can do so by attending one of the … Continue reading Please Use and Widely Circulate Two New Helpful Resources We Here Give You, Helpful for Anyone Taking Part in the Government of Canada’s Current Public Consultation on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act – Our Short Leaflet and Our Longer, More Detailed Tip Sheet

Over Two Short Days, Our Accessibility Issues Come Up Twice in Ontario’s Legislature and Also in the Toronto Star

September 15, 2016 SUMMARY We are very busy advocating on accessibility in Ontario on so many fronts at once, from pressing for an Education Accessibility Standard, to trying to get the AODA effectively enforced, to scanning the recent Throne Speech for accessibility issues, to advocating for more accessibility in our public transit systems in Ontario. … Continue reading Over Two Short Days, Our Accessibility Issues Come Up Twice in Ontario’s Legislature and Also in the Toronto Star

Attend the Toronto Transit Commission’s September 15, 2016 Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit to Recount Accessibility Barriers You Face on TTC – Are Public Transit Authorities Across Ontario All Annually Holding These Mandatory Public Forums for Public Transit Riders with Disabilities?

September 13, 2016 SUMMARY Below is TTC’s web announcement of its 2016 Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit. It will be held on the evening of September 15, 2016. We encourage anyone in the Toronto area to come to this event and raise accessibility problems you have experienced on the TTC. With the Federal and … Continue reading Attend the Toronto Transit Commission’s September 15, 2016 Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit to Recount Accessibility Barriers You Face on TTC – Are Public Transit Authorities Across Ontario All Annually Holding These Mandatory Public Forums for Public Transit Riders with Disabilities?

Premier Wynne’s Throne Speech Offers 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Nothing new

September 12, 2016 Toronto: The Wynne Government’s new Throne Speech, read at Queen’s Park this afternoon, offers 1.8 million Ontarians with disabilities absolutely nothing new, as a point-by-point analysis, set out below, shows. “This Throne Speech is called “A Balanced Plan to Build Ontario Up for Everyone,” but nothing in it ensures that 1.8 million … Continue reading Premier Wynne’s Throne Speech Offers 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Nothing new

Will Premier Wynne’s Throne Speech Today Announce New Action to Tear Down the Many Barriers that 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Still Face in 2016?

September 12, 2016 Toronto: Over 1.8 million Ontarians with disabilities are waiting to see if Premier Wynne’s Throne Speech at Queen’s park today will announce new, decisive action to get Ontario back on schedule for becoming fully accessible to people with disabilities by 2025, under 8.5 years from now. Premier Wynne promised to ensure Ontario is on … Continue reading Will Premier Wynne’s Throne Speech Today Announce New Action to Tear Down the Many Barriers that 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Still Face in 2016?

Upcoming Accessibility Public Forums in Ottawa, London and Whitby – and – Let the Wynne Government Know by This Friday If You Support the AODA Alliance’s Brief on Health Care Accessibility Barriers

September 8, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Join Us at Upcoming AODA Accessibility Forums in Ottawa September 19, London September 30, and Whitby November 12 The AODA Alliance Express is making its way around Ontario to spread the word and promote more advocacy and action on accessibility across the province. Join us and let others know about … Continue reading Upcoming Accessibility Public Forums in Ottawa, London and Whitby – and – Let the Wynne Government Know by This Friday If You Support the AODA Alliance’s Brief on Health Care Accessibility Barriers

The September 2016 Newsletter

September 1, 2016 Table of contents 1. Recent Breaking Events in the Campaign for a Strong, Effectively Enforced Canadians with Disabilities Act 2. Some Reflections on These Recent Events 3. The Toronto Star August 28, 2016 article 4. Canadians with disabilities: By the numbers 5. Government of Canada’s August 23, 2016 Announcement of Public Consultation … Continue reading The September 2016 Newsletter

The Liberal Party’s Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answers the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire, After We Made Public that the Liberals Were the Only Major Party Not to Answer Us

August 30, 2016 SUMMARY Our tenacity has paid off…again! We now have received answers from the candidates of all three major parties running in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River Ontario by-election. We set them all out below. In our August 20, 2016 letter to the candidates, we asked for responses to these questions by … Continue reading The Liberal Party’s Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answers the AODA Alliance’s Accessibility Questionnaire, After We Made Public that the Liberals Were the Only Major Party Not to Answer Us

The Conservative Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answered the AODA Alliance’s Questionnaire on Disability Accessibility Issues, After We Made Public that Only the NDP Candidate Had Responded –The Liberal Candidate Still Has Not Answered

August 29, 2016 SUMMARY Here is late-breaking news on the Ontario political front. Now the Ontario Liberal candidate is the only major party’s candidate competing for votes in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River Ontario by-election that has not answered the AODA Alliance’s request for commitments on disability accessibility. Yesterday we made public the fact … Continue reading The Conservative Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answered the AODA Alliance’s Questionnaire on Disability Accessibility Issues, After We Made Public that Only the NDP Candidate Had Responded –The Liberal Candidate Still Has Not Answered

The New Democratic Party’s Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answered the AODA Alliance’s Questionnaire on Disability Accessibility Issues – Neither the Liberal Nor Progressive Conservative Candidates Responded

August 28, 2016 SUMMARY On August 20, 2016, the AODA Alliance wrote the Liberal, NDP and Conservative candidates in the Scarborough-Rouge River September 1 by-election, to seek their commitments on disability accessibility. That letter is set out below. The AODA Alliance does not support or oppose any party or candidate. We have done this in … Continue reading The New Democratic Party’s Candidate in the September 1, 2016 Scarborough-Rouge River By-election Answered the AODA Alliance’s Questionnaire on Disability Accessibility Issues – Neither the Liberal Nor Progressive Conservative Candidates Responded

The September 2016 Newsletter

September 1, 2016 Table of contents 1. Recent Breaking Events in the Campaign for a Strong, Effectively Enforced Canadians with Disabilities Act 2. Some Reflections on These Recent Events 3. The Toronto Star August 28, 2016 article 4. Canadians with disabilities: By the numbers 5. Government of Canada’s August 23, 2016 Announcement of Public Consultation … Continue reading The September 2016 Newsletter

Tell the Wynne Government If You Support the AODA Alliance’s Finalized Brief on health Care Accessibility Barriers that We Submitted to the Government’s “Pre-Consultation”

August 26, 2016 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has finalized its august 26, 2016 brief to the Wynne Government on accessibility barriers in Ontario’s health care system. We submitted it to the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario as part of its “Pre-Consultation.” We set out this 14-page brief below. It would be great if you could email … Continue reading Tell the Wynne Government If You Support the AODA Alliance’s Finalized Brief on health Care Accessibility Barriers that We Submitted to the Government’s “Pre-Consultation”

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

August 2016 Newsletter

August 22, 2016 1. Download, Widely Circulate  and Use the Revised Discussion Paper on What the Canadians with Disabilities Act Could Include A new and improved Discussion Paper on what the promised Canadians with Disabilities Act could include, is now available for you to download and read. Written by Barrier-Free Canada co-chair David Lepofsky, this … Continue reading August 2016 Newsletter

Send Us Your Feedback on the AODA Alliance’s Draft Brief to the Wynne Government’s “Pre-Consultation” on Health Care Accessibility Barriers Facing Patients with Disabilities

August 18, 2016 SUMMARY We welcome your feedback on the AODA Alliance’s draft brief to the Wynne Government on its “Pre-Consultation” on accessibility barriers that patients with disabilities face in Ontario’s health care system. We set out our draft brief below. It is 13 pages long. We ask you to respond quickly. We need to … Continue reading Send Us Your Feedback on the AODA Alliance’s Draft Brief to the Wynne Government’s “Pre-Consultation” on Health Care Accessibility Barriers Facing Patients with Disabilities

The Toronto Star Gives Great Coverage to the ‘AODA Alliances “Picture Our Barriers” Social Media Campaign – Join In the Blitz

August 11, 2016 SUMMARY There is a great article in the August 10, 2016 Toronto Star, set out below, by reporter Jessica Botelho-Urbanski, on troubling barriers that still face people with disabilities in Ontario in 2016. It gives great profile to the AODA Alliance’s “Picture Our Barriers” campaign. In this campaign, people all over Ontario … Continue reading The Toronto Star Gives Great Coverage to the ‘AODA Alliances “Picture Our Barriers” Social Media Campaign – Join In the Blitz

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

Action Kit for Raising Disability Accessibility Issues in the September 1, 2016 Ontario By-election in Scarborough-Rouge River

August 8, 2016 1. SUMMARY The Ontario Government called a provincial by-election for September 1, 2016 in the Scarborough-Rouge River riding. Let’s use this provincial by-election as a great opportunity to raise disability accessibility issues with all candidates, to get the Government to kick-start stalled efforts at getting Ontario back on schedule for full accessibility … Continue reading Action Kit for Raising Disability Accessibility Issues in the September 1, 2016 Ontario By-election in Scarborough-Rouge River

Tell Us What Accessibility Barriers You Have Faced in Ontario’s Health Care System –We’re Preparing a Brief for the Wynne Government – and – Learn What Happened at the Wynne Government’s “pre-Consultation” on the Promised Health Care Accessibility Standard, and About the Government’s Earlier “Pre-Pre-Consultation on Health Care Barriers that Didn’t Consult Patients with Disabilities

August 4, 2016 SUMMARY We are preparing a brief for the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario on the barriers that people with disabilities face in the health care system. This is part of the Government’s “pre-consultation” on the Health Care Accessibility Standard that the Wynne Government promised 18 months ago to create under the Accessibility for … Continue reading Tell Us What Accessibility Barriers You Have Faced in Ontario’s Health Care System –We’re Preparing a Brief for the Wynne Government – and – Learn What Happened at the Wynne Government’s “pre-Consultation” on the Promised Health Care Accessibility Standard, and About the Government’s Earlier “Pre-Pre-Consultation on Health Care Barriers that Didn’t Consult Patients with Disabilities

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

More Delays on the Road to an Accessible Ontario Health Care System– The Wynne Government Announces Unnecessary “Pre-Consultation on Health Care Accessibility Barriers, Before Appointing the Overdue Standards Development Committee to Consult on Barriers in Ontario’s Health Care System —

July 6, 2016 SUMMARY 1. At a Glance Yesterday the Wynne Government announced an unheard-of “pre-consultation” on what accessibility barriers the promised Health Care Accessibility Standard should address. It is holding a “pre-consultation” on this, before it appoints a mandatory Standards Development Committee to hold a consultation on this same topic. It is doing so … Continue reading More Delays on the Road to an Accessible Ontario Health Care System– The Wynne Government Announces Unnecessary “Pre-Consultation on Health Care Accessibility Barriers, Before Appointing the Overdue Standards Development Committee to Consult on Barriers in Ontario’s Health Care System —

Take a Look at the May and June 2016 Newsletters from Barrier-Free Canada

June 28, 2016 SUMMARY Below we share with you the May and June 2016 newsletters from Barrier-Free Canada. The AODA Alliance is proud to serve as the Ontario affiliate of Barrier-Free Canada. These newsletters show that the Federal Government is moving ahead with enthusiasm on its pledge to enact the Canadians with Disabilities Act after … Continue reading Take a Look at the May and June 2016 Newsletters from Barrier-Free Canada

Toronto Star Reports on Wynne Government Weakening the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard, and on Toronto Transit Commission Delays in Ensuring Accessibility of Public Transit in Canada’s Largest City

June 23, 2016 SUMMARY Two important Toronto Star reports this week illustrate how far Ontario falls short of the Wynne Government’s claim to be a global leader on disability accessibility. These news reports come just eight and a half years before the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s mandatory 2025 deadline for the Ontario Government … Continue reading Toronto Star Reports on Wynne Government Weakening the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard, and on Toronto Transit Commission Delays in Ensuring Accessibility of Public Transit in Canada’s Largest City

Premier Wynne Appoints Tracy MacCharles as Ontario’s First Minister of Accessibility for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities – Will Premier Wynne Instruct Her to Take the Actions Needed to Get Ontario Back on Schedule for Full Accessibility By 2025 – The Deadline that Ontario’s Accessibility Law Sets?

June 13, 2016 SUMMARY June 13, 2016 – Toronto: In today’s mid-term Cabinet shuffle, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne appointed Tracy MacCharles as Ontario’s first virtually stand-alone Accessibility Minister. This took place on the 11th anniversary of the day when Ontario’s accessibility law, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), went into force. Two successive Government-appointed Independent … Continue reading Premier Wynne Appoints Tracy MacCharles as Ontario’s First Minister of Accessibility for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities – Will Premier Wynne Instruct Her to Take the Actions Needed to Get Ontario Back on Schedule for Full Accessibility By 2025 – The Deadline that Ontario’s Accessibility Law Sets?

Further Reflections on the Wynne Government’s Weakening the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard and Premier Wynne’s Broken Promise Never to Weaken Protections or Provisions We’d Won In or Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

June 10, 2016 SUMMARY Several days after it revised the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard, the Wynne Government has issued a broadcast email to make public its amendments to that accessibility standard. We set out that email below. We were not able to also set out below the attachments to that email, because, contrary to … Continue reading Further Reflections on the Wynne Government’s Weakening the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard and Premier Wynne’s Broken Promise Never to Weaken Protections or Provisions We’d Won In or Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

A Sad Game-Changer for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities – Premier Kathleen Wynne Breaks a Solemn Written Promise She Gave to People with Disabilities While Running for Ontario Liberal Leadership, to Never Weaken Any Protections We’d Won In or Under Ontario’s Disabilities Act

June 7, 2016 SUMMARY We have reached a deeply troubling turning point along the long and arduous road to a fully accessible Ontario. Yesterday Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne broke a fundamentally important promise she made to Ontarians with disabilities three and a half years ago, when she was running for leadership of the Ontario Liberal … Continue reading A Sad Game-Changer for 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities – Premier Kathleen Wynne Breaks a Solemn Written Promise She Gave to People with Disabilities While Running for Ontario Liberal Leadership, to Never Weaken Any Protections We’d Won In or Under Ontario’s Disabilities Act

Wynne Government Makes Limited Accessibility Amendments to 11 of Ontario’s 750 Statutes, but Unjustifiably Rejects 11 Additional Accessibility Amendments the NDP Proposed at Our Request – What Are the Wynne Government’s Future Plans to Keep Its Promise to Find and Fix the Accessibility Barriers in All Ontario Laws?

May 9, 2016 SUMMARY In April, 2016, the Wynne Government made modest amendments to eleven Ontario laws to address some accessibility barriers in those laws. We encourage you to read the text of the Wynne Government’s actual amendments to 11 Ontario statutes, included in its 2016 Budget bill. We commend the Government for making these changes. … Continue reading Wynne Government Makes Limited Accessibility Amendments to 11 of Ontario’s 750 Statutes, but Unjustifiably Rejects 11 Additional Accessibility Amendments the NDP Proposed at Our Request – What Are the Wynne Government’s Future Plans to Keep Its Promise to Find and Fix the Accessibility Barriers in All Ontario Laws?

Join in May 12 2016 Free Webinar on Advocating for Accessibility in Ontario, Hosted by Citizens with Disabilities Ontario – And More Tips to Help the “Picture Our Barriers” Campaign

May 6, 2016 SUMMARY Here is the latest on progress on the AODA Alliance’s blitz to get Ontario MPPs to help us beef up the sluggish implementation and enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We also want to share ways you can quickly and easily help us with this campaign. 1. Log … Continue reading Join in May 12 2016 Free Webinar on Advocating for Accessibility in Ontario, Hosted by Citizens with Disabilities Ontario – And More Tips to Help the “Picture Our Barriers” Campaign

Even More Media Coverage of Problems with Accessible Customer Service in Ontario and the Wynne Government’s Failure to Take the Action that 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Need – What the Media Reported and What You Can Do to Help This Cause

April 22, 2016 SUMMARY 1. More Media Coverage on Recurring Denials of Accessible Customer Service in Ontario Recent media coverage, set out below, once again shows the harm Ontarians with disabilities must suffer, because of the Wynne Government’s ongoing failure to keep its promise to effectively enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This … Continue reading Even More Media Coverage of Problems with Accessible Customer Service in Ontario and the Wynne Government’s Failure to Take the Action that 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Need – What the Media Reported and What You Can Do to Help This Cause

The Wynne Government Wants the AODA Alliance to Volunteer its Time to Give Input on its Flawed Proposal for a Private Accessibility Certification Process, but Charges $120 to Give Us Basic Information We’ve Requested About That Program that We Are Entitled to Get Under the Freedom of Information Act

April 5, 2016 SUMMARY Here’s more Government action that contradicts Premier Wynne’s promise to ensure that hers is the most open and transparent government in Canada. The Economic Development Ministry has told AODA Alliance chair David Lepofsky that he must pay $120 to get basic information about the Government’s action on its problematic proposal that … Continue reading The Wynne Government Wants the AODA Alliance to Volunteer its Time to Give Input on its Flawed Proposal for a Private Accessibility Certification Process, but Charges $120 to Give Us Basic Information We’ve Requested About That Program that We Are Entitled to Get Under the Freedom of Information Act

New Federal Budget Commits 2 Million Dollars to Federal Government Consultation on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act in 2016-17

March 31, 2016 SUMMARY 1. New Federal Budget is Another Important Step on the Road to the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act In its first budget, which Finance Minister Morneau announced in Parliament on March 22, 2016, the Justin Trudeau Government repeated its 2015 election pledge to enact the Canadians with Disabilities Act. It specifically … Continue reading New Federal Budget Commits 2 Million Dollars to Federal Government Consultation on the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act in 2016-17

Come to the April 12, 2016 Mississauga Accessibility Public Forum – and – Barrier-Free BC Holds Its Major Kick-Off Event in British Columbia on April 6, 2016

March 30, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Come to the April 12, 2016 Mississauga Accessibility Public Forum to Help Our Grassroots Effort to Kick-Start Sluggish Ontario Government Action on Accessibility On Tuesday, April 12, 2016, from 7 to 9 pm, a public forum on accessibility for people with disabilities will be held in Mississauga at the Mississauga … Continue reading Come to the April 12, 2016 Mississauga Accessibility Public Forum – and – Barrier-Free BC Holds Its Major Kick-Off Event in British Columbia on April 6, 2016

Please Tell the Wynne Government if You Support the List of Readily-Achievable Improvements to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard that the AODA Alliance and ARCH Disability Law Centre Have Jointly Submitted to the Economic Development Minister

March 18, 2016 SUMMARY A joint March 15, 2016 brief has been submitted to Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid by the AODA Alliance and the ARCH Disability Law Centre. It lists a list of readily-achievable improvements to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard, enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This proposal shows … Continue reading Please Tell the Wynne Government if You Support the List of Readily-Achievable Improvements to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard that the AODA Alliance and ARCH Disability Law Centre Have Jointly Submitted to the Economic Development Minister

Click Here to Download in MS Word Format the New March 15, 2016 Brief to the Wynne Government on Its Proposed Revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard, prepared jointly Jointly by the AODA Alliance and the ARCH Disability Law Centre

Click Here to Download in MS Word Format the New March 15, 2016 Brief to the Wynne Government on Its Proposed Revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard, prepared jointly Jointly by the AODA Alliance and the ARCH Disability Law Centre

Nine Years after the Ontario Government Promises to Review All Ontario Laws for Accessibility Barriers, the Wynne Government Proposes Modest Legislative Changes to 11 Laws , To Be Fast-Tracked Through the Legislature

March 16, 2016 SUMMARY In the 2007 Ontario election, Ontario’s Liberal Government, led by Premier Dalton McGuinty, promised that the Government would review all Ontario laws for accessibility barriers. That includes 750 statutes and many more regulations. Some nine years later, the Government has only reviewed 51 of the 750 Ontario statutes. It chose to … Continue reading Nine Years after the Ontario Government Promises to Review All Ontario Laws for Accessibility Barriers, the Wynne Government Proposes Modest Legislative Changes to 11 Laws , To Be Fast-Tracked Through the Legislature

Please Send Feedback to Barrier-Free Canada on a NEW Discussion Paper on What the Canadians with Disabilities Act Should Include

March 15, 2016 SUMMARY We are delighted to share with you a new Discussion Paper on what the Canadians with Disabilities Act, promised to Canadians by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, should include. This Discussion Paper draws on experience with accessibility laws in Ontario and Manitoba, and elsewhere around the world. It is built on the … Continue reading Please Send Feedback to Barrier-Free Canada on a NEW Discussion Paper on What the Canadians with Disabilities Act Should Include

AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Files Appeal to the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner to Contest the Economic Development Ministry’s $4,250 Fee to Fully Answer His June 4, 2015 Freedom of Information Application, Which Sought Updated Information on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s Implementation and Enforcement

March 10, 2016 SUMMARY Premier Wynne promised that hers would be the most open and transparent government in Canada. Here is the latest development in the seemingly-endless saga of the AODA Alliance’s efforts to get up-to-date information from the Wynne Government on its implementation and enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. On … Continue reading AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Files Appeal to the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner to Contest the Economic Development Ministry’s $4,250 Fee to Fully Answer His June 4, 2015 Freedom of Information Application, Which Sought Updated Information on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s Implementation and Enforcement

Click here to download in MS Word format AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s memorandum of argument on his March 10 2016 appeal to theOntario Information and Privacy Commissioner from the Economic Development Ministry’s refusal to waive its $4,250 feeto fully answer his June 4, 2015 Freedom of Information application

Click here to download in MS Word format AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s memorandum of argument on his March 10 2016 appeal to theOntario Information and Privacy Commissioner from the Economic Development Ministry’s refusal to waive its $4,250 feeto fully answer his June 4, 2015 Freedom of Information application

Send Us Feedback on Our Latest Draft Brief to the Wynne Government on Proposed Revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard — and — On YouTube, You Can Now Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s March 3, 2016 Interview on The Agenda With Steve Paikin

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario March 4, 2016 SUMMARY 1. We Need Your Feedback Fast! We eagerly want your feedback on our latest draft brief to the Wynne Government on its weak proposed revisions to the already-weak 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard. … Continue reading Send Us Feedback on Our Latest Draft Brief to the Wynne Government on Proposed Revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard — and — On YouTube, You Can Now Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s March 3, 2016 Interview on The Agenda With Steve Paikin

Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky on TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” Tonight at 8 or 11 PM or Later on YouTube, Talking about the Need for the Wynne Government to Create an Education Accessibility Standard – and – Insufficient Government Action on Accessibility Comes up During Budget Debates in the Ontario Legislature

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario March 3, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s Twenty-Minute Interview Tonight at 8 or 11 PM on TVO’s “The Agenda With Steve Paikin” Or Later on YouTube Please encourage friends, family and total strangers … Continue reading Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky on TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” Tonight at 8 or 11 PM or Later on YouTube, Talking about the Need for the Wynne Government to Create an Education Accessibility Standard – and – Insufficient Government Action on Accessibility Comes up During Budget Debates in the Ontario Legislature

List of email addresses and Twitter handles for major news outlets

Ontario News Media – Print/Online: The Canadian Press Email: editorial@thecanadianpress.com Twitter: @CdnPress The Globe and Mail Email: Newsroom@globeandmail.com Twitter: @globeandmail Hamilton Spectator Email: news@thespec.com Twitter: @TheSpec The London Free Press Email: [contact via www.lfpress.com/ugc/submission] Twitter: @LFPress Metro Toronto Email: readers@metronews.ca; toronto@metronews.ca Twitter: @metrotoronto National Post Email: letters@nationalpost.com Twitter: @nationalpost Ottawa Citizen Email: letters@ottawacitizen.com Twitter: @OttawaCitizen … Continue reading List of email addresses and Twitter handles for major news outlets

List of the email addresses and Twitter handles for all members of the Ontario legislature as of February 28, 2016, broken down by political party

Below are the email addresses and Twitter handles for all Ontario MPPs as of February 28, 2016, broken down by their political party, and then listed in alphabetical order for each party. LIBERAL PARTY OF ONTARIO Albanese, Laura – Liberal Party (York South—Weston) Email: lalbanese.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Twitter: @Laura_Albanese Anderson, Granville – Liberal Party (Durham) Email: ganderson.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org … Continue reading List of the email addresses and Twitter handles for all members of the Ontario legislature as of February 28, 2016, broken down by political party

List of the email addresses and Twitter handles for all members of the Ontario legislature as of February 28, 2016, sorted alphabetically

Here are the email addresses and Twitter handles for all Ontairo MPP’s as of February 28,2016, listed in alphabetical order by the MPPs’ last names. Albanese, Laura – Liberal Party (York South—Weston) Email: lalbanese.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Twitter: @Laura_Albanese Anderson, Granville – Liberal Party (Durham) Email: ganderson.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Twitter: @GranvilleMPP Armstrong, Teresa J. – NDP (London—Fanshawe) Email: tarmstrong-co@ndp.on.ca Twitter: … Continue reading List of the email addresses and Twitter handles for all members of the Ontario legislature as of February 28, 2016, sorted alphabetically

Come to March 3 University of Windsor Accessibility Forum, March 7 York University Accessibility Forum or March 12 Ryerson Accessibility Panel – Get Your Nearby University, Community College or Other Community Organization to Hold An Accessibility Forum! – and – Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky on TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” on March 3 2016!

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 28, 2016 SUMMARY 1. Three Great Accessibility Advocacy Training Events in a Row and How to Get Started Planning One in Your Community Here are three great community events in rapid succession that will help our … Continue reading Come to March 3 University of Windsor Accessibility Forum, March 7 York University Accessibility Forum or March 12 Ryerson Accessibility Panel – Get Your Nearby University, Community College or Other Community Organization to Hold An Accessibility Forum! – and – Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky on TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” on March 3 2016!

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Action Kit “Picture Our Barriers” Action Kit

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 26, 2016 I. Introduction The Ontario Government’s effort to make Ontario fully accessible to over 1.8 million people with disabilities has slowed to a crawl, mired in lethargy and bureaucracy. A widely-respected Independent Review that the … Continue reading Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Action Kit “Picture Our Barriers” Action Kit

Analysis of the May 2015 Initial Report of the Wynne Government’s Partnership Council on Employment for People with Disabilities, and of the Government’s Response to It – A Legacy of Years of Delay and Government Lethargy in the Face of Cruel Rates of Unemployment Facing People with Disabilities

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 19, 2016 I. Introduction and Summary Why is the Wynne Government doing so little on increasing stunning levels of unemployment chronically facing people with disabilities? On November 28, 2014, former Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley (the … Continue reading Analysis of the May 2015 Initial Report of the Wynne Government’s Partnership Council on Employment for People with Disabilities, and of the Government’s Response to It – A Legacy of Years of Delay and Government Lethargy in the Face of Cruel Rates of Unemployment Facing People with Disabilities

News Release: On Third Anniversary of Premier Wynne’s First Throne Speech, that Promised Increased Employment for Ontarians with Disabilities Is a Priority, the AODA Alliance Releases a Detailed Analysis Showing Three Years of Government Dithering and Delay, Despite Declarations by the Wynne Government’s Special Advisor on Disability, Former Lieutenant-Governor David Onley, that the Unemployment Rate Facing People with Disabilities Is a National Shame

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 19, 2016 Toronto: Three years ago today, in her first Throne Speech after becoming Ontario Premier, Kathleen Wynne signaled great hope to over 1.8 million Ontarians with disabilities, when her Government committed to set, as a … Continue reading News Release: On Third Anniversary of Premier Wynne’s First Throne Speech, that Promised Increased Employment for Ontarians with Disabilities Is a Priority, the AODA Alliance Releases a Detailed Analysis Showing Three Years of Government Dithering and Delay, Despite Declarations by the Wynne Government’s Special Advisor on Disability, Former Lieutenant-Governor David Onley, that the Unemployment Rate Facing People with Disabilities Is a National Shame

One Year Ago Today the Wynne Government Released the Report of the Mayo Moran Independent Review of Ontario’s Disabilities Act – One Year Later, Scant Progress Shown on the Moran Report’s Strong Recommendations For Substantial Improvements to the Disabilities Act’s Implementation

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, 2016 SUMMARY What a difference a year makes? In the case of the Wynne Government’s implementation and enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, unfortunately, not much. One year ago today, on February … Continue reading One Year Ago Today the Wynne Government Released the Report of the Mayo Moran Independent Review of Ontario’s Disabilities Act – One Year Later, Scant Progress Shown on the Moran Report’s Strong Recommendations For Substantial Improvements to the Disabilities Act’s Implementation

Government Email Reveals Wynne Government is Paying Deloitte A Staggering $415,000 to Consult on a Proposal to Establish a Private Accessibility Certification Process – Wynne Government’s Spending Priorities Are Questionable As It Continues to Drop the Ball on Keeping Its Promise to Effectively Enforce Ontario’s Accessibility Law

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 12, 2016 SUMMARY 1. The News and Why It Matters The Wynne Government has questionable spending priorities, when it comes to fulfilling its duty under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to lead Ontario to … Continue reading Government Email Reveals Wynne Government is Paying Deloitte A Staggering $415,000 to Consult on a Proposal to Establish a Private Accessibility Certification Process – Wynne Government’s Spending Priorities Are Questionable As It Continues to Drop the Ball on Keeping Its Promise to Effectively Enforce Ontario’s Accessibility Law

The Wynne Government Gives the Public up to March 14, 2016 to Comment on the Text of Proposed Regulations that Would Revise Ontario Accessibility Standards – The Wynne Government Barrels Ahead with Plans to Break Kathleen Wynne’s Promise Not to Weaken Accessibility Protections

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 5, 2016 SUMMARY We need your help, and soon! On January 29, 2016, the Wynne Government posted online for public comment a draft of a regulation it proposes to enact under the Accessibility for Ontarians with … Continue reading The Wynne Government Gives the Public up to March 14, 2016 to Comment on the Text of Proposed Regulations that Would Revise Ontario Accessibility Standards – The Wynne Government Barrels Ahead with Plans to Break Kathleen Wynne’s Promise Not to Weaken Accessibility Protections

AODA Alliance Sends the Deloitte Company its Submission on the First Phase of the Deloitte Company’s Public Consultation on the Wynne Government’s Problem-Ridden Proposal to Fund a New Private Accessibility Certification Process – Deloitte’s Draft Report on its Consultations to Date is Seriously Flawed and Ignores or Rejects the AODA Alliance’s Key Input

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 1, 2016 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has finalized and submitted its initial submission on the Wynne Government’s problem-ridden proposal to establish and fund a private accessibility certification process in Ontario. We sent our written feedback to … Continue reading AODA Alliance Sends the Deloitte Company its Submission on the First Phase of the Deloitte Company’s Public Consultation on the Wynne Government’s Problem-Ridden Proposal to Fund a New Private Accessibility Certification Process – Deloitte’s Draft Report on its Consultations to Date is Seriously Flawed and Ignores or Rejects the AODA Alliance’s Key Input

Toronto Star Reports on Massive Private Sector Violations of Ontario’s Disability Accessibility Law and Continued Weak Enforcement – Wynne Government’s Reported Response Is Quite Troubling

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 27, 2016 SUMMARY An excellent article published in the Toronto Star one month ago, while the AODA Alliance email Update service was off on holidays, remains current and important! The Toronto Star’s December 14, 2015 edition … Continue reading Toronto Star Reports on Massive Private Sector Violations of Ontario’s Disability Accessibility Law and Continued Weak Enforcement – Wynne Government’s Reported Response Is Quite Troubling

Barrier-Free Canada’s January 2016 Newsletter Fills You in on Progress to Date in the Campaign for the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act and Offers Tips on How You Can Help

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 21, 2016 SUMMARY Below we set out the January 2016 Barrier-Free Canada Newsletter. The AODA Alliance is proud to be the Ontario affiliate of Barrier-Free Canada, and to help with the campaign to win a strong, … Continue reading Barrier-Free Canada’s January 2016 Newsletter Fills You in on Progress to Date in the Campaign for the Promised Canadians with Disabilities Act and Offers Tips on How You Can Help

Wynne Government Refuses to Waive Its $4,250 Fee for Fully Answering AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s Freedom of Information Application Seeking Important Government Records on the AODA’s Implementation and Enforcement – Lepofsky Asks the Wynne Government to Reconsider This Refusal

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 18, 2016 SUMMARY When it comes to the accessibility rights of people with disabilities, how free is Freedom of Information in Ontario? Is Premier Wynne keeping her promise to ensure that hers is the most open … Continue reading Wynne Government Refuses to Waive Its $4,250 Fee for Fully Answering AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s Freedom of Information Application Seeking Important Government Records on the AODA’s Implementation and Enforcement – Lepofsky Asks the Wynne Government to Reconsider This Refusal

Wynne Government Extends Time For Feedback on Troubling Proposed changes to Accessibility Standards, But Doesn’t Publicize This Extension – and – Why Not Organize a Public Forum to Rally Grassroots Action to advocate for Disability Accessibility Like the Kingston Area Public Forum Queens University Is Hosting On January 22, 2016?

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 8, 2016 SUMMARY 1. There Is Still Time to Tell the Wynne Government If You Share Our Concerns with Troubling Proposed Changes to Accessibility Standards in Place in Ontario Here’s some good news: The Wynne Government … Continue reading Wynne Government Extends Time For Feedback on Troubling Proposed changes to Accessibility Standards, But Doesn’t Publicize This Extension – and – Why Not Organize a Public Forum to Rally Grassroots Action to advocate for Disability Accessibility Like the Kingston Area Public Forum Queens University Is Hosting On January 22, 2016?

The AODA Alliance Writes Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid to Request Important Information Regarding the Wynne Government’s Consultation on its Problematic Proposal to Establish a Private Accessibility certification Process in Ontario –And – The AODA Alliance Goes Radio Silent for the Holidays!

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario December 5, 2015 SUMMARY 1. Asking the Wynne Government for Important Background on the Deloitte Firm’s Consultation Regarding the Government’s Proposal to Create a Private Accessibility Certification Process On December 5, 2015, the AODA Alliance wrote Economic … Continue reading The AODA Alliance Writes Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid to Request Important Information Regarding the Wynne Government’s Consultation on its Problematic Proposal to Establish a Private Accessibility certification Process in Ontario –And – The AODA Alliance Goes Radio Silent for the Holidays!

Please Let the Wynne Government Know If You Support the AODA Alliance’s Finalized Submission on the Government’s Problematic Proposed Amendments to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard and the 2011 Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario December 4, 2015 SUMMARY Back on November 9, 2015, the Wynne Government posted for public comment a short summary of amendments that it proposes to make to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard and the 2011 Integrated … Continue reading Please Let the Wynne Government Know If You Support the AODA Alliance’s Finalized Submission on the Government’s Problematic Proposed Amendments to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard and the 2011 Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation

The AODA Alliance Issues a News Release about Newly-Secured Government Documents that Show the Wynne Government Continues With Paltry Enforcement of Ontario’s Disabilities Act, Despite Three Years of Rampant Private Sector Violations and 1.3 Million Dollars Left Unspent that Could Buy Lots More 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 December 3, 2015 SUMMARY To mark December 3, 2015, the International Day for People with Disabilities, the AODA Alliance has issued a news release. It makes public documents obtained from the Wynne Government showing that it still … Continue reading The AODA Alliance Issues a News Release about Newly-Secured Government Documents that Show the Wynne Government Continues With Paltry Enforcement of Ontario’s Disabilities Act, Despite Three Years of Rampant Private Sector Violations and 1.3 Million Dollars Left Unspent that Could Buy Lots More Enforcement

Should the Wynne Government Create a Private Accessibility Certification Process? – Send Feedback on Our Draft Response Demonstrating Its Serious Problems — Better for the Government to Keep Unkept Promise to Effectively Enforce the AODA

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 25, 2015 SUMMARY 1. Wynne Government Hires the Deloitte Firm to Consult You On November 16, 2015, the Wynne Government announced that it has launched a public consultation on its proposal that the Government create a … Continue reading Should the Wynne Government Create a Private Accessibility Certification Process? – Send Feedback on Our Draft Response Demonstrating Its Serious Problems — Better for the Government to Keep Unkept Promise to Effectively Enforce the AODA

Wynne Government Seeks Public Feedback on Its Proposals to Amend Two Accessibility Standards that Would Do Little for People with Disabilities But would Break an Important Promise to Ontarians with Disabilities – Send the AODA Alliance Your Input on Our Draft Response to the Government’s Proposals by November 27, 2015

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 20, 2015 SUMMARY On November 9, 2015, the Wynne Government made an important and deeply disturbing announcement. It posted online a short and problematic five-page summary of amendments it proposes to make to the 2007 Customer … Continue reading Wynne Government Seeks Public Feedback on Its Proposals to Amend Two Accessibility Standards that Would Do Little for People with Disabilities But would Break an Important Promise to Ontarians with Disabilities – Send the AODA Alliance Your Input on Our Draft Response to the Government’s Proposals by November 27, 2015

Here We Go Again – Premier Kathleen Wynne Promised The Most Open Government In Canada, But Her Economic Development Ministry Asks AODA Alliance Chair to Pay $4,200 To Fully Answer His June 4, 2015 Freedom Of Information Application On The Implementation And Enforcement Of The Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act – And – Other Accessibility News

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 5, 2015 SUMMARY 1. History Repeats Itself Again in Ontario… Unfortunately! Back on June 4, 2015, AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky had to resort to filing a Freedom of Information application to get comprehensive current information … Continue reading Here We Go Again – Premier Kathleen Wynne Promised The Most Open Government In Canada, But Her Economic Development Ministry Asks AODA Alliance Chair to Pay $4,200 To Fully Answer His June 4, 2015 Freedom Of Information Application On The Implementation And Enforcement Of The Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act – And – Other Accessibility News

Wynne Government Commendably Announces Targeted AODA Enforcement Blitz on Workplace Barriers Aimed at Large Retail Establishments in Ontario – What Could This Mean for the Campaign to Make Ontario Fully Accessible for 1.8 Million People with Disabilities?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 2, 2015 SUMMARY On October 5, 2015, the Wynne Government issued a News Release and Backgrounder announcing a targeted Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) enforcement initiative. We set out the Government’s announcement below. What … Continue reading Wynne Government Commendably Announces Targeted AODA Enforcement Blitz on Workplace Barriers Aimed at Large Retail Establishments in Ontario – What Could This Mean for the Campaign to Make Ontario Fully Accessible for 1.8 Million People with Disabilities?

Barrier-Free Canada Announces Next Steps in Campaign for Canadians with Disabilities Act after Canada Elects A New Federal Government that Promised a National Disability Law

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 20, 2015 Below we set out the latest announcement from Barrier-Free Canada. Barrier-Free Canada/Canada Sans Barrière www.barrierfreecanada.org info@barrierfreecanada.org A Non-Partisan Campaign for a Barrier-Free Canada for All Persons with Disabilities New Canadian Parliament Is Elected with … Continue reading Barrier-Free Canada Announces Next Steps in Campaign for Canadians with Disabilities Act after Canada Elects A New Federal Government that Promised a National Disability Law

Full Accessibility of Voting in the October 19, 2015 Federal Canadian Election Remains an Unacceptable Uncertainty for Voters with Disabilities

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 16, 2015 SUMMARY In the final days leading up to the October 19, 2015 federal election, voters with disabilities still have no assurance from Elections Canada that the vote will be fully accessible to them. This … Continue reading Full Accessibility of Voting in the October 19, 2015 Federal Canadian Election Remains an Unacceptable Uncertainty for Voters with Disabilities

Federal Liberal party Promises to Introduce Canadians with Disabilities Act – Time for Federal Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois to Make the Same Promise

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 5, 2015 SUMMARY Below we set out a major announcement from Barrier-Free Canada. Barrier-Free Canada/Canada Sans Barrière www.barrierfreecanada.org info@barrierfreecanada.org A Non-Partisan Campaign for a Barrier-Free Canada for All Persons with Disabilities Liberal Party Promises to Introduce … Continue reading Federal Liberal party Promises to Introduce Canadians with Disabilities Act – Time for Federal Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois to Make the Same Promise

Breaking News in the Campaign for a Barrier-Free Canada – Federal NDP Announces It will Support Enactment of the Canadians with Disabilities Act – Will the Liberals, Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois Do So 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 September 29, 2015 We are pleased to share with you the latest Update from Barrier-Free Canada, set out below. Barrier-Free Canada/Canada Sans Barrière www.barrierfreecanada.org info@barrierfreecanada.org A Non-Partisan Campaign for a Barrier-Free Canada for All Persons with Disabilities … Continue reading Breaking News in the Campaign for a Barrier-Free Canada – Federal NDP Announces It will Support Enactment of the Canadians with Disabilities Act – Will the Liberals, Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois Do So Too?

Use Three Great New Tools in This Federal Election to Support Passage of a Strong Canadians with Disabilities Act: Barrier-Free Canada’s News Release and New One-Page Leaflet, and Motion Before Toronto City Council to Support Passage of the Canadians 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 September 24, 2015 Summary Here’s even more accessibility news for you as the last four weeks are under way, leading to Canada’s October 19, 2015 election. 1. Circulate the New Barrier-Free Canada News Release On September 24, … Continue reading Use Three Great New Tools in This Federal Election to Support Passage of a Strong Canadians with Disabilities Act: Barrier-Free Canada’s News Release and New One-Page Leaflet, and Motion Before Toronto City Council to Support Passage of the Canadians with Disabilities Act

Attend September 29, 2015 Toronto All Candidates’ Debate on Federal Election’s Disability Issues – and – More Media Coverage on Federal and Provincial Disability Accessibility Campaigns – and – AODA Alliance News Release on Tonight’s TTC Accessible Transit Public Forum

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 16, 2015 Summary Here’s another grab bag of recent developments on the disability accessibility front, both federally and provincially. Below you will find: * The announcement of the September 29, 2015 Toronto All Candidates’ Debate on … Continue reading Attend September 29, 2015 Toronto All Candidates’ Debate on Federal Election’s Disability Issues – and – More Media Coverage on Federal and Provincial Disability Accessibility Campaigns – and – AODA Alliance News Release on Tonight’s TTC Accessible Transit Public Forum

Attend the Toronto Transit Commission’s September 16, 2015 Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit to Recount Accessibility Barriers You Face on TTC – Are Public Transit Authorities across Ontario All Annually Holding these Mandatory Public Forums for Public Transit Riders with Disabilities?

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 9, 2015 Summary Below we set out TTC’s web announcement of its 2015 Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit, to be held on the evening of September 16, 2015. We encourage anyone in the Toronto area … Continue reading Attend the Toronto Transit Commission’s September 16, 2015 Annual Public Forum on Accessible Transit to Recount Accessibility Barriers You Face on TTC – Are Public Transit Authorities across Ontario All Annually Holding these Mandatory Public Forums for Public Transit Riders with Disabilities?

Support for the Call for a Canadians with Disabilities Act During this Federal Election is Spreading – Help this Blitz –and – Please Also Make Public Any Disability Accessibility Barriers you Encounter in this Canada Election Campaign

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 4, 2015 Summary Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Update United for a Barrier-Free Ontario for All People with Disabilities 1. Action Is Spreading in the Non-Partisan Blitz During this Federal Election to win a … Continue reading Support for the Call for a Canadians with Disabilities Act During this Federal Election is Spreading – Help this Blitz –and – Please Also Make Public Any Disability Accessibility Barriers you Encounter in this Canada Election Campaign

In the current Campaign for the Ontario Simcoe North By-Election, Urge New Conservative Leader Patrick Brown to Commit to Support the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005

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 29, 2015 Summary Even though most are focused on the current federal election in Canada, an Ontario by-election is being held in the Simcoe North riding on September 3, 2015. New Ontario Conservative leader Patrick Brown … Continue reading In the current Campaign for the Ontario Simcoe North By-Election, Urge New Conservative Leader Patrick Brown to Commit to Support the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005

During this Federal Election, Join the Call for Passage of a Canadians with Disabilities Act – Use and Widely Circulate Barrier-Free Canada’s New Election Action Kit

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 26, 2015 Summary Barrier-Free Canada, our non-partisan partner at the federal level, just made public an excellent new Election Action Kit. We set it out below. It gives you great tips on how to advocate for … Continue reading During this Federal Election, Join the Call for Passage of a Canadians with Disabilities Act – Use and Widely Circulate Barrier-Free Canada’s New Election Action Kit

Toronto Star Runs Guest Column by AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Reflecting on Toronto 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games’ Accessibility Issues

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 20, 2015 Summary The August 20, 2015 Toronto Star includes a new guest column by AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky, set out below. This column reflects back on accessibility issues surrounding the Toronto 2015 Pan/ParaPan American … Continue reading Toronto Star Runs Guest Column by AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Reflecting on Toronto 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games’ Accessibility Issues

Still More Media Coverage of Toronto 2015 Games Accessibility Issues As the Games Conclude – AODA Alliance Writes the Toronto 2015 Organizing Committee for Specifics on Important Accessibility Issues

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 18, 2015 Summary The amazing 2015 Toronto ParaPan American Games have now wound up. Accessibility issues surrounding them still deserve our attention. Here are some key developments in the Games’ last days. A. More Great Media … Continue reading Still More Media Coverage of Toronto 2015 Games Accessibility Issues As the Games Conclude – AODA Alliance Writes the Toronto 2015 Organizing Committee for Specifics on Important Accessibility Issues

Toronto 2015 Organization Confirms It’s Not Good Enough for Games Stadiums To Be Accessible – An Accessibility Legacy for the Toronto 2015 Games Should Also Include Improved Accessibility to Tourism and Hospitality Services – and Other Accessibility News about the 2015 ParaPan American Games

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 11, 2015 Summary 1. Toronto 2015 Organizing Committee Concedes that it’s Not Good Enough to Ensure Accessible ParaPan American Games Stadiums – Accessibility of Community Tourism and Hospitality Establishments Must Also Be Improved We have received … Continue reading Toronto 2015 Organization Confirms It’s Not Good Enough for Games Stadiums To Be Accessible – An Accessibility Legacy for the Toronto 2015 Games Should Also Include Improved Accessibility to Tourism and Hospitality Services – and Other Accessibility News about the 2015 ParaPan American Games

Toronto 2015 Pan/ParaPan Am Games Official Website Lacks Required Accessibility for People with Disabilities – Flying in the Face of Wynne Government’s Claim These Are the Most Accessible ParaPan American Games Ever

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 6, 2015 Summary On the eve of the Toronto 2015 ParaPan American Games, and despite Wynne Government claims that these will be “The Most Accessible Parapan Am Games Ever,” the Toronto 2015 website inexcusably lacks full … Continue reading Toronto 2015 Pan/ParaPan Am Games Official Website Lacks Required Accessibility for People with Disabilities – Flying in the Face of Wynne Government’s Claim These Are the Most Accessible ParaPan American Games Ever

AODA Alliance Makes Public a “Reality Check” on the Wynne Government’s August 4, 2015 News Release Re the Upcoming Toronto 2015 ParaPan American Games – Government Claims on Its Accessibility Accomplishments Are Overstated

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 5, 2015 Summary In an August 4, 2015 news release (set out at the end of this Update), the Wynne Government claims that the upcoming Toronto 2015 ParaPan American Games will be “The Most Accessible Parapan … Continue reading AODA Alliance Makes Public a “Reality Check” on the Wynne Government’s August 4, 2015 News Release Re the Upcoming Toronto 2015 ParaPan American Games – Government Claims on Its Accessibility Accomplishments Are Overstated

Despite All the Official Rejoicing, Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Sadly Missed a Huge Chance for a Great Legacy for Ontarians with Disabilities by Failing to Increase Accessibility of Tourism/Hospitality Venues like Restaurants and Stores – Before any 2024 Toronto Olympic Bid, Ontario Must Ensure It Doesn’t Repeat This Wasteful Mistake

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 28, 2015 Summary Toronto: Despite all the official self-congratulation over the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, Ontario inexcusably missed a huge chance to create a lasting Games legacy of increased accessibility of tourism/hospitality services (like restaurants, … Continue reading Despite All the Official Rejoicing, Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Sadly Missed a Huge Chance for a Great Legacy for Ontarians with Disabilities by Failing to Increase Accessibility of Tourism/Hospitality Venues like Restaurants and Stores – Before any 2024 Toronto Olympic Bid, Ontario Must Ensure It Doesn’t Repeat This Wasteful Mistake

The Wave of Action on Disability Accessibility Gradually Spreads Across Canada – But Still Lots To Do to Get All Governments to Take Needed 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 June 29, 2015 Summary What is happening across Canada on the accessibility front for people with disabilities? That is the focus of our last AODA Alliance Update before a summer break. In this Update, we take a … Continue reading The Wave of Action on Disability Accessibility Gradually Spreads Across Canada – But Still Lots To Do to Get All Governments to Take Needed Action

Two Preventable Accessibility Problems Facing Tourists with Disabilities Already Surfaced for the Toronto 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games – The Media Had To Shine a Spotlight on Them Before They Were Addressed

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 22, 2015 Summary The Wynne Government has said that the Toronto 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games give Ontario a great chance to showcase for the world the globe-leading progress Ontario is making towards becoming fully accessible to … Continue reading Two Preventable Accessibility Problems Facing Tourists with Disabilities Already Surfaced for the Toronto 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games – The Media Had To Shine a Spotlight on Them Before They Were Addressed

Yet More Proof that the Wynne Government is Inexcusably Doing Nothing to Get More Restaurants, Stores and Other Tourism/Hospitality Services to Become Accessible to Customers with Disabilities Before the Toronto 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games – And – More News on Accessibility and the Toronto 2015 Games

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 15, 2015 Summary When a government spends huge amounts on an international sport competition like the Toronto 2015 Pan/ ParaPan American Games, the public wants a long-term return on its investment. The long-term improvements left behind … Continue reading Yet More Proof that the Wynne Government is Inexcusably Doing Nothing to Get More Restaurants, Stores and Other Tourism/Hospitality Services to Become Accessible to Customers with Disabilities Before the Toronto 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games – And – More News on Accessibility and the Toronto 2015 Games

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

AODA Alliance Chair Files New Freedom of Information Application with the Ontario Government Ministry Responsible for Implementing and Enforcing 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 June 9, 2015 Summary Now that the Ontario Government has announced its June 3, 2015 Accessibility Action Plan in response to the final report of the Mayo Moran AODA Independent Review, should we sit back and rest? … Continue reading AODA Alliance Chair Files New Freedom of Information Application with the Ontario Government Ministry Responsible for Implementing and Enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

More and More Media Coverage of Our Accessibility Campaign During National Access Awareness Week — and — Further Reflections on the Government’s June 3, 2015 Accessibility Action Plan

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 6, 2015 Summary What a National Access Awareness Week we’ve had! 1. A Barrage of Great Media Coverage of Disability Accessibility Issues We Could Not Have Expected! Over this past week, we were covered in the … Continue reading More and More Media Coverage of Our Accessibility Campaign During National Access Awareness Week — and — Further Reflections on the Government’s June 3, 2015 Accessibility Action Plan

NDP MPP Percy Hatfield Introduces a Private Member’s Bill into the Ontario Legislature to Make it Easier for Businesses to Make Their Premises Accessible to Customers and Employees with Disabilities

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 Here’s more news on a busy day on the accessibility front. As a great way to help advance the cause of accessibility for people with disabilities during this National Access Awareness Week, and … Continue reading NDP MPP Percy Hatfield Introduces a Private Member’s Bill into the Ontario Legislature to Make it Easier for Businesses to Make Their Premises Accessible to Customers and Employees with Disabilities

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

Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Chief Commissioner Endorses the AODA Alliance’s Call to Ensure a Legacy of Improved Tourism/ Hospitality Accessibility for the 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American Games, While Former Premier David Peterson Reportedly Confirms the Games Are $56 Million Under Budget – Yet Still No Announced Ontario Government Strategy to Ensure Greater Accessibility of Tourism/Hospitality Services as Hundreds of Thousands Expected to Come to the Greater Toronto Area for the 2015 Games

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 22, 2015 Summary On Thursday, May 21, 2015, internationally celebrated as Global Access Awareness Day, the interim Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Ruth Goba, released an important public statement on disability accessibility. She … Continue reading Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Chief Commissioner Endorses the AODA Alliance’s Call to Ensure a Legacy of Improved Tourism/ Hospitality Accessibility for the 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American Games, While Former Premier David Peterson Reportedly Confirms the Games Are $56 Million Under Budget – Yet Still No Announced Ontario Government Strategy to Ensure Greater Accessibility of Tourism/Hospitality Services as Hundreds of Thousands Expected to Come to the Greater Toronto Area for the 2015 Games

Please Support Barrier-Free Canada –A New Disability Coalition that Advocates for a nation-wide Canadians with Disabilities Act – And – More News on the Ontario Accessibility Front

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 21, 2015 Summary 1. Introducing You to Barrier-Free Canada – why Not Get in Touch? Ever since the movement began over 20 years ago for an Ontario accessibility law, we have been asked over and over: … Continue reading Please Support Barrier-Free Canada –A New Disability Coalition that Advocates for a nation-wide Canadians with Disabilities Act – And – More News on the Ontario Accessibility Front

In the Wake of the AODA’s 10th Anniversary, Accessibility Comes up in the Legislature’s Question Period, in the 2015 Ontario Budget and in More Recent Media Coverage – The Wynne Government Claims Ontario is “Number One” in the World in Taking Action on Accessibility, Yet the Moran AODA Independent Review Says this Law Hasn’t Had a Significant Impact on People with Disabilities

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 15, 2015 Summary In the wake of the 10th anniversary of the historic vote when the Ontario Legislature passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, here’s a recap of recent developments in our ongoing campaign … Continue reading In the Wake of the AODA’s 10th Anniversary, Accessibility Comes up in the Legislature’s Question Period, in the 2015 Ontario Budget and in More Recent Media Coverage – The Wynne Government Claims Ontario is “Number One” in the World in Taking Action on Accessibility, Yet the Moran AODA Independent Review Says this Law Hasn’t Had a Significant Impact on People with Disabilities

Honouring the Memory of Barb Turnbull – A Champion for Accessibility for People with Disabilities

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 13, 2015 Summary We today honour the memory of Toronto journalist, and disability accessibility advocate extraordinaire, Barb Turnbull. She died far too young, at the age of 50, on Sunday May 10, 2015. She exemplified how … Continue reading Honouring the Memory of Barb Turnbull – A Champion for Accessibility for People with Disabilities

AODA Alliance Marks Tenth Anniversary of the Legislature’s Historic Unanimous Passage of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act by Issuing a News Release and Official Statement Calling for the Government to Release a Detailed Plan to Ensure Ontario Reaches 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 May 8, 2015 Summary Two key dates approach. Each marks ten years since the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was passed. Sunday, May 10, 2015 marks ten years since the day when the Ontario Legislature … Continue reading AODA Alliance Marks Tenth Anniversary of the Legislature’s Historic Unanimous Passage of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act by Issuing a News Release and Official Statement Calling for the Government to Release a Detailed Plan to Ensure Ontario Reaches Full Accessibility by 2025

Part 2 of the AODA Alliance’s Detailed Analysis of the Final Report of the Mayo Moran Independent Review of the Implementation and Enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – Major Recommendations in the Moran Report that We Do Not Support

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 1, 2015 Part 2: Major Findings and Recommendations in the Moran Report that We Do Not Support OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY In September 2013, the Ontario Government appointed Professor Mayo Moran to conduct a mandatory Independent Review … Continue reading Part 2 of the AODA Alliance’s Detailed Analysis of the Final Report of the Mayo Moran Independent Review of the Implementation and Enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – Major Recommendations in the Moran Report that We Do Not Support

Part 1 of the AODA Alliance’s Detailed Analysis of the Final Report of the Mayo Moran Independent Review of the Implementation and Enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act — Major Findings and Recommendations in the Moran Report that We Support

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario April 29, 2015 Part 1: Major Findings and Recommendations in the Moran Report that We Support OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY In September, 2013, the Ontario Government appointed Professor Mayo Moran to conduct an Independent Review of its implementation … Continue reading Part 1 of the AODA Alliance’s Detailed Analysis of the Final Report of the Mayo Moran Independent Review of the Implementation and Enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act — Major Findings and Recommendations in the Moran Report that We Support

Yet More Superb Media Coverage of the Need for the Wynne Government to Strengthen Enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and of the Accessibility Barriers that Persist in the Lead-Up to the 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American Games

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario April 10, 2015 Summary Fully five months ago, the final report of the Mayo Moran Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Independent Review told the Wynne Government that ten years of its implementing the AODA has … Continue reading Yet More Superb Media Coverage of the Need for the Wynne Government to Strengthen Enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and of the Accessibility Barriers that Persist in the Lead-Up to the 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American Games

Media Reports that a Guelph Children’s Play Centre Refused to Accommodate A Child with Cerebral Palsy – Another Illustration of How Far Ontario Still Must Go to Be the “World Leader on Accessibility” that the Wynne Government Claims We Have Become

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario April 1, 2015 Summary 1. Reports of Another Denial of Accessibility in Ontario Is Ontario the global leader on accessibility for people with disabilities that the Wynne Government claims we are? In the past three days, the … Continue reading Media Reports that a Guelph Children’s Play Centre Refused to Accommodate A Child with Cerebral Palsy – Another Illustration of How Far Ontario Still Must Go to Be the “World Leader on Accessibility” that the Wynne Government Claims We Have Become

Amazing Media Coverage of More Toronto Restaurants Refusing Blind Customers with Guide Dogs Shows Toronto Is Not Ready to Host 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games – Wynne Government Still Won’t Strengthen, Not Weaken, Enforcement of Disabilities Act Even Though 2015 Toronto Games Are Fast Approaching

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario March 27, 2015 Summary Over the past two weeks, Global TV’s Toronto evening news has run an amazing series of seven reports by reporter Christina Stevens, on the subject of disability accessibility. Below, we set out the … Continue reading Amazing Media Coverage of More Toronto Restaurants Refusing Blind Customers with Guide Dogs Shows Toronto Is Not Ready to Host 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games – Wynne Government Still Won’t Strengthen, Not Weaken, Enforcement of Disabilities Act Even Though 2015 Toronto Games Are Fast Approaching

Call the New Ontario Government Toll-Free Line to Report AODA Violations – We Campaigned Over Two Years to Win This Toll-Free Number!

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario March 23, 2015 Summary The Ontario Government only has 9 years, 10 months and 8 days left to lead Ontario to become fully accessible to 1.8 million Ontarians with disabilities by 2025, as the Accessibility for Ontarians … Continue reading Call the New Ontario Government Toll-Free Line to Report AODA Violations – We Campaigned Over Two Years to Win This Toll-Free Number!

Still More Great Media Coverage and NDP Critic’s Response Against Ontario Government Plans to Cut Back on Already-Inadequate AODA Enforcement – and – Our Response to More Government Comments in Defence of Its Stance on AODA 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 March 9, 2015 Summary The Ontario Government only has 9 years, 10 months and 22 days left to lead Ontario to become fully accessible to 1.8 million Ontarians with disabilities. Our campaign to get Ontario back on … Continue reading Still More Great Media Coverage and NDP Critic’s Response Against Ontario Government Plans to Cut Back on Already-Inadequate AODA Enforcement – and – Our Response to More Government Comments in Defence of Its Stance on AODA Enforcement

12th Newspaper Editorial since 1998 Backs Our Accessibility Campaign –Toronto Star Publishes New Editorial Blasting the Ontario Government for Cutting Back on AODA Enforcement – and – AODA Alliance’s Reaction to Economic Development Minister’s February 26, 2015 Interview on CBC Toronto Radio’s Metro Morning Program

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario March 2, 2015 Summary With only 9 years, 10 months and 29 days left for the Government to lead Ontario to become fully accessible by 2025, we bring you the latest news. On February 28, 2015, the … Continue reading 12th Newspaper Editorial since 1998 Backs Our Accessibility Campaign –Toronto Star Publishes New Editorial Blasting the Ontario Government for Cutting Back on AODA Enforcement – and – AODA Alliance’s Reaction to Economic Development Minister’s February 26, 2015 Interview on CBC Toronto Radio’s Metro Morning Program

AODA Alliance Asks Candidates for Leadership of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party to Make Commitments on Disability Accessibility

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 23, 2015 Summary 1. AODA Alliance Writes Each Candidate for Leadership of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party On February 22, 2015, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance wrote the three candidates now running for … Continue reading AODA Alliance Asks Candidates for Leadership of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party to Make Commitments on Disability Accessibility

Despite Mayo Moran Independent Review Report Recommending that Ontario Should Beef Up Enforcement, the Wynne Government Plans to Cut Back on Enforcement of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Even Though Violations of this Law Remain Rampant Among Private Sector Organizations with At Least Twenty Employees – and – Wynne Government at Last Has a Toll-Free Phone Number the Public Can Call to Report AODA Violations – But You would not Know that from the Government’s Website, or from the Audio Announcement When You Call that Number

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 25, 2015 Summary With only 9 years, 10 months and 3 days left for the Government to lead Ontario to become fully accessible for people with disabilities by 2025, the Ontario Government has taken the backwards … Continue reading Despite Mayo Moran Independent Review Report Recommending that Ontario Should Beef Up Enforcement, the Wynne Government Plans to Cut Back on Enforcement of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Even Though Violations of this Law Remain Rampant Among Private Sector Organizations with At Least Twenty Employees – and – Wynne Government at Last Has a Toll-Free Phone Number the Public Can Call to Report AODA Violations – But You would not Know that from the Government’s Website, or from the Audio Announcement When You Call that Number

Send Your Member of the Ontario Legislature the Great Media Coverage of the Final Report of Mayo Moran’s Independent Review of the Implementation and Enforcement of 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 February 17, 2015 Summary 1. Great New Media Coverage on the Need for Premier Wynne to Show Strong New Leadership on Disability Accessibility Here’s yet another quick and easy way you can help our grassroots blitz to … Continue reading Send Your Member of the Ontario Legislature the Great Media Coverage of the Final Report of Mayo Moran’s Independent Review of the Implementation and Enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

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

News Release Government-Commissioned Independent Report Shows Serious Problems with Ontario Government’s Implementation of Disabilities Accessibility Law – Report Calls for Premier Wynne to Now Directly Take Charge and Show Strong New Leadership to Ensure 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Reach Full Accessibility By 2025

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 13, 2015 Toronto: Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Government must take bold new action now, to lead the province to become fully accessible to over 1.8 million Ontarians with disabilities, if Ontario is to become fully accessible by 2025, according to the detailed … Continue reading News Release Government-Commissioned Independent Report Shows Serious Problems with Ontario Government’s Implementation of Disabilities Accessibility Law – Report Calls for Premier Wynne to Now Directly Take Charge and Show Strong New Leadership to Ensure 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities Reach Full Accessibility By 2025

A Great New Tool in Our New Blitz to Get Every Member of the Ontario Legislature to Press the Government for New Action on Disability Accessibility – Now Available On Youtube: TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” Featuring an Interview with Former Lieutenant Governor David Onley and AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky

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 6, 2015 Summary TVOntario has posted on YouTube the 26-minute interview that aired on “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” on February 2, 2015. Leading journalist Steve Paikin interviewed former Lieutenant Governor, David Onley and Accessibility for … Continue reading A Great New Tool in Our New Blitz to Get Every Member of the Ontario Legislature to Press the Government for New Action on Disability Accessibility – Now Available On Youtube: TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” Featuring an Interview with Former Lieutenant Governor David Onley and AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky

Watch The Agenda With Steve Paikin Tonight on TV Ontario, Featuring Interview with Former Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley and AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky – and – Great Recent News Articles on Disability Barriers Show How You Can Help Us Get More Media Coverage of The Campaign to Make Ontario Fully Accessible

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 2, 2015 Summary 1. Catch Great Coverage Tonight on the Fight to Make Ontario Barrier-free for Ontarians with Disabilities on TVOntario Tonight at 8 and 11 pm, Ontario’s highly-influential provincial public affairs program, TVOntario’s “The Agenda … Continue reading Watch The Agenda With Steve Paikin Tonight on TV Ontario, Featuring Interview with Former Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley and AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky – and – Great Recent News Articles on Disability Barriers Show How You Can Help Us Get More Media Coverage of The Campaign to Make Ontario Fully Accessible

Please Use and Widely Circulate the AODA Alliance’s New Action Kit Which We Unveil Today – and – Watch Former Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley and AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Interviewed Together on TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” Monday February 2, 2015

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 30, 2015 Summary 1. Our New Action Kit is Ready for You! Today we unveil an important new ten-page Action Kit, set out below. It gives you easy-to-use tips on how to reach out to your … Continue reading Please Use and Widely Circulate the AODA Alliance’s New Action Kit Which We Unveil Today – and – Watch Former Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley and AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Interviewed Together on TVOntario’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” Monday February 2, 2015

Contact Information for Members of the Ontario Legislature as of January 20, 2015

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario Note: Please check the Ontario Legislature’s website for any changes to this list since January 20, 2015 Laura Albanese York South–Weston lalbanese.mpp@liberal.ola.org Ministry Ministry of Finance 7th Floor, Frost Building South 7 Queen’s Park Crescent Toronto, Ontario … Continue reading Contact Information for Members of the Ontario Legislature as of January 20, 2015

Watch Captioned Videos of Last Fall’s Queen’s Park Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Ontario’s Grassroots Campaign for Strong Accessibility Legislation and AODA Alliance Presses the Wynne Government for Current, Detailed Information on Its Enforcement of 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 22, 2015 Summary 1. If You Couldn’t Attend the November 28, 2014 Queen’s Park Celebration of Our Accessibility Campaign’s 20th Anniversary, You Can Now Enjoy Captioned Videos of it On YouTube On Friday, November 28, 2014, … Continue reading Watch Captioned Videos of Last Fall’s Queen’s Park Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Ontario’s Grassroots Campaign for Strong Accessibility Legislation and AODA Alliance Presses the Wynne Government for Current, Detailed Information on Its Enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Premier Wynne and Economic Develop Minister Duguid Respond to AODA Alliance’s Detail Proposals to Get Ontario Back on Schedule for Full Disability Accessibility by 2025 – But the Government’s Responses Largely Trumpet Insufficient Past Government Action Instead of Adopting Our Action Recommendations – There’s No Government Plan in Effect that Will Ensure Full Accessibility By 2025 and fulfill the Government’s Unkept Accessibility Promises

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 20, 2015 Summary Only 9 years and 345 days remain before January 1, 2025. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act AODA requires the Ontario Government to have led Ontario to become fully accessible to people … Continue reading Premier Wynne and Economic Develop Minister Duguid Respond to AODA Alliance’s Detail Proposals to Get Ontario Back on Schedule for Full Disability Accessibility by 2025 – But the Government’s Responses Largely Trumpet Insufficient Past Government Action Instead of Adopting Our Action Recommendations – There’s No Government Plan in Effect that Will Ensure Full Accessibility By 2025 and fulfill the Government’s Unkept Accessibility Promises

Read Premier Kathleen Wynne’s December 23, 2014 Letter to the AODA Alliance

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario Note: Premier Wynne’s letter, set out below, answers the AODA Alliance’s September 19, 2014 letter to her, and its summer 2014 letters to ten of her cabinet ministers. Those AODA Alliance letters can all be found at … Continue reading Read Premier Kathleen Wynne’s December 23, 2014 Letter to the AODA Alliance

Read Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid’s December 8, 2014 Letter to the AODA Alliance.

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario Note: Minister Duguid indicates that he is responding to the AODA Alliance’s May 2, 2014 letter to his predecessor, Economic Development Minister Eric Hoskins. To read the AODA Alliance’s May 2, 2014 letter to former Economic Development … Continue reading Read Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid’s December 8, 2014 Letter to the AODA Alliance.

2014 Year-End Retrospective on Our Non-Partisan Campaign for Disability Accessibility – And More News from the Accessibility Front Lines

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario December 5, 2014 Summary This is the AODA Alliance’s final Update for 2014. We thank one and all for reading or skimming our Updates, for passing them on to others, and for being part of our non-stop … Continue reading 2014 Year-End Retrospective on Our Non-Partisan Campaign for Disability Accessibility – And More News from the Accessibility Front Lines

You can Now Watch the Captioned Video of the AODA Alliance’s November 28, 2014 Queen’s Park News Conference on Youtube.

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario December 3, 2014 Summary Looking for a news story that fits perfectly for today, the International Day for People with Disabilities? It’s available right on your computer or smart phone. Watch the hard-hitting 30 minute long news … Continue reading You can Now Watch the Captioned Video of the AODA Alliance’s November 28, 2014 Queen’s Park News Conference on Youtube.

While the Ontario Government Continues Multi-Year Dithering on Accessibility Rather than Keeping Its Promise to Effectively Enforce Ontario’s Accessibility Legislation, the City of Toronto Wrongly Orders a Downtown Restaurant to Remove Its Wheelchair Ramp – If Only the Ontario Government Enforced Accessibility As Swiftly and Vigorously as the City of Toronto Enforces Inaccessibility!

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario December 1, 2014 Summary At the same time as the Ontario Government under Premier Kathleen Wynne continues to break its promise to effectively enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the City of Toronto is busy … Continue reading While the Ontario Government Continues Multi-Year Dithering on Accessibility Rather than Keeping Its Promise to Effectively Enforce Ontario’s Accessibility Legislation, the City of Toronto Wrongly Orders a Downtown Restaurant to Remove Its Wheelchair Ramp – If Only the Ontario Government Enforced Accessibility As Swiftly and Vigorously as the City of Toronto Enforces Inaccessibility!

AODA Alliance Holds Successful Celebration at Queen’s Park to Mark the 20th Anniversary of the Birth of Ontario’s Non-Partisan Movement for Strong Disability Accessibility Legislation

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 28, 2014 Summary Today, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the AODA Alliance held a wonderfully successful gathering at Queen’s Park to celebrate the birth on November 29, 1994 of Ontario’s tireless grassroots movement for a fully … Continue reading AODA Alliance Holds Successful Celebration at Queen’s Park to Mark the 20th Anniversary of the Birth of Ontario’s Non-Partisan Movement for Strong Disability Accessibility Legislation

20 Years of Tenaciously Campaigning to Tear down Barriers Impeding over 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 27, 2014 Summary 1982 Ontario Human Rights Code amended, to make it illegal to discriminate because of physical or mental disability.  Charter of Rights enacted, including right to equality for people with mental or physical disabilities. … Continue reading 20 Years of Tenaciously Campaigning to Tear down Barriers Impeding over 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities

Ontarians With Disabilities To Converge On Queen’s Park 10 A.M. Friday November 28, 2014 For 20th Anniversary Of Tenacious Campaign To Make Ontario Fully Accessible To Over 1.8 Million Ontarians With Disabilities, And To Unveil New Accessibility Blitz At 11:30 A.M. News Conference.

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 27, 2014 Summary November 27, 2014 Toronto: Ontarians with disabilities will converge on Queen’s Park, rooms 228 and 230, at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 28, 2014, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the … Continue reading Ontarians With Disabilities To Converge On Queen’s Park 10 A.M. Friday November 28, 2014 For 20th Anniversary Of Tenacious Campaign To Make Ontario Fully Accessible To Over 1.8 Million Ontarians With Disabilities, And To Unveil New Accessibility Blitz At 11:30 A.M. News Conference.

Toronto Star Runs An Amazing Column on Tomorrow’s Celebration at Queens’s Park for the 20th Anniversary of the Grassroots Campaign for a Fully-Accessible Ontario for All People with Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 27, 2014 Summary On Thursday, November 27, 2014, the Toronto Star ran a wonderful column by senior Star journalist Bob Hepburn on the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Ontario’s grassroots non-partisan campaign to make Ontario … Continue reading Toronto Star Runs An Amazing Column on Tomorrow’s Celebration at Queens’s Park for the 20th Anniversary of the Grassroots Campaign for a Fully-Accessible Ontario for All People with Disabilities

NDP MPP Cindy Forster Grills Premier Wynne in the Legislature on Why Her Mandate Letters’ Marching Orders to Her Cabinet Ministers Leave out Most Government Promises on Disability Accessibility – Premier Ducks the Question – Economic Development Minister Says Premier Wynne Ordered Her “Loud and Clear” to Effectively Enforce the 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 November 20, 2014 Summary When we cannot get the Government to answer important questions on the implementation and enforcement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, it is unfortunately sometimes necessary to resort to asking opposition … Continue reading NDP MPP Cindy Forster Grills Premier Wynne in the Legislature on Why Her Mandate Letters’ Marching Orders to Her Cabinet Ministers Leave out Most Government Promises on Disability Accessibility – Premier Ducks the Question – Economic Development Minister Says Premier Wynne Ordered Her “Loud and Clear” to Effectively Enforce the Disabilities Act

One Year Ago Today We Revealed that the Wynne Government Knew Staggering 70% of Private Sector Organizations with 20 or More Employees Were Violating Disabilities Act – But No Effective Enforcement, Despite Election Promises – One Year Later, the Government Quietly Posts a Paltry Plan for AODA Enforcement that Falls Short of Its 2014 Election Pledge

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 18, 2014 Summary One year ago today, on November 18, 2013, we revealed and the Toronto Star reported that the Ontario Government had known for months that fully 70% of Ontario private sector organizations with at … Continue reading One Year Ago Today We Revealed that the Wynne Government Knew Staggering 70% of Private Sector Organizations with 20 or More Employees Were Violating Disabilities Act – But No Effective Enforcement, Despite Election Promises – One Year Later, the Government Quietly Posts a Paltry Plan for AODA Enforcement that Falls Short of Its 2014 Election Pledge

The Accessibility Standards Advisory Council Submits Weak, Ineffective and Counter-productive Final Recommendations to the Ontario Government for Proposed Revisions to the Customer Service Accessibility Standard – The AODA Alliance Calls on the Government to Keep Its Promise Not to Weaken any Existing Accessibility Protections

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 12, 2014 Summary We regret to have to report to you about yet another major lost opportunity on the accessibility front in Ontario. This is especially troubling as Ontario continues to rudderlessly languish behind schedule for … Continue reading The Accessibility Standards Advisory Council Submits Weak, Ineffective and Counter-productive Final Recommendations to the Ontario Government for Proposed Revisions to the Customer Service Accessibility Standard – The AODA Alliance Calls on the Government to Keep Its Promise Not to Weaken any Existing Accessibility Protections

Still Time to RSVP to Attend Our Friday, November 28, 2014 Queen’s Park Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Disabilities Act Movement – and – David Onley Appointed the Ontario Government’s New Special Advisor on Accessibility

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 10, 2014 Summary 1. Still Time to RSVP, to Attend Our November 28, 2014 Queen’s Park Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Birth of the Tenacious Grassroots Movement to Make Ontario Become Fully Accessible to … Continue reading Still Time to RSVP to Attend Our Friday, November 28, 2014 Queen’s Park Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Disabilities Act Movement – and – David Onley Appointed the Ontario Government’s New Special Advisor on Accessibility

Wynne Government Ignores Yet another Election Promise to Over 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 7, 2014 Summary The Ontario Government under Premier Wynne has ignored yet another election promise to over 1.8 million Ontarians with disabilities. On Thursday, November 6, 2014, the Government appointed a new person to serve as … Continue reading Wynne Government Ignores Yet another Election Promise to Over 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities

Join us at Queen’s Park Friday November 28, 2014 to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Birth of the Grassroots Movement in Ontario for a Strong Disability Accessibility Law – RSVP IS NECESSARY!

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 24, 2014 Summary The AODA Alliance invites you to join us at the Ontario Legislature Building, Room 228, at Queen’s Park on Friday, November 28, 2014, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., to celebrate the 20th Anniversary … Continue reading Join us at Queen’s Park Friday November 28, 2014 to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Birth of the Grassroots Movement in Ontario for a Strong Disability Accessibility Law – RSVP IS NECESSARY!

Metrolinx Backs Down! It Waives Its Proposed $250 Fee for Answering the AODA Alliance Chair’s Freedom of Information Application Regarding the Creation of New Accessibility/Safety Barriers on the Eglinton Crosstown Subway – Within Two Hours of Our Publicizing Metrolinx’s Attempt to Extract That Fee – And A Week of Great Media on Accessibility Issues Coverage on Accessibility

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 20, 2014 Summary 1. Metrolinx Backs Down – Open Government Can Really Mean Open Government! On Friday, October 17, 2014, Metrolinx contacted AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky to let him know that Metrolinx President/Chief Executive Officer … Continue reading Metrolinx Backs Down! It Waives Its Proposed $250 Fee for Answering the AODA Alliance Chair’s Freedom of Information Application Regarding the Creation of New Accessibility/Safety Barriers on the Eglinton Crosstown Subway – Within Two Hours of Our Publicizing Metrolinx’s Attempt to Extract That Fee – And A Week of Great Media on Accessibility Issues Coverage on Accessibility

Despite Promising to be the Most Open and Transparent Government in Canada, Wynne Government Again Tries Charging a Hefty Fee to Give Answers on Its Promises on Disability Accessibility – Metrolinx Asks AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky to pay $250 Just to Find Out Why Metrolinx Designed Several Stations on the New Eglinton Crosstown Line with Accessibility/Safety Problems

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 17, 2014 Summary Defying Premier Wynne’s instructions to all Cabinet ministers to be “the most open and transparent government in the country,” Metrolinx has asked AODA Alliance chair David Lepofsky to pay $250, just to get … Continue reading Despite Promising to be the Most Open and Transparent Government in Canada, Wynne Government Again Tries Charging a Hefty Fee to Give Answers on Its Promises on Disability Accessibility – Metrolinx Asks AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky to pay $250 Just to Find Out Why Metrolinx Designed Several Stations on the New Eglinton Crosstown Line with Accessibility/Safety Problems

Premier Wynne’s Mandate Letter to Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid Downplays His Duty to Implement and Enforce Ontario’s Disabilities Act Among A Blizzard of Other Ministry 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 October 9, 2014 Summary Brad Duguid, the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, is the newest Ontario Cabinet Minister with lead responsibility for implementing and enforcing the AODA. He is, for example, responsible for leading the … Continue reading Premier Wynne’s Mandate Letter to Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid Downplays His Duty to Implement and Enforce Ontario’s Disabilities Act Among A Blizzard of Other Ministry Priorities

Ten Years Ago Tomorrow, the Ontario Government Introduced Bill 118, Its Proposed Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Into the Ontario Legislature for First Reading

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 11, 2014 Summary Tomorrow marks yet another anniversary of an important milestone on the road to a fully accessible Ontario for over 1.8 million people with disabilities. Ten years ago tomorrow, on October 12, 2004, the … Continue reading Ten Years Ago Tomorrow, the Ontario Government Introduced Bill 118, Its Proposed Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Into the Ontario Legislature for First Reading

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

Premier Wynne Snubs 2014 Written Election Promise to 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities – Her Written Instructions to Each Cabinet Minister on Their Action Priorities Systematically Ignore Many if Not Most Government Promises on Disability Accessibility

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario Summary October 7, 2014 Toronto: Premier Kathleen Wynne has failed to keep an important 2014 election written promise to 1.8 million Ontarians with disabilities, according to the AODA Alliance, a widely-recognized non-partisan disability coalition that leads the … Continue reading Premier Wynne Snubs 2014 Written Election Promise to 1.8 Million Ontarians with Disabilities – Her Written Instructions to Each Cabinet Minister on Their Action Priorities Systematically Ignore Many if Not Most Government Promises on Disability Accessibility

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 the Ontario Treasury Board, the International Trade Minister and the Attorney General 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 19, 2014 Summary As the Ontario Government marches ahead in its new term in power, we have written all key Ontario Government ministries to identify important steps they must take to keep the Government’s promises on … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes the Ontario Treasury Board, the International Trade Minister and the Attorney General to Identify Key Disability Accessibility Priorities for Their Ministries

AODA Alliance Writes the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to Identify Key Accessibility Priorities for that Ministry

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 17, 2014 Summary On September 16, 2014, the AODA Alliance wrote the new Ontario Minister for Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ted McMeekin. In that letter, set out below, we identify key priorities on disability accessibility for … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to Identify Key Accessibility Priorities for that Ministry

AODA Alliance Writes New Ontario Government Services Minister to Urge Action to Make the Ontario Public Service a Fully Accessible Workplace and Provider of Public Services

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 12, 2014 Summary On September 12, 2014, the AODA Alliance wrote Ontario’s new Minister of Government and Consumer Services, David Orazietti. (Letter set out below.) He is the minister responsible for the Ontario Public Service as … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes New Ontario Government Services Minister to Urge Action to Make the Ontario Public Service a Fully Accessible Workplace and Provider of Public Services

On the 20th Anniversary of the Launch of the Public Battle to Get TTC to Announce all Subway Stops, the AODA Alliance Calls on Voters with Disabilities Across Ontario to Seek Strong Accessibility Commitments from Candidates for Mayor, City Council and School Board, in the Lead-Up to the October 27, 2014 Ontario Municipal Elections

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 8, 2014 Summary The grassroots campaign to make Ontario fully accessible to persons with disabilities gets a new focus today. All eligible Ontario voters have a great chance to help speed up efforts on disability accessibility … Continue reading On the 20th Anniversary of the Launch of the Public Battle to Get TTC to Announce all Subway Stops, the AODA Alliance Calls on Voters with Disabilities Across Ontario to Seek Strong Accessibility Commitments from Candidates for Mayor, City Council and School Board, in the Lead-Up to the October 27, 2014 Ontario Municipal Elections

Toronto Star Reports on Wynne Government’s Failure to Ensure an Effective Disability Accessibility Legacy for the 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American Games

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, 2014 Summary On page A-8 of the September 3, 2014 Toronto Star is an excellent article reporting on the Wynne Government’s failure to ensure that the huge public investment in the 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American … Continue reading Toronto Star Reports on Wynne Government’s Failure to Ensure an Effective Disability Accessibility Legacy for the 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American Games

One Full Year to the Day After the Wynne Government Unveiled Its Planned Legacy for the 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American Games, Where is the Comprehensive Plan for a Strong and Lasting Legacy of Improved Disability Accessibility?

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 28, 2014 Summary This is an important anniversary on the road to a fully accessible Ontario, but not a happy one. Today marks one full year since the Wynne Government held a carefully-staged news conference to … Continue reading One Full Year to the Day After the Wynne Government Unveiled Its Planned Legacy for the 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American Games, Where is the Comprehensive Plan for a Strong and Lasting Legacy of Improved Disability Accessibility?

AODA Alliance Chair Resorts to Freedom of Information Application to Unearth the Story on How and Why Metrolinx Designed the New Eglinton Subway with Barriers to Disability Accessibility and Safety

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 27, 2014 Summary On August 22, 2014, David Lepofsky, who serves as the chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, resorted to submitting a Freedom of Information application to Metrolinx. The key part … Continue reading AODA Alliance Chair Resorts to Freedom of Information Application to Unearth the Story on How and Why Metrolinx Designed the New Eglinton Subway with Barriers to Disability Accessibility and Safety

Toronto Star Reports that Metrolinx Designed Underground Eglinton LRT Stations with Troubling and Preventable Barriers to Disability Accessibility and Safety — Metrolinx Refuses to Change These plans Despite the AODA, the Human Rights Code, the Charter of Rights, the Government Ten-Year Infrastructure Plan’s Accessibility Guarantees, and Premier Wynne’s Election Pledge Not to Use Public Money to Create New Accessibility Barriers

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 19, 2014 Summary ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE UPDATE UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO The August 19, 2014 Toronto Star includes a powerful article on disability accessibility. It reports that Metrolinx has designed the … Continue reading Toronto Star Reports that Metrolinx Designed Underground Eglinton LRT Stations with Troubling and Preventable Barriers to Disability Accessibility and Safety — Metrolinx Refuses to Change These plans Despite the AODA, the Human Rights Code, the Charter of Rights, the Government Ten-Year Infrastructure Plan’s Accessibility Guarantees, and Premier Wynne’s Election Pledge Not to Use Public Money to Create New Accessibility Barriers

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

Let the Mayo Moran AODA Independent Review Know if You Endorse the AODA Alliance’s June 30, 2014 Final Brief on the AODA’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 30, 2014 Summary 1. Please Email Mayo Moran to Support our Final Brief We have submitted our June 30, 2014 final brief to the Independent Review of the AODA’s implementation and enforcement. Below we set out … Continue reading Let the Mayo Moran AODA Independent Review Know if You Endorse the AODA Alliance’s June 30, 2014 Final Brief on the AODA’s Implementation and Enforcement

Kicking Off the Next Phase in Our Accessibility Advocacy Efforts — What Premier Wynne Promised — What Opportunities Await us — What We Achieved in the 2014 Election Campaign — and — What’s Next!

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 13, 2014 Summary We congratulate Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Liberal Party on winning a majority government in the June 12, 2014 Ontario general election. We congratulate all candidates from all parties who won a seat … Continue reading Kicking Off the Next Phase in Our Accessibility Advocacy Efforts — What Premier Wynne Promised — What Opportunities Await us — What We Achieved in the 2014 Election Campaign — and — What’s Next!

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.

AODA Alliance Chair’s June 11 2014 Appearance on TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin Now Available to All on YouTube with Captioning — and — Be Sure to Vote!

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, 2014 Summary Here is the link where you can now watch AODA Alliance chair David Lepofsky’s 15 minute interview on TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin program, that aired last night. It focuses on the … Continue reading AODA Alliance Chair’s June 11 2014 Appearance on TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin Now Available to All on YouTube with Captioning — and — Be Sure to Vote!

Media Reports that Conservative Leader Tim Hudak Promises More Jobs for People with Disabilities — But Won’t Promise that He Won’t Cut Accessibility Regulations, Including Standards Aiming at Workplace Accessibility — and — More Disability Barriers to Voting.

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 11, 2014 Summary 1. Yet More Media Coverage of Disability Accessibility Platform Issues on the Day before the 2014 Ontario Election The June 11, 2014 on-line edition of the Toronto Sun reports that on the second-last … Continue reading Media Reports that Conservative Leader Tim Hudak Promises More Jobs for People with Disabilities — But Won’t Promise that He Won’t Cut Accessibility Regulations, Including Standards Aiming at Workplace Accessibility — and — More Disability Barriers to Voting.

Tune in to TVOntario Wednesday June 11, 2014 as AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Appears on The Agenda with Steve Paikin to Discuss Election Accessibility Issues — And — Still More Disability Barriers in this Election.

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 9, 2014 Summary 1. Tune in to TVOntario’s Public Affairs Program “The Agenda with Steve Paikin” on June 11, 2014 at 8 or 11 pm We are delighted that AODA Alliance chair David Lepofsky is scheduled … Continue reading Tune in to TVOntario Wednesday June 11, 2014 as AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky Appears on The Agenda with Steve Paikin to Discuss Election Accessibility Issues — And — Still More Disability Barriers in this Election.

Elections Ontario is Caught Out Using a Toronto Polling Station Location that Lacks Proper Accessibility, After Having Been Warned In Advance

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 6, 2014 Summary 1. More Disability Barriers During this Ontario Election It was bad enough that we had to swing into action during this election campaign due to the possibility of inaccessible All Candidates Debates in … Continue reading Elections Ontario is Caught Out Using a Toronto Polling Station Location that Lacks Proper Accessibility, After Having Been Warned In Advance

Inaccessible All Candidates Debate Held in Cambridge Ontario – Media Reports Disability Advocates Can’t Question Cambridge Candidates About Disability Accessibility Pledges, Because They Cannot Get Into the Event – And – Liberal Candidate Pledges the Liberals Will Create an Education AND Health Care 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 May 31, 2014 Summary Here’s yet more accessibility news from Ontario’s campaign trail, with less than two weeks to go before the June 12, 2014 election. 1. More Problems with Accessibility of All Candidates Debates There is … Continue reading Inaccessible All Candidates Debate Held in Cambridge Ontario – Media Reports Disability Advocates Can’t Question Cambridge Candidates About Disability Accessibility Pledges, Because They Cannot Get Into the Event – And – Liberal Candidate Pledges the Liberals Will Create an Education AND Health Care Accessibility Standard

Our Victory for Accessibility! Come to May 27, 2014 Parkdale-High Park All Candidates’ Debate — To Be Held Outside the Inaccessible Fern Avenue Public School — AND — Send in Questions on Disability Accessibility for the June 3, 2014 Televised Leaders’ Debate — AND — Other Ontario Election Accessibility News

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 26, 2014 Summary Here are quick news items in our non-partisan blitz for accessibility during the lead-up to the June 12, 2014 Ontario general election: * Our advocacy efforts paid off! The May 27, 2014 Parkdale-High … Continue reading Our Victory for Accessibility! Come to May 27, 2014 Parkdale-High Park All Candidates’ Debate — To Be Held Outside the Inaccessible Fern Avenue Public School — AND — Send in Questions on Disability Accessibility for the June 3, 2014 Televised Leaders’ Debate — AND — Other Ontario Election Accessibility News

May 27 2014 All Candidates Debate in Hotly-Contested Toronto Riding Planned for Evidently-Inaccessible Location – NDP Candidate Refuses to Attend – Despite Inaccessibility Liberal Candidate Announced She Will Attend – PC Candidate Hasn’t Responded

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 23, 2014 Summary May 23, 2014 Toronto: We have received troubling word that an All Candidates Debate in an evidently inaccessible location, Fern Avenue Public School, 128 Fern Avenue, Toronto, is scheduled for 7 pm on … Continue reading May 27 2014 All Candidates Debate in Hotly-Contested Toronto Riding Planned for Evidently-Inaccessible Location – NDP Candidate Refuses to Attend – Despite Inaccessibility Liberal Candidate Announced She Will Attend – PC Candidate Hasn’t Responded

Elections Ontario Writes AODA Alliance to Say What It Is Doing to Remove Voting Barriers that Impede Voters with Disabilities – And Other Ontario 2014 Election News on the Accessibility Front

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 22, 2014 Summary Here is a blast of punchy new accessibility news: * Elections Ontario wrote us on May 9 and 21, 2014 to list the voting options available for voters with disabilities. We set out … Continue reading Elections Ontario Writes AODA Alliance to Say What It Is Doing to Remove Voting Barriers that Impede Voters with Disabilities – And Other Ontario 2014 Election News on the Accessibility Front

2014 Ontario Election Action Kit

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario Email: aodafeedback@gmail.com Web: www.www.aodaalliance.org Twitter: @aodaalliance May 20, 2014 Introduction – It’s Time for Grassroots Action! This Election Action Kit gives you quick and easy ways to help our non-partisan campaign to get stronger accessibility pledges from … Continue reading 2014 Ontario Election Action Kit

Click here to read our May 16, 2014 News Release on the Ontario Political Parties’ 2014 Disability Accessibility Election Commitments

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario MAJOR ONTARIO DISABILITY COALITION HOLDS NOVEL ON-LINE VIRTUAL NEWS CONFERENCE MAY 16 11 A.M. EDT TO UNVEIL THE ONTARIO POLITICAL PARTIES’ DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ELECTION PLEDGES TO 1.8 MILLLION ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES May 16, 2014 Toronto: As a … Continue reading Click here to read our May 16, 2014 News Release on the Ontario Political Parties’ 2014 Disability Accessibility Election Commitments

Click here to read the Speaking Notes for the AODA Alliance’s May 16, 2014 Virtual News Conference on the 2014 Election’s Disability Accessibility Issues

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario Proposed Remarks by AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky for the May 16, 2014 Virtual News Conference May 16, 2014 Note: Check against delivery. Where there are any differences between this text and the recorded video of this … Continue reading Click here to read the Speaking Notes for the AODA Alliance’s May 16, 2014 Virtual News Conference on the 2014 Election’s Disability Accessibility Issues

Analysis of the 2014 Election Disability Accessibility Commitments of the Ontario Political Parties

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario Analysis of the 2014 Election Disability Accessibility Commitments of the Ontario Political Parties In providing this analysis, we emphasize that we are a non-partisan coalition. We do not urge voters to support or defeat any party or … Continue reading Analysis of the 2014 Election Disability Accessibility Commitments of the Ontario Political Parties

The AODA Alliance’s Summary of the 2014 Election Pledges on Disability Accessibility from the Parties in the Ontario Legislature

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario Summary of the 2014 Election Disability Accessibility Pledges of the Three Political Parties in the Ontario Legislature In our March 3, 2014 letter to the leaders of the three parties in the Ontario legislature, we sought 19 … Continue reading The AODA Alliance’s Summary of the 2014 Election Pledges on Disability Accessibility from the Parties in the Ontario Legislature

May 11, 2014 letter to the AODA Alliance from NDP Leader Andrea Horwath setting out her party’s 2014 election pledges on disability accessibility

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario David Lepofsky Chair, AODA Alliance 1929 Bayview Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4G 3E8 May 11, 2014 Dear David, Thank you for raising these important issues on behalf of your organization and all Ontarians with a disability. We appreciate … Continue reading May 11, 2014 letter to the AODA Alliance from NDP Leader Andrea Horwath setting out her party’s 2014 election pledges on disability accessibility

Click here to read the May 12, 2014 letter to the AODA Alliance from Progressive Conservative Party leader Tim Hudak, setting out his 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 David Lepofsky, Chair Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance (AODA Alliance) Dear David, The Ontario PC Party is pleased to respond to the AODA Alliance’s survey for the 2014 Ontario election. This campaign is a time … Continue reading Click here to read the May 12, 2014 letter to the AODA Alliance from Progressive Conservative Party leader Tim Hudak, setting out his party’s 2014 disability accessibility election pledges

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

What New Efforts will Elections Ontario Make to Remove Barriers Impeding Voters with Disabilities During the June 12, 2014 Ontario Election?

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 8, 2014 Summary On May 8, 2014, the AODA Alliance wrote Chief Electoral Officer Greg Essensa. We asked for details on any new steps Elections Ontario has taken to ensure that voters with disabilities do not … Continue reading What New Efforts will Elections Ontario Make to Remove Barriers Impeding Voters with Disabilities During the June 12, 2014 Ontario Election?

Compare the Major Ontario Parties’ Records On Disability Accessibility

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 7, 2014 Summary We have asked the major parties in the Ontario June 12, 2014 general election to send us their  platforms on disability accessibility by 5 pm on Friday, May 9, 2014. They have had … Continue reading Compare the Major Ontario Parties’ Records On Disability Accessibility

Please Raise Disability Accessibility Issues with Voters and Candidates Across Ontario! — AODA Alliance Writes Party Leaders to Ask for their Disability Accessibility Platforms in the June 12, 2014 Election, by May 9, 2014

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 4, 2014 Summary On Friday, May 2, 2014, Ontario was plunged into a general provincial election. We are poised to again raise important disability accessibility issues in this election. This is the sixth Ontario general election … Continue reading Please Raise Disability Accessibility Issues with Voters and Candidates Across Ontario! — AODA Alliance Writes Party Leaders to Ask for their Disability Accessibility Platforms in the June 12, 2014 Election, by May 9, 2014

Viewing the May 1, 2014 Ontario Budget Through A Disability Accessibility Lens – Chock-Full of Missed Opportunities to Ensure Ontario Becomes Fully Accessible to People with Disabilities 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 May 2, 2014 Summary With a real possibility of a spring 2014 Ontario general election in the air, the Ontario Government unveiled its 2014 Ontario Budget in the Legislature on May 1, 2014. How does this Ontario … Continue reading Viewing the May 1, 2014 Ontario Budget Through A Disability Accessibility Lens – Chock-Full of Missed Opportunities to Ensure Ontario Becomes Fully Accessible to People with Disabilities by 2025

AODA Alliance Writes Economic Development, Trade and Employment Minister to Request Specific Details on Government Action to Implement and Enforce 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 May 2, 2014 Summary On May 2, 2014, the AODA Alliance wrote Dr. Eric Hoskins, the Ontario Government cabinet minister with lead responsibility for implementing and enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. See the text … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes Economic Development, Trade and Employment Minister to Request Specific Details on Government Action to Implement and Enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Please Email the Ontario Government to Say If You Endorse Our Final Brief on the Initial Proposed Revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard – At Our Request the Government Extended the Deadline to May 22, 2014 to Send Feedback

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario April 8, 2014 Summary We have sent the Ontario Government our finalized April 4, 2014 brief on the initial proposal for revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard. We strongly encourage you to let the Government … Continue reading Please Email the Ontario Government to Say If You Endorse Our Final Brief on the Initial Proposed Revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard – At Our Request the Government Extended the Deadline to May 22, 2014 to Send Feedback

As the Ontario Government Continues to Break its Promise to Effectively Enforce Its Disability Accessibility Law, its Minister Responsible for its Enforcement Introduces New Bill into the Legislature to Cut Regulations on Business – Will Accessibility Safeguards Be Kept off the Chopping Block?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario April 1, 2014 Summary Ontarians with disabilities must remain ever-vigilant. We must stay on the look-out to ensure that hard-won gains on disability accessibility are never eroded, and to ensure that opportunities to promote accessibility for persons … Continue reading As the Ontario Government Continues to Break its Promise to Effectively Enforce Its Disability Accessibility Law, its Minister Responsible for its Enforcement Introduces New Bill into the Legislature to Cut Regulations on Business – Will Accessibility Safeguards Be Kept off the Chopping Block?

Learn All About the History, Strategies, Goals and Gains of Ontario’s Disability Accessibility Movement from the Late 1970s to Early 2014 – Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s On-line Captioned Lecture Series Delivered in Winter 2014

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario March 27, 2014 Summary Would you like to learn all about the history, strategies, goals, gains, and future priorities of Ontario’s vibrant and tenacious grassroots disability accessibility movement? Here is a great way you can do so … Continue reading Learn All About the History, Strategies, Goals and Gains of Ontario’s Disability Accessibility Movement from the Late 1970s to Early 2014 – Watch AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky’s On-line Captioned Lecture Series Delivered in Winter 2014

Please Give Us Feedback on Our Draft Brief on Proposed Revisions to the 2007 customer Service Accessibility Standard Enacted 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 March 19, 2014 Summary Here is another important chance to have your say and to help us advocate on making Ontario truly accessible to persons with disabilities. We today make public a 50-page draft brief that we … Continue reading Please Give Us Feedback on Our Draft Brief on Proposed Revisions to the 2007 customer Service Accessibility Standard Enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Ontario’s Accessibility Standards Advisory Council Announces Public Consultations on Its Initial Proposal for Revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard – But Refuses Our Requests to Make This Consultation More Open, Inclusive and Effective

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario March 14, 2014 Summary 1. Up to April 16, 2014, Give Your Feedback on the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council’s Initial Proposal for Revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard On Monday, March 3, 2014, the Ontario … Continue reading Ontario’s Accessibility Standards Advisory Council Announces Public Consultations on Its Initial Proposal for Revisions to the 2007 Customer Service Accessibility Standard – But Refuses Our Requests to Make This Consultation More Open, Inclusive and Effective

With a Possible Spring Election Looming, AODA Alliance Writes Ontario Party Leaders to Request Election Commitments on Disability Accessibility

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario March 3, 2014 Summary Media reports abound suggesting that there is a good chance that Ontario will have a general election this spring. Ontario’s minority government could be defeated at any time. As a result, we have … Continue reading With a Possible Spring Election Looming, AODA Alliance Writes Ontario Party Leaders to Request Election Commitments on Disability Accessibility

Sign Up for Public Hearings for Dean Mayo Moran’s Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s Implementation and Enforcement in Ottawa, Toronto, London, Thunder Bay and On-Line

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 28, 2014 Summary The Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s implementation and enforcement, conducted by University of Toronto’s Law Dean Mayo Moran, has announced that it will be holding public hearings. These … Continue reading Sign Up for Public Hearings for Dean Mayo Moran’s Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s Implementation and Enforcement in Ottawa, Toronto, London, Thunder Bay and On-Line

Ontario Government Sat on A Detailed Plan for Enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act since at Least May 2012, According to a Front Page Story in the Toronto Star that Quotes the AODA Alliance

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 20, 2014 Summary The Toronto Star today reported on its front page that we revealed that the Ontario Government has since at least May 2012 been sitting on a detailed plan, prepared by public servants, for … Continue reading Ontario Government Sat on A Detailed Plan for Enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act since at Least May 2012, According to a Front Page Story in the Toronto Star that Quotes the AODA Alliance

Upcoming Priorities for Community Action on Disability Accessibility – and – Blizzard of Great Recent Media Coverage

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 18, 2014 Summary Here are upcoming priorities and events that we all need to be ready to address as events unfold over the next weeks. We encourage you to give feedback to the Mayo Moran Independent … Continue reading Upcoming Priorities for Community Action on Disability Accessibility – and – Blizzard of Great Recent Media Coverage

Ontario’s Three Major Parties answer the AODA Alliance’s Survey Seeking Disability Accessibility Commitments in the Two February 13, 2014 By-Elections – Only the NDP Made All Accessibility Commitments We Seek

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 12, 2014 Summary Ontario’s three major political parties with seats in the Ontario Legislature have each responded to the AODA Alliance’s by-election survey questions. We sought disability accessibility commitments in the run-up to the February 13, … Continue reading Ontario’s Three Major Parties answer the AODA Alliance’s Survey Seeking Disability Accessibility Commitments in the Two February 13, 2014 By-Elections – Only the NDP Made All Accessibility Commitments We Seek

Ontario Government’s Promised Plan to Increase Private Sector Employment for Ontarians with Disabilities Turns Out To Be More Delay, Re-Inventing the Wheel, No Teeth and No Imminent Practical Improvements

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 7, 2014 Summary We have learned that to keep its year-old Throne Speech commitment for action to increase employment of Ontarians with disabilities in the private sector, the Ontario Government still has no prompt results in … Continue reading Ontario Government’s Promised Plan to Increase Private Sector Employment for Ontarians with Disabilities Turns Out To Be More Delay, Re-Inventing the Wheel, No Teeth and No Imminent Practical Improvements

Appalling Toronto Star Report of Disability Accessibility Barriers on Greyhound Bus Ride from Toronto to Kitchener Reveals that the Ontario Government Doesn’t Understand or Recall Why It Passed the AODA

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 31, 2014 Summary On the front page of the Wednesday, January 29, 2014 Toronto Star was an appalling story, set out below about inexcusable accessibility barriers that a woman with a disability reportedly suffered, on a … Continue reading Appalling Toronto Star Report of Disability Accessibility Barriers on Greyhound Bus Ride from Toronto to Kitchener Reveals that the Ontario Government Doesn’t Understand or Recall Why It Passed the AODA

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

Action Kit for Raising Disability Accessibility Issues in Two February 13, 2014 Ontario By-Elections

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 26, 2014 1. Summary of this By-Election Action Kit The Ontario Government called two provincial by-elections for February 13, 2014. The parties and media see this as a trial run for a general election that could … Continue reading Action Kit for Raising Disability Accessibility Issues in Two February 13, 2014 Ontario By-Elections

Final 2013 News Roundup from Our Accessibility Campaign

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario December 6, 2013 SUMMARY 2013 has been a fast-paced year full of surprises in our ongoing campaign for a fully accessible Ontario for all people with disabilities. It began in January, with our continued and successful efforts … Continue reading Final 2013 News Roundup from Our Accessibility Campaign

TO MARK DECEMBER 3, THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, THE AODA ALLIANCE ASKS ONTARIO’S POLITICAL PARTIES TO ENDORSE NINE IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES FOR ACTION TOWARD MAKING ONTARIO FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 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 December 3, 2013 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has chosen today, December 3, 2013, the International Day for People with Disabilities, to kick off a new blitz in its non-partisan grassroots campaign to make Ontario fully accessible to … Continue reading TO MARK DECEMBER 3, THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, THE AODA ALLIANCE ASKS ONTARIO’S POLITICAL PARTIES TO ENDORSE NINE IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES FOR ACTION TOWARD MAKING ONTARIO FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY 2025

New Toronto Star Editorial Slams Ontario Government for Not Enforcing Disabilities Act When it Knew Thousands of Private Sector Organizations are Violating It, and When Allocated Funds are Available for Enforcement – Minister Hoskins Now Commits to Enforce the Law

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 21 2013 SUMMARY The November 19, 2013 Toronto Star included a blistering editorial, set out below. It blasts the Ontario Government for failing to effectively enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This failure is … Continue reading New Toronto Star Editorial Slams Ontario Government for Not Enforcing Disabilities Act When it Knew Thousands of Private Sector Organizations are Violating It, and When Allocated Funds are Available for Enforcement – Minister Hoskins Now Commits to Enforce the Law

Ontario Government Knows Staggering 70% of Ontario Private Sector Organizations with 20 or More Employees Violating Disabilities Act’s Reporting Requirement – But No Effective Enforcement, Despite Election Promises, Even Though Ample Unspent Budget for Implementing this Law – See Toronto Star Article and AODA Alliance News Release

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 18 2013 SUMMARY According to an AODA Alliance news release and a November 18, 2013 Toronto Star article, both set out below, the Ontario Government knows that fully 70% of Ontario private sector organizations with at … Continue reading Ontario Government Knows Staggering 70% of Ontario Private Sector Organizations with 20 or More Employees Violating Disabilities Act’s Reporting Requirement – But No Effective Enforcement, Despite Election Promises, Even Though Ample Unspent Budget for Implementing this Law – See Toronto Star Article and AODA Alliance News Release

Read the AODA Alliance’s Oral Presentation to the Manitoba Legislature’s Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development on Bill 26- the Proposed Accessibility for Manitobans Act – And Other News

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for a Barrier-Free Ontario November 7 2013 SUMMARY Here’s the latest: You can read a transcript of our October 29, 2013 presentation to the Manitoba Legislature on Bill 26, the proposed Accessibility for Manitobans Act, set out below. The grassroots campaign … Continue reading Read the AODA Alliance’s Oral Presentation to the Manitoba Legislature’s Standing Committee on Social and Economic Development on Bill 26- the Proposed Accessibility for Manitobans Act – And Other News

New Toronto Star Editorial Backs Our Call for the Ontario Government to Reveal Its Plans for Enforcing 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 November 5 2013 SUMMARY On October 31, 2013, the Toronto Star ran a hard-hitting editorial, set out below. It calls on the Ontario Government to at last make public its plans for enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians … Continue reading New Toronto Star Editorial Backs Our Call for the Ontario Government to Reveal Its Plans for Enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

On the 15th Anniversary of the Landmark Ontario Legislature’s Disabilities Act Resolution, the Wynne Government Refused to Directly Answer an Opposition Question on Why the Government is Charging the AODA Alliance Chair $2,325 to Answer His Freedom of Information Application, for the Government’s Plans for Enforcing the 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 October 30 2013 SUMMARY During Question Period in the Ontario Legislature on October 29, 2013, NDP Opposition MPP Cheri DiNovo tried without success to get answers from the Wynne Government on why the Government wants to charge … Continue reading On the 15th Anniversary of the Landmark Ontario Legislature’s Disabilities Act Resolution, the Wynne Government Refused to Directly Answer an Opposition Question on Why the Government is Charging the AODA Alliance Chair $2,325 to Answer His Freedom of Information Application, for the Government’s Plans for Enforcing the Disabilities Act

On the 15th Anniversary of the Ontario Legislature’s 1998 Pivotal Disabilities Act Resolution, Our Accessibility Campaign Has News in Three Provinces – Ontario Premier Speaks about the Disabilities Act in Toronto – AODA Alliance to Present to Manitoba Legislature’s Standing Committee on Proposed Manitoba Accessibility Law – Public Forum on Campaigning for Promised Nova Scotia Disabilities Law to Be Held In Halifax

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 29 2013 SUMMARY On three different fronts, there is good news to share today, the 15th anniversary of a pivotal day in our campaign to make Ontario fully accessible to all people with disabilities. Fifteen years … Continue reading On the 15th Anniversary of the Ontario Legislature’s 1998 Pivotal Disabilities Act Resolution, Our Accessibility Campaign Has News in Three Provinces – Ontario Premier Speaks about the Disabilities Act in Toronto – AODA Alliance to Present to Manitoba Legislature’s Standing Committee on Proposed Manitoba Accessibility Law – Public Forum on Campaigning for Promised Nova Scotia Disabilities Law to Be Held In Halifax

The Ontario Government Commits to More Open Government, but Keeps Dragging Its Feet on Answering the AODA Alliance Chair’s Freedom of Information Application, Submitted to Unearth the Government’s Plans for Effectively Enforcing 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 October 22 2013 SUMMARY Hard as it may be to believe, we now face yet more delays in our effort to get the Ontario Government to keep its 2003 and 2011 election commitments to effectively enforce the … Continue reading The Ontario Government Commits to More Open Government, but Keeps Dragging Its Feet on Answering the AODA Alliance Chair’s Freedom of Information Application, Submitted to Unearth the Government’s Plans for Effectively Enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Read A Compelling Excerpt on Fighting for Accessibility in Barb Turnbull’s New Memoir – and Other Important News in Our Accessibility Campaign

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 10 2013 SUMMARY 1. Barb Turnbull Tells Her Powerful Story about Fighting for Accessibility Our unstoppable, non-partisan campaign to make Ontario fully accessible for over 1.7 million people with disabilities is so energized and tenacious because … Continue reading Read A Compelling Excerpt on Fighting for Accessibility in Barb Turnbull’s New Memoir – and Other Important News in Our Accessibility Campaign

Wynne Government Proposes to Charge AODA Alliance Chair $2,325 to Answer His Freedom of Information Request on Government Plans for Keeping Its Promise to Effectively Enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – How Free is “Freedom of Information”?

Wynne Government Proposes to Charge AODA Alliance Chair $2,325 to Answer His Freedom of Information Request on Government Plans for Keeping Its Promise to Effectively Enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – How Free is “Freedom of Information”? Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org United for … Continue reading Wynne Government Proposes to Charge AODA Alliance Chair $2,325 to Answer His Freedom of Information Request on Government Plans for Keeping Its Promise to Effectively Enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – How Free is “Freedom of Information”?

Because the Ontario Government Announced No Plans for a Disability Accessibility Legacy for the 2015 Toronto Pan/ ParaPan American Games, the AODA Alliance Urges the Government to Adopt Our Proposal for the Games’ Accessibility Legacy

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 1, 2013 SUMMARY The 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games will be hosted in and around Toronto. Today, the AODA Alliance makes public its proposal for our proposed plan for ensuring that the 2015 Games leave behind a … Continue reading Because the Ontario Government Announced No Plans for a Disability Accessibility Legacy for the 2015 Toronto Pan/ ParaPan American Games, the AODA Alliance Urges the Government to Adopt Our Proposal for the Games’ Accessibility Legacy

The Latest in Our Campaign to Get the Wynne Government to at Last Keep Its Promise to Effectively Enforce 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 September 27, 2013 SUMMARY The Kathleen Wynne Government has still not kept its 2003 election pledge, reaffirmed to us again in the 2011 election, to effectively enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We give an … Continue reading The Latest in Our Campaign to Get the Wynne Government to at Last Keep Its Promise to Effectively Enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

After Violating Ontario’s Disabilities Act for 102 Days, the Ontario Government Appoints Dean Mayo Moran of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law to Conduct Independent Review of Ontario’s Disability Accessibility Legislation

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 10, 2013 SUMMARY On September 10, 2013, the Ontario Government announced that it has appointed Mayo Moran to conduct a mandatory Independent Review of the implementation and effectiveness of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. … Continue reading After Violating Ontario’s Disabilities Act for 102 Days, the Ontario Government Appoints Dean Mayo Moran of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law to Conduct Independent Review of Ontario’s Disability Accessibility Legislation

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

Where is Disability Accessibility in the Ontario Government’s Planned Legacy for the Expensive 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American Games? Shockingly, not a Word about It from the Ontario Cabinet Minister Responsible at the Government’s August 28 2013 News Conference to Unveil the Games’ Planned Legacy

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 30, 2013 SUMMARY The Ontario Government held a carefully-planned hour-long news conference on August 28, 2013 to unveil its planned legacy for Ontario for the 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American Games. The “legacy” refers to the long-term … Continue reading Where is Disability Accessibility in the Ontario Government’s Planned Legacy for the Expensive 2015 Toronto Pan/ParaPan American Games? Shockingly, not a Word about It from the Ontario Cabinet Minister Responsible at the Government’s August 28 2013 News Conference to Unveil the Games’ Planned Legacy

Pan/Parapan American Games Sends AODA Alliance Chair an Inaccessible Invitation to Kickoff for Countdown to Toronto 2015 Games – What Example for Digital Accessibility is Ontario Showcasing for the World?

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 27, 2013 SUMMARY We can’t make this up! Last week the Government-subsidized Toronto 2015 Pan Parapan American Games sent AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky, who is blind, an inaccessible (and hence, unreadable) email invitation to an … Continue reading Pan/Parapan American Games Sends AODA Alliance Chair an Inaccessible Invitation to Kickoff for Countdown to Toronto 2015 Games – What Example for Digital Accessibility is Ontario Showcasing for the World?

AODA Alliance Chair Resorts to Freedom of Information Application to Get Access to Ontario Government’s Plans for Enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – Conservative Party News Release Slams Ontario Government for Violating Disabilities Act – AODA Alliance Invited to Meet with Accessibility Standards Advisory Council

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 15, 2013 SUMMARY This year, our campaign for a fully accessible Ontario for all people with disabilities does not slow down for the summer months! Here’s a grab-bag of three new developments that illustrate how our … Continue reading AODA Alliance Chair Resorts to Freedom of Information Application to Get Access to Ontario Government’s Plans for Enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – Conservative Party News Release Slams Ontario Government for Violating Disabilities Act – AODA Alliance Invited to Meet with Accessibility Standards Advisory Council

Watch A 30 Minute TV Interview on Progress under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act on Cable TV August 11 2013 and Re-Run Several Times over the Next Weeks

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 9, 2013 SUMMARY We encourage one and all to watch the 30-minute “Canada In Perspective” program entitled “Duty to Accommodate” airing on cable TV across Canada at 6 pm on august 11, 2013 on AMI-TV (Accessible … Continue reading Watch A 30 Minute TV Interview on Progress under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act on Cable TV August 11 2013 and Re-Run Several Times over the Next Weeks

AODA Alliance Asks for a Meeting with the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council

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 6, 2013 SUMMARY On August 6, 2013, the AODA Alliance wrote the recently-appointed membership of the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council of Ontario (ASAC). We congratulated them on their appointment to this Council. We also requested an … Continue reading AODA Alliance Asks for a Meeting with the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council

AODA Alliance Makes Public the Disability Accessibility Commitments of Ontario By-election Candidates: NDP Makes All Commitments We Seek – Liberals Make None of them – Conservatives Don’t Answer

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 29, 2013 SUMMARY As it has for several previous Ontario elections, the AODA Alliance makes public the commitments it received from by-election candidates of the major Ontario political parties on disability accessibility. We asked all the … Continue reading AODA Alliance Makes Public the Disability Accessibility Commitments of Ontario By-election Candidates: NDP Makes All Commitments We Seek – Liberals Make None of them – Conservatives Don’t Answer

Toronto Star Column Argues in Support of On-Line Voting in Upcoming Ontario By-elections- We Agree! – But Elections Ontario Doesn’t Get It

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 23, 2013 SUMMARY The July 23, 2013 edition of the Toronto Star includes a compelling column by the Star’s widely-respected Queen’s park columnist Martin Regg Cohn on telephone and internet voting. The Star column is set … Continue reading Toronto Star Column Argues in Support of On-Line Voting in Upcoming Ontario By-elections- We Agree! – But Elections Ontario Doesn’t Get It

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

Elections Ontario Report on Telephone and Internet Voting is A Slap in the Face to Voters with Disabilities – Elections Ontario Refuses to Now Use Its Authority To Test Telephone and/or Internet Voting in By-Elections, Despite Their Use in 59 Municipalities in Ontario and Nova Scotia and No Findings that They Were Hacked or Unreliable

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 26, 2013 SUMMARY On June 24, 2013, Elections Ontario finally tabled a long-awaited Report on telephone and internet voting, three years in the making, with the Ontario Legislature. This Report is a huge slap in the face of voters with disabilities. Telephone and … Continue reading Elections Ontario Report on Telephone and Internet Voting is A Slap in the Face to Voters with Disabilities – Elections Ontario Refuses to Now Use Its Authority To Test Telephone and/or Internet Voting in By-Elections, Despite Their Use in 59 Municipalities in Ontario and Nova Scotia and No Findings that They Were Hacked or Unreliable

Action Kit On How to Raise Disability Accessibility Issues in Five August 1, 2013 Ontario By-Elections

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 10, 2013 SUMMARY 1. Summary of this By-Election Action Kit The Ontario Government called five provincial by-elections for August 1, 2013. The parties and media are treating this like a mini provincial election. The five Ridings … Continue reading Action Kit On How to Raise Disability Accessibility Issues in Five August 1, 2013 Ontario By-Elections

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 Calls on Elections Ontario to Offer Telephone and Internet Voting in Upcoming as-Yet Unscheduled By-elections – And Seeks More Information about Elections Ontario’s Plans Regarding These Accessible Voting Technologies

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 10, 2013 SUMMARY Ontario provincial by-elections will be … Continue reading AODA Alliance Calls on Elections Ontario to Offer Telephone and Internet Voting in Upcoming as-Yet Unscheduled By-elections – And Seeks More Information about Elections Ontario’s Plans Regarding These Accessible Voting Technologies

Elections Ontario Belatedly Replies to our December 7, 2012 Letter but Again Leaves Key Questions about Accessible Telephone and Internet Voting Unanswered

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 6, 2013 SUMMARY There will be by-elections coming … Continue reading Elections Ontario Belatedly Replies to our December 7, 2012 Letter but Again Leaves Key Questions about Accessible Telephone and Internet Voting Unanswered

Wynne Government Honours National Access Awareness Week by Breaching The Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act

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 May 31, 2013 SUMMARY The Kathleen Wynne Government has … Continue reading Wynne Government Honours National Access Awareness Week by Breaching The Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act

Minister Hoskins’ First Major Speech on Disability Accessibility in the Ontario Legislature and Responses in Question Period – Some News is Encouraging and Some is Not

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 May 29, 2013 SUMMARY Current issues surrounding the implementation … Continue reading Minister Hoskins’ First Major Speech on Disability Accessibility in the Ontario Legislature and Responses in Question Period – Some News is Encouraging and Some is Not

Wynne Government is Required to Appoint an Independent Review of the implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Within the Next Seven Days- Ontarians with Disabilities Are Still Waiting

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 May 24, 2013 SUMMARY Our daily countdown on Twitter … Continue reading Wynne Government is Required to Appoint an Independent Review of the implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Within the Next Seven Days- Ontarians with Disabilities Are Still Waiting

ON THE WORLD’S FIRST GLOBAL ACCESSIBILITY AWARENESS DAY, TTC TO HEAR FROM PASSENGERS WITH ALL KINDS OF DISABILITIES AT PUBLIC FORUM TONIGHT ABOUT BARRIERS THEY FACE WHEN USING PUBLIC TRANSIT IN CANADA’S BIGGEST CITY

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 May 9, 2013 SUMMARY TORONTO: As one billion people … Continue reading ON THE WORLD’S FIRST GLOBAL ACCESSIBILITY AWARENESS DAY, TTC TO HEAR FROM PASSENGERS WITH ALL KINDS OF DISABILITIES AT PUBLIC FORUM TONIGHT ABOUT BARRIERS THEY FACE WHEN USING PUBLIC TRANSIT IN CANADA’S BIGGEST CITY

More Media Coverage Of Barriers To Accessible Customer Service For People With Disabilities Around Ontario — It’s Time for Effective Action by the Ontario Government

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 May 8, 2013 SUMMARY It is the day before … Continue reading More Media Coverage Of Barriers To Accessible Customer Service For People With Disabilities Around Ontario — It’s Time for Effective Action by the Ontario Government

Windsor Star Reports Raise More Concerns about the Need for Effective Enforcement of Accessible Customer Service for Ontarians with Disabilities – and – Reminder to Attend May 9, 2013 Toronto Transit Commission Public Forum on Accessible Transit

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How Does The May 2 2013 Ontario Budget Look When Viewed Through A Disability Accessibility Lens?

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Toronto Restaurant Incident with Hearing Ear Dog Shows Need for the Ontario Government to Keep Its Promise to Effectively Enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

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ATTEND THE TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSIONS MAY 9 2013 ACCESSIBLE TRANSIT PUBLIC FORUM TO LET TTC KNOW ABOUT ONGOING PUBLIC TRANSIT BARRIERS

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PLEASE TELL THE WYNNE GOVERNMENT IF YOU SUPPORT OUR NEW BRIEF ON PROPOSED ACCESSIBILITY REFORMS TO THE ONTARIO BUILDING CODE

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REMEMBERING FORMER ONTARIO LABOUR MINISTER DR. ROBERT ELGIE, A HERO TO ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES WHO SPEARHEADED AMENDMENTS TO THE ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE TO MAKE IT ILLEGAL TO DISCRIMINATE BASED ON A PERSON’S DISABILITY

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Download the Ontario Government’s Fall 2012 Proposals for Reforming The Accessibility Provisions of the Ontario Building Code

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Click here to find out how to download the AODA Alliance’s March 25, 2013 Brief to the Ontario Government on the Proposed Accessibility Reforms to the Ontario Building Code

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PREMIER WYNNE MAKES UNEXPECTED PHONECALL TO AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR; AND – CANADA’S PARLIAMENT INVITES AODA ALLIANCE TO PRESENT TO MARCH 7, 2013 FEDERAL STANDING COMMITTEE HEARINGS ON EMPLOYMENT FOR CANADIANS WITH DISABILITIES

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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

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

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WYNNE GOVERNMENT’S FIRST THRONE SPEECH SIGNALS POTENTIAL REVITALIZED APPROACH TO ACCESSIBILITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

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ONTARIO GOVERNMENT ENACTS NEW ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION SETTING STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBILITY OF PUBLIC SPACES – AND CONDUCTS PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED ACCESSIBILITY REFORMS TO THE ONTARIO BUILDING CODE

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AODA ALLIANCE ISSUES NEWS RELEASE ON ONTARIO PREMIER-DESIGNATE KATHLEEN WYNNE’S IMPORTANT COMMITMENTS TO ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES

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ONTARIO FINANCE MINISTER DWIGHT DUNCAN MAKES LANDMARK PUBLIC DECLARATION THAT PUBLIC MONEY SHOULD NEVER BE USED TO CREATE OR PERPETUATE BARRIERS AGAINST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

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 25, 2013 SUMMARY On January 22, 2013, Ontario … Continue reading ONTARIO FINANCE MINISTER DWIGHT DUNCAN MAKES LANDMARK PUBLIC DECLARATION THAT PUBLIC MONEY SHOULD NEVER BE USED TO CREATE OR PERPETUATE BARRIERS AGAINST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

AODA ALLIANCE PRESSES MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT FOR SPECIFICS ON HOW IT PLANS TO KEEP ITS OFT-REPEATED ELECTION PLEDGE TO EFFECTIVELY ENFORCE THE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

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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

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ALL ONTARIO LIBERAL LEADERSHIP CANDIDATES HAVE NOW MADE DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY PLEDGES- HARINDER TAKHAR IS FINAL CANDIDATE TO MAKE DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENTS

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CHARLES SOUSA IS FIFTH ONTARIO LIBERAL PARTY LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE TO MAKE DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENTS – ONLY ONE CANDIDATE STILL TO COMMIT –AND – WATCH AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR’S JANUARY 16 2013 INTERVIEW ON TV ONTARIO’S “THE AGENDA WITH STEVE PAIKIN” PERMANENTLY AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE

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ERIC HOSKINS AND GERARD KENNEDY ARE THE THIRD AND FOURTH LIBERAL PARTY LEADERSHIP CANDIDATES TO MAKE DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY PLEDGES – THREE OTHER CANDIDATES HAVE YET TO ANSWER OUR REQUESTS

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ELECTIONS ONTARIO’S PROGRESS TOWARDS DEPLOYING TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING IS STILL SLOW – ELECTIONS ONTARIO DOESN’T KNOW WHEN OR IF IT WILL BE READY TO TEST THESE IN AN ONTARIO BY-ELECTION, OR EVEN IF IT WILL EVER AGREE TOO TEST THESE

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

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SANDRA PUPATELLO IS FIRST ONTARIO LIBERAL LEADERSHIP CANDIDATE TO MAKE COMMITMENTS ON MAKING ONTARIO FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO OVER 1.7 MILLION ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES

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READ AODA ALLIANCE’S ANALYSIS OF THE NOVEMBER 2012 FINAL REPORT OF THE ANDREW PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW- PINTO REPORT FINDS SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEMS WITH ONTARIO’S SYSTEM FOR ENFORCING ONTARIO’S HUMAN RIGHTS CODE, BUT WRONGLY PAPERS THESE OVER AND GIVES THE GOVERNMENT UNDESERVED POLITICAL COVER, BY ITS UNWARRANTED CONCLUSION THAT THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT’S 2006 PRIVATIZATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT IS A “QUALIFIED SUCCESS”

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 November 16, 2012 SUMMARY On November 8, 2012, the … Continue reading READ AODA ALLIANCE’S ANALYSIS OF THE NOVEMBER 2012 FINAL REPORT OF THE ANDREW PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW- PINTO REPORT FINDS SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEMS WITH ONTARIO’S SYSTEM FOR ENFORCING ONTARIO’S HUMAN RIGHTS CODE, BUT WRONGLY PAPERS THESE OVER AND GIVES THE GOVERNMENT UNDESERVED POLITICAL COVER, BY ITS UNWARRANTED CONCLUSION THAT THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT’S 2006 PRIVATIZATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT IS A “QUALIFIED SUCCESS”

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TAKES STEPS TO STREAMLINE PROCESS FOR DEVELOPING NEW ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS UNDER THE AODA – – BUT WILL THIS COUNCIL HAVE NEW ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS TO DEVELOP?

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AODA ALLIANCE MAKES PUBLIC AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL CANDIDATES FOR LEADERSHIP OF ONTARIO’S LIBERAL PARTY, SEEKING COMMITMENTS ON ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES

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TODAY WE BEGIN OUR DIAL DALTON CAMPAIGN! PLEASE CALL THE PREMIER’S OFFICE TO ASK HOW PREMIER MCGUINTY PLANS TO KEEP HIS 14-YEAR-OLD PROMISE TO EFFECTIVELY ENFORCE THE DISABILITIES ACT

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JUST FOUR DAYS UNTIL LAUNCH OF OUR “DIAL DALTON” CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE AODA – PLEASE HELP MAKE THIS BLITZ A SUCCESS

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NEW CAMPAIGN TO GET MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN ENFORCEMENT OF THE AODA –STARTING OCTOBER 29 2012, PLEASE JOIN OUR “DIAL DALTON” CAMPAIGN

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 October 15, 2012 SUMMARY Our newest campaign starts on … Continue reading NEW CAMPAIGN TO GET MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN ENFORCEMENT OF THE AODA –STARTING OCTOBER 29 2012, PLEASE JOIN OUR “DIAL DALTON” CAMPAIGN

LET THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT KNOW IF YOU SUPPORT THE AODA ALLIANCE’S OCTOBER 4 2012 FINAL BRIEF ON ITS DRAFT PUBLIC SPACES ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION –ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SUPPORTS OUR CONCERNS ABOUT THAT DRAF REGULATION

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 October 4, 2012 SUMMARY 1. Our Latest Effort in … Continue reading LET THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT KNOW IF YOU SUPPORT THE AODA ALLIANCE’S OCTOBER 4 2012 FINAL BRIEF ON ITS DRAFT PUBLIC SPACES ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION –ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SUPPORTS OUR CONCERNS ABOUT THAT DRAF REGULATION

ELECTIONS ONTARIO DECLINES OUR PROPOSALS TO MAKE ONTARIO’S TWO SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 BY-ELECTIONS FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES – UNDAUNTED, WE PRESS ELECTIONS ONTARIO FOR FULL DISCLOSURE OF ITS EFFORTS TO DATE AND FUTURE PLANS REGARDING VOTING ACCESSIBILITY INCLUDING TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING

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 September 14, 2012 SUMMARY Yet again, the AODA Alliance … Continue reading ELECTIONS ONTARIO DECLINES OUR PROPOSALS TO MAKE ONTARIO’S TWO SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 BY-ELECTIONS FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES – UNDAUNTED, WE PRESS ELECTIONS ONTARIO FOR FULL DISCLOSURE OF ITS EFFORTS TO DATE AND FUTURE PLANS REGARDING VOTING ACCESSIBILITY INCLUDING TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING

SEND US FEEDBACK ON OUR DRAFT BRIEF TO THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT ON ITS AUGUST 15, 2012 DRAFT ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION TO ADDRESS BARRIERS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT OF PUBLIC SPACES

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 September 20, 2012 SUMMARY We have just released a … Continue reading SEND US FEEDBACK ON OUR DRAFT BRIEF TO THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT ON ITS AUGUST 15, 2012 DRAFT ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION TO ADDRESS BARRIERS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT OF PUBLIC SPACES

ATTEND THE TORONTO SEPTEMBER 18 2012 PUBLIC FORUM DISCUSSION BY PANEL OF EXPERTS ON MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED REGULATION TO ADDRESS BUILT ENVIRONMENT BARRIERS IN PUBLIC SPACES

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 September 11, 2012 SUMMARY On August 15, 2012, the … Continue reading ATTEND THE TORONTO SEPTEMBER 18 2012 PUBLIC FORUM DISCUSSION BY PANEL OF EXPERTS ON MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED REGULATION TO ADDRESS BUILT ENVIRONMENT BARRIERS IN PUBLIC SPACES

A REPORT CARD ON THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT’S TWELVE 2011 ELECTION PROMISES ON DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY – How is Ontario’s McGuinty Government doing at keeping its twelve 2011 election promises to over 1.7 million Ontarians with disabilities, about making this province fully accessible to all persons with disabilities by 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 September 5, 2012 SUMMARY On August 19, 2011, Premier … Continue reading A REPORT CARD ON THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT’S TWELVE 2011 ELECTION PROMISES ON DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY – How is Ontario’s McGuinty Government doing at keeping its twelve 2011 election promises to over 1.7 million Ontarians with disabilities, about making this province fully accessible to all persons with disabilities by 2025?

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND ITS 2011 INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION WITHOUT FOLLOWING IMPORTANT AODA REQUIREMENTS FOR AMENDING ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS – AODA ALLIANCE URGES MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO FULLY COMPLY WITH THE AODA AND HONOUR DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ELECTION PROMISES

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 August 29, 2012 SUMMARY There are serious problems with … Continue reading MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND ITS 2011 INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION WITHOUT FOLLOWING IMPORTANT AODA REQUIREMENTS FOR AMENDING ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS – AODA ALLIANCE URGES MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO FULLY COMPLY WITH THE AODA AND HONOUR DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ELECTION PROMISES

WILL ONTARIO’S TWO SEPTEMBER 6 2012 BY-ELECTIONS BE FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO ALL VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES?

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 August 27, 2012 SUMMARY Our non-partisan disability coalition continues … Continue reading WILL ONTARIO’S TWO SEPTEMBER 6 2012 BY-ELECTIONS BE FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO ALL VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES?

PLEASE RAISE DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES IN TWO SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 ONTARIO BY-ELECTIONS

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 August 23, 2012 SUMMARY We urge everyone to do … Continue reading PLEASE RAISE DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES IN TWO SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 ONTARIO BY-ELECTIONS

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT POSTS A DRAFT PARTIAL BUILT ENVIRONMENT ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD TO ADDRESS BARRIERS IN PUBLIC SPACES, NOT INSIDE BUILDINGS – SEND THE GOVERNMENT FEEDBACK BY OCTOBER 1, 2012- STILL NO WORD ON WHEN AN ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD IS COMING TO ADDRESS BARRIERS IN BUILDINGS

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 August 16, 2012 SUMMARY Late on August 15, 2012, … Continue reading MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT POSTS A DRAFT PARTIAL BUILT ENVIRONMENT ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD TO ADDRESS BARRIERS IN PUBLIC SPACES, NOT INSIDE BUILDINGS – SEND THE GOVERNMENT FEEDBACK BY OCTOBER 1, 2012- STILL NO WORD ON WHEN AN ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD IS COMING TO ADDRESS BARRIERS IN BUILDINGS

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT BELATEDLY RELEASES GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTING THE INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD FOR ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION, EMPLOYMENT, AND INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION – BUT NEEDS TO PROPERLY AND WIDELY PUBLICIZE IT!

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 August 13, 2012 SUMMARY Several days ago, evidently without proper … Continue reading MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT BELATEDLY RELEASES GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTING THE INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD FOR ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION, EMPLOYMENT, AND INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION – BUT NEEDS TO PROPERLY AND WIDELY PUBLICIZE IT!

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

WHAT IS THE LATEST WORD ON PROGRESS THAT THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT HAS MADE TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING THE AODA, ACROSS THE BOARD AND IN THE AREA OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY?

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 29, 2012 SUMMARY What progress has the Ontario … Continue reading WHAT IS THE LATEST WORD ON PROGRESS THAT THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT HAS MADE TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING THE AODA, ACROSS THE BOARD AND IN THE AREA OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY?

TAKE PART IN AN ONTARIO GOVERNMENT SURVEY OF IMPACT OF ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS ENACTED UNDER THE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

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 7, 2012 SUMMARY The Ontario Government has retained … Continue reading TAKE PART IN AN ONTARIO GOVERNMENT SURVEY OF IMPACT OF ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS ENACTED UNDER THE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

AODA ALLIANCE PRESSES TWO CABINET MINISTERS ON PLANS TO FINALIZE THE OVERDUE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD THAT THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT LAST AUGUST PROMISED TO ENACT “PROMPTLY”

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 4, 2012 SUMMARY The Accessibility for Ontarians with … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE PRESSES TWO CABINET MINISTERS ON PLANS TO FINALIZE THE OVERDUE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD THAT THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT LAST AUGUST PROMISED TO ENACT “PROMPTLY”

WILL MANITOBA PASS DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY LEGISLATION THAT IS STRONG AND EFFECTIVE? BARRIER-FREE MANITOBA INVITES MESSAGES OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM COUNTERPARTS OUTSIDE MANITOBA

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 AODA ALLIANCE CALLS ON ELECTIONS ONTARIO TO PROVIDE TELEPHONE … Continue reading WILL MANITOBA PASS DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY LEGISLATION THAT IS STRONG AND EFFECTIVE? BARRIER-FREE MANITOBA INVITES MESSAGES OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM COUNTERPARTS OUTSIDE MANITOBA

ELECTIONS ONTARIO CATEGORICALLY REFUSES TO DEPLOY TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING IN ANY BY-ELECTION IN 2012 – BUT THAT IS NOT THE END — AODA ALLIANCE ASKS FOR MEETING WITH CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER TO RE-CONSIDER THAT REFUSAL

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 AODA ALLIANCE CALLS ON ELECTIONS ONTARIO TO PROVIDE TELEPHONE … Continue reading ELECTIONS ONTARIO CATEGORICALLY REFUSES TO DEPLOY TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING IN ANY BY-ELECTION IN 2012 – BUT THAT IS NOT THE END — AODA ALLIANCE ASKS FOR MEETING WITH CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER TO RE-CONSIDER THAT REFUSAL

AODA ALLIANCE CALLS ON ELECTIONS ONTARIO TO PROVIDE TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING IN UPCOMING KITCHENER-WATERLOO BY-ELECTION

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 May 14, 2012 SUMMARY An organized campaign has been waged … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE CALLS ON ELECTIONS ONTARIO TO PROVIDE TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING IN UPCOMING KITCHENER-WATERLOO BY-ELECTION

WHAT PLANS DOES THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT HAVE FOR KEEPING ITS 2011 ELECTION ACCESSIBILITY PROMISES? SEVEN CABINET MINISTERS REPLY TO OUR INQUIRIES BUT GIVE VERY FEW SPECIFICS

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 May 4, 2012 SUMMARY In the 2007 Ontario election, … Continue reading WHAT PLANS DOES THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT HAVE FOR KEEPING ITS 2011 ELECTION ACCESSIBILITY PROMISES? SEVEN CABINET MINISTERS REPLY TO OUR INQUIRIES BUT GIVE VERY FEW SPECIFICS

30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHARTER OF RIGHTS COMPLETE WITH A GUARANTEE OF EQUALITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES –HOW FAR HAVE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN CANADA COME?

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 April 17, 2012 SUMMARY Today marks an yet another … Continue reading 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHARTER OF RIGHTS COMPLETE WITH A GUARANTEE OF EQUALITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES –HOW FAR HAVE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN CANADA COME?

LOCATION OF JANUARY 27, 2012 TORONTO PUBLIC FORUM ON WORLD REPORT ON DISABILITIES IS MOVED TO LET MORE ATTEND THANKS TO LARGE DEMAND – PUBLIC FORUM ALSO TO BE STREAMED LIVE ON THE WEB – EMAIL OR TWEET YOUR QUESTIONS FOR THE SPEAKERS FROM NOW TO THE END OF THE FORUM

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 25, 2012 SUMMARY There has been so much … Continue reading LOCATION OF JANUARY 27, 2012 TORONTO PUBLIC FORUM ON WORLD REPORT ON DISABILITIES IS MOVED TO LET MORE ATTEND THANKS TO LARGE DEMAND – PUBLIC FORUM ALSO TO BE STREAMED LIVE ON THE WEB – EMAIL OR TWEET YOUR QUESTIONS FOR THE SPEAKERS FROM NOW TO THE END OF THE FORUM

ATTEND JANUARY 27 2012 TORONTO PRESENTATION ON THE WORLD BANK’S REPORT ON the unmet needs OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AROUND THE WORLD – KEYNOTE BY WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REP, WITH AN ONTARIO PERSPECTIVE BY AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR

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 16, 2012 SUMMARY Everyone is invited to attend … Continue reading ATTEND JANUARY 27 2012 TORONTO PRESENTATION ON THE WORLD BANK’S REPORT ON the unmet needs OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AROUND THE WORLD – KEYNOTE BY WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REP, WITH AN ONTARIO PERSPECTIVE BY AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR

ONTARIO BUSINESSES MUST NOW COMPLY WITH ONTARIO’S CUSTOMER SERVICE ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD –BUT ONE PART OF IT CREATES BARRIERS AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED

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 6, 2012 SUMMARY Ontario’s Customer Service Accessibility Standard now … Continue reading ONTARIO BUSINESSES MUST NOW COMPLY WITH ONTARIO’S CUSTOMER SERVICE ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD –BUT ONE PART OF IT CREATES BARRIERS AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED

AODA ALLIANCE’S 2011 YEAR-END REPORT – WHERE WE’VE BEEN AND WHERE WE’RE HEADED

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 4, 2012 SUMMARY 1. INTRODUCTION Let us take … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE’S 2011 YEAR-END REPORT – WHERE WE’VE BEEN AND WHERE WE’RE HEADED

TO MARK INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, AODA ALLIANCE IDENTIFIES MAJOR ACTIONS NEEDED BY KEY ONTARIO CABINET MINISTERS TO ADVANCE ONTARIO TOWARDS FULL ACCESSIBILITY

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, 2011 SUMMARY Today December 3, 2011, is … Continue reading TO MARK INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, AODA ALLIANCE IDENTIFIES MAJOR ACTIONS NEEDED BY KEY ONTARIO CABINET MINISTERS TO ADVANCE ONTARIO TOWARDS FULL ACCESSIBILITY

UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO 17 YEARS AGO TODAY ONTARIO’S NON-PARTISAN DISABILITIES ACT MOVEMENT WAS BORN!

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 November 29, 2011 SUMMARY Seventeen years ago today, on November 29, 1994, the non-partisan grassroots … Continue reading UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO 17 YEARS AGO TODAY ONTARIO’S NON-PARTISAN DISABILITIES ACT MOVEMENT WAS BORN!

THREE DEVELOPMENTS IN OUR QUEST FOR INTERNET AND TELEPHONE VOTING TO PROMOTE ACCESSIBILITY FOR VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES

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 November 24, 2011 SUMMARY Here are three recent developments … Continue reading THREE DEVELOPMENTS IN OUR QUEST FOR INTERNET AND TELEPHONE VOTING TO PROMOTE ACCESSIBILITY FOR VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES

NEW MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT WRITES AODA ALLIANCE

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 November 23, 2011 SUMMARY On November 15, 2011, the … Continue reading NEW MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT WRITES AODA ALLIANCE

UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ANOTHER IMPORTANT DATE IN OUR 17-YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO

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 November 4, 2011 SUMMARY Saturday, November 5, 2011 is the tenth anniversary of an … Continue reading UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ANOTHER IMPORTANT DATE IN OUR 17-YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO

AODA ALLIANCE WRITES NEW MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AODA TO LIST KEY ACCESSIBILITY PRIORITIES

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 November 1, 2011 SUMMARY The Honourable John Milloy has been … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE WRITES NEW MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AODA TO LIST KEY ACCESSIBILITY PRIORITIES

UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO AODA ALLIANCE ASKS CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER FOR PROGRESS REPORT ON INTERNET AND TELEPHONE VOTING

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 October 28, 2011 SUMMARY 1. Swinging Into Action with Ontario’s New Legislature A major … Continue reading UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO AODA ALLIANCE ASKS CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER FOR PROGRESS REPORT ON INTERNET AND TELEPHONE VOTING

WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED IN OUR SUCCESSFUL 2011 ELECTION CAMPAIGN FOR ACCESSIBILITY – AND – REFORMING ONTARIO ELECTION LEGISLATION TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY FOR VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES MUST BE A PRIORITY FOR THE NEXT ONTARIO LEGISLATURE

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org October 7, 2011 SUMMARY Ontario woke up this morning to a new minority Liberal Government. We look forward to working together with the re-elected McGuinty Government in its third term in office. We also look forward to working with both of the strengthened opposition parties, on … Continue reading WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED IN OUR SUCCESSFUL 2011 ELECTION CAMPAIGN FOR ACCESSIBILITY – AND – REFORMING ONTARIO ELECTION LEGISLATION TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY FOR VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES MUST BE A PRIORITY FOR THE NEXT ONTARIO LEGISLATURE

FULLY ACCESSIBLE VOTING NOT YET A REALITY IN ONTARIO- A PRIORITY FOR OUR NEXT LEGISLATURE – AND LISTEN TO AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR’S INTERVIEW ON CFRB RADIO

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org October 4, 2011 SUMMARY Here are three new developments in the last few days of our non-partisan 2011 election campaign for a fully accessible Ontario. 1. Accessible Voting Not Fully Available on Election Day-Important to Vote in Advance if You Can 2. Need for … Continue reading FULLY ACCESSIBLE VOTING NOT YET A REALITY IN ONTARIO- A PRIORITY FOR OUR NEXT LEGISLATURE – AND LISTEN TO AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR’S INTERVIEW ON CFRB RADIO

ON LIVE TV, AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR ASKS PC LEADER TIM HUDAK FOR DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ELECTION COMMITMENT

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org October 2, 2011 SUMMARY Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak has again been asked on television to make election commitments on disability accessibility. This time Mr. Hudak was asked by AODA Alliance chair David Lepofsky. On Friday, September 30, 2011, Tim Hudak took part in … Continue reading ON LIVE TV, AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR ASKS PC LEADER TIM HUDAK FOR DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ELECTION COMMITMENT

TIM HUDAK SAYS HE IS COMMITTED TO FULFILLING PROVISIONS OF THE DISABILITIES ACT, BUT STILL HASN’T CLEARLY PROMISED NOT TO SLASH REGULATIONS ENACTED UNDER IT

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 30, 2011 SUMMARY With just over a week before Election Day, TV Ontario’s veteran affairs journalist Steve Paikin got Ontario Progressive Conservative Party leader Tim Hudak to break his radio silence on this election’s disability accessibility issue. On the Wednesday, September 28, 2011 edition … Continue reading TIM HUDAK SAYS HE IS COMMITTED TO FULFILLING PROVISIONS OF THE DISABILITIES ACT, BUT STILL HASN’T CLEARLY PROMISED NOT TO SLASH REGULATIONS ENACTED UNDER IT

PLEASE WIDELY CIRCULATE OUR NEW TORONTO STAR GUEST COLUMN ON THE ONTARIO ELECTION’S DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 29, 2011 SUMMARY With just one week to go until Ontario’s October 6, 2011 general election, the September 29, 2011 on-line edition of the Toronto Star includes a new guest column by AODA Alliance chair David Lepofsky on this election’s disability … Continue reading PLEASE WIDELY CIRCULATE OUR NEW TORONTO STAR GUEST COLUMN ON THE ONTARIO ELECTION’S DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES

HELP WITH OUR ELECTION TWITTER BLITZ TO GET PCS TO MAKE DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENTS

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 27, 2011 SUMMARY In the wake of last week’s good media coverage of our election campaign, we’ve launched a Twitter blitz! We are sending tweets to each Progressive Conservative candidate. We are asking each to call PC leader Tim Hudak. We want each of … Continue reading HELP WITH OUR ELECTION TWITTER BLITZ TO GET PCS TO MAKE DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENTS

TORONTO STAR REPORTS ON AODA ALLIANCE CALL FOR TIM HUDAK TO MAKE ACCESSIBILITY PLEDGE -– REPORTS ON PCS’ ONLY PUBLIC EXPLANATION FOR WHY IT HASN’T COMMITTED NOT TO CUT ACCESSIBILITY REGULATIONS

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 23, 2011 SUMMARY We’ve gotten more great media coverage of our election campaign for a fully accessible  Ontario, right on the heels of the AODA Alliance’s September 22, 2011 appearance on TV Ontario’s program “The Agenda with Steve Paikin.” That TVO 13-minute interview is … Continue reading TORONTO STAR REPORTS ON AODA ALLIANCE CALL FOR TIM HUDAK TO MAKE ACCESSIBILITY PLEDGE -– REPORTS ON PCS’ ONLY PUBLIC EXPLANATION FOR WHY IT HASN’T COMMITTED NOT TO CUT ACCESSIBILITY REGULATIONS

AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR TO BE INTERVIEWED ON TV ONTARIO’S “THE AGENDA WITH STEVE PAIKIN” TONIGHT – PC CANDIDATE AGREES TO URGE TIM HUDAK TO MAKE ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENTS – AND OTHER MEDIA ELECTION COVERAGE OF DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 20, 2011 SUMMARY With the election campaign in full swing, we have more news than usual, and so we are circulating more Updates than usual. Here’s the latest. 1. WATCH TV ONTARIO’S “THE AGENDA WITH STEVE PAIKIN” TONIGHT On Thursday, September 22, 2011, AODA Alliance … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR TO BE INTERVIEWED ON TV ONTARIO’S “THE AGENDA WITH STEVE PAIKIN” TONIGHT – PC CANDIDATE AGREES TO URGE TIM HUDAK TO MAKE ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENTS – AND OTHER MEDIA ELECTION COVERAGE OF DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES

TORONTO STAR REPORTS THAT CONSERVATIVES PROMISE TO CUT AT LEAST 30% OF ONTARIO REGULATIONS – ARE NEW ACCESSIBILITY REGULATIONS ON THAT LARGE CHOPPING BLOCK?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 20, 2011 SUMMARY Concerns mount that gains toward a fully accessible Ontario for over 1.5 million Ontarians with disabilities are directly in issue in this election. Key parts of those gains are set out in new regulations enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities … Continue reading TORONTO STAR REPORTS THAT CONSERVATIVES PROMISE TO CUT AT LEAST 30% OF ONTARIO REGULATIONS – ARE NEW ACCESSIBILITY REGULATIONS ON THAT LARGE CHOPPING BLOCK?

USE OPTIONS FOR ACCESSIBLE VOTING FOR VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES IN THIS ONTARIO ELECTION

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 20, 2011 SUMMARY It is very important that every eligible voter, including all voters with disabilities, votes in the October 6, 2011 Ontario election. This update gives you current, detailed information from Elections Ontario on options you can use to increase accessibility of voting … Continue reading USE OPTIONS FOR ACCESSIBLE VOTING FOR VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES IN THIS ONTARIO ELECTION

Watch our September 2, 2011 Queen’s Park News Conference on Youtube -Captioning Available Through Youtube

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 6, 2011 SUMMARY We have posted our September 2, 2011 Queen’s Park news conference on Youtube. That is where we kicked off our 2011 election strategy and unveiled the election pledges we got from the parties. The 30-minute news conference is in … Continue reading Watch our September 2, 2011 Queen’s Park News Conference on Youtube -Captioning Available Through Youtube

JUST A LITTLE OF YOUR TIME HELPS OUR NON-PARTISAN ELECTION CAMPAIGN FOR A FULLY ACCESSIBLE ONTARIO FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES –USE OUR NEW 2011 ELECTION ACTION KIT!

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 16, 2011 SUMMARY Please help our non-partisan 2011 election campaign for a fully accessible Ontario. We just ask for a few minutes. If you have more time to give, you can accomplish even more. Below is our brand-new 2011 Election Action Kit. It offers different … Continue reading JUST A LITTLE OF YOUR TIME HELPS OUR NON-PARTISAN ELECTION CAMPAIGN FOR A FULLY ACCESSIBLE ONTARIO FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES –USE OUR NEW 2011 ELECTION ACTION KIT!

AODA ALLIANCE URGES PC LEADER TIM HUDAK TO COMMIT TO STRENGTHEN, AND NOT WEAKEN EFFORTS TO MAKE ONTARIO FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO OVER 1.5 MILLION ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 13, 2011 SUMMARY ON September 13, 2011, the AODA Alliance wrote Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak. We asked him to reconsider his party’s platform. We urge him to commit to strengthen, and not weaken Ontario’s efforts to achieve a fully accessible province for over … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE URGES PC LEADER TIM HUDAK TO COMMIT TO STRENGTHEN, AND NOT WEAKEN EFFORTS TO MAKE ONTARIO FULLY ACCESSIBLE TO OVER 1.5 MILLION ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES

HELP US USE TWITTER AND FACEBOOK TO SPREAD THE WORD ON OUR CAMPAIGN FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO- AND – AUDIO OF NEWS CONFERENCE NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org September 6, 2011 SUMMARY 1. We Are Now Using Twitter and Facebook to Spread the Word! Let’s harness the social media to promote a fully accessible Ontario. The AODA Alliance has now started to use twitter.com to spread the word about our non-partisan campaign for a fully … Continue reading HELP US USE TWITTER AND FACEBOOK TO SPREAD THE WORD ON OUR CAMPAIGN FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO- AND – AUDIO OF NEWS CONFERENCE NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD

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

AODA ALLIANCE HOLDS QUEEN’S PARK NEWS CONFERENCE ON EVE OF ELECTION CAMPAIGN TO UNVEIL THE POLITICAL PARTIES’ PLATFORMS 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 The AODA Alliance has received and made public election commitment letters from four major political parties, the Liberals, NDP, Conservatives, and Green Party. We set out links to each of these below, as well as to an issue-by-issue comparison of them. … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE HOLDS QUEEN’S PARK NEWS CONFERENCE ON EVE OF ELECTION CAMPAIGN TO UNVEIL THE POLITICAL PARTIES’ PLATFORMS 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

Read the August 24, 2011 Letter from the Ontario New Democratic Party 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 24, 2011 David Lepofsky, CM, O.Ont Chair, AODA Alliance 1929 Bayview Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4G 3E8 Dear David Lepofsky, Thank you for the opportunity to outline the Ontario NDP’s stance on the important issues you and the AODA … Continue reading Read the August 24, 2011 Letter from the Ontario New Democratic Party to the AODA Alliance Setting Out its 2011 Election Commitments on Disability Accessibility

Read the August 31, 2011 Letter from the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party 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 AODA August 29, 2011 Dear Mr. Lepofsky: Thank you for your letter and for your questions on important public policy matters that affect your members in Ontario. We appreciate you bringing these issues to our attention. These are important issues, … Continue reading Read the August 31, 2011 Letter from the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party to the AODA Alliance Setting Out its 2011 Election Commitments on Disability Accessibility

Read the September 1, 2011 Letter to the AODA Alliance from the Ontario Green Party 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 David Lepofsky Chair Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance 1929 Bayview Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4G 3E8 1 September 2011 Dear Mr. Lepofsky, Thank you for writing.  I am pleased to respond, on behalf of the Green Party of … Continue reading Read the September 1, 2011 Letter to the AODA Alliance from the Ontario Green Party 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

WHEN WILL A BUILT ENVIRONMENT ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD BE ENACTED?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org July 08, 2011 SUMMARY Now that the Ontario government has enacted the Integrated Accessibility Regulation to address barriers in transportation, employment, and information and communication, our attention turns to the remaining unfinished accessibility standard that has been in the works to date. … Continue reading WHEN WILL A BUILT ENVIRONMENT ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD BE ENACTED?

MAJOR VICTORY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES – MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT ENSHRINES ACESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS IN ITS NEW 10-YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org July 04, 2011 SUMMARY On June 24, 2011, the McGuinty Government unveiled its 10-Year Infrastructure Plan for Ontario. It lays down the policies and principles that are supposed to govern any of the billions of dollars of infrastructure spending by the provincial … Continue reading MAJOR VICTORY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES – MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT ENSHRINES ACESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS IN ITS NEW 10-YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN

AODA ALLIANCE MAKES PRESENTATION TO STANDING COMMITTEE OF MANITOBA LEGISLATURE ON NEED FOR STRONG ACCESSIBILITY LEGISLATION

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 30, 2011 SUMMARY On the evening of Monday, June 13, 2011, the AODA Alliance made a 15-minute presentation to the Human Resources Standing Committee of the Manitoba Legislature on the need for strong, effective accessibility legislation. On quite short notice, the Standing Committee … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE MAKES PRESENTATION TO STANDING COMMITTEE OF MANITOBA LEGISLATURE ON NEED FOR STRONG ACCESSIBILITY LEGISLATION

GOVERNMENT CANCELS FUND TO ACCOMMODATE ONTARIO PUBLIC SERVANTS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE WORKPLACE – BUT RESTORES IT WHEN AODA ALLIANCE CHALLENGES ITS CANCELLATION

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 28, 2011 SUMMARY Here is a very troubling recent incident. It shows the need for all of us to keep on our toes, lest we lose ground in the ongoing campaign for a fully accessible Ontario. For over two decades the Ontario Government … Continue reading GOVERNMENT CANCELS FUND TO ACCOMMODATE ONTARIO PUBLIC SERVANTS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE WORKPLACE – BUT RESTORES IT WHEN AODA ALLIANCE CHALLENGES ITS CANCELLATION

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT DODGES OUR REQUEST THAT PRESTO SMART CARD NOT BE INSTALLED AT TTC UNTIL FULLY ACCESSIBLE – BUT AODA ALLIANCE PRESSES AGAIN FOR A CLEAR COMMITMENT

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 10, 2011 SUMMARY As reported in an earlier update, on June 6, 2011 we wrote to Ontario Transportation Minister Wynne, TTC Chair Stintz, and Toronto Mayor Ford. We sought a commitment that they would not install the Presto Smart Card technology for paying transit … Continue reading MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT DODGES OUR REQUEST THAT PRESTO SMART CARD NOT BE INSTALLED AT TTC UNTIL FULLY ACCESSIBLE – BUT AODA ALLIANCE PRESSES AGAIN FOR A CLEAR COMMITMENT

TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION TO ADOPT PRESTO SMART CARD – BUT WILL TTC AND THE CITY OF TORONTO ENSURE ONTARIO MAKES IT BARRIER-FREE BEFORE IMPLEMENTING IT?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 07, 2011 SUMMARY Even though the new Integrated Accessibility Regulation has finally been enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, will Toronto transit passengers face new barriers in the future when paying fares to ride the TTC? On June 6, 2011, the … Continue reading TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION TO ADOPT PRESTO SMART CARD – BUT WILL TTC AND THE CITY OF TORONTO ENSURE ONTARIO MAKES IT BARRIER-FREE BEFORE IMPLEMENTING IT?

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN OUR CAMPAIGN FOR A FULLY ACCESSIBLE ONTARIO – MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT ENACTS INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION -ADDRESSING BARRIERS IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION, EMPLOYMENT AND TRANSPORTATION

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 03, 2011 SUMMARY On Friday, June 3, 2011, just 10 days before the sixth anniversary of the day when the AODA went into effect, the McGuinty Government enacted and made public the new and finalized Integrated Accessibility Regulation (IAR). It addresses barriers impeding persons with … Continue reading MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN OUR CAMPAIGN FOR A FULLY ACCESSIBLE ONTARIO – MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT ENACTS INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION -ADDRESSING BARRIERS IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION, EMPLOYMENT AND TRANSPORTATION

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO MAKE PUBLIC THE FINALIZED ENACTED INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION THIS FRIDAY

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 01, 2011 SUMMARY On Tuesday, May 31, 2011 the McGuinty Government announced that on Friday June 3, 2011 it will make public the finalized Integrated Accessibility Regulation it is enacting under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This is the final stage in … Continue reading MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO MAKE PUBLIC THE FINALIZED ENACTED INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION THIS FRIDAY

ATTEND THE EAST GWILLIMBURY ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S JUNE 11 2011 PUBLIC FORUM ON HOW TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR ACCESSIBILITY

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org May 19, 2011 SUMMARY Whether or not you live in beautifulEast Gwillimbury Ontario, located in York Region, everyone is invited to attend the June 11, 2011 public forum/workshop on how to effectively advocate in your community for accessibility for persons with disabilities. The keynote speaker will … Continue reading ATTEND THE EAST GWILLIMBURY ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S JUNE 11 2011 PUBLIC FORUM ON HOW TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR ACCESSIBILITY

SARNIA CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO’S CALL FOR THE PROPOSED PROVINCIAL ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION TO BE WEAKENED – GET YOUR MUNICIPALITY TO DO THE SAME!

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org May 17, 2011 SUMMARY We are delighted that on the recommendation of Sarnia’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, the City of Sarnia and its mayor have both publicly distanced themselves from the call by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to weaken the proposed Integrated Accessibility … Continue reading SARNIA CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO’S CALL FOR THE PROPOSED PROVINCIAL ACCESSIBILITY REGULATION TO BE WEAKENED – GET YOUR MUNICIPALITY TO DO THE SAME!

ATTEND THE TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION’S MAY 19, 2011 PUBLIC FORUM ON BARRIERS TO ACCESSIBILITY IN PUBLIC TRANSIT

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org May 13, 2011 SUMMARY We encourage those in the Toronto area to attend the Toronto Transit Commission’s fourth annual public forum on barriers to accessibility on the TTC. It will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2011 from 7 to 9:30 pm. … Continue reading ATTEND THE TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION’S MAY 19, 2011 PUBLIC FORUM ON BARRIERS TO ACCESSIBILITY IN PUBLIC TRANSIT

IS YOUR POLLING STATION AT TODAY’S FEDERAL ELECTION ACCESSIBLE – IF NOT, MAKE SURE ELECTIONS ONTARIO DOESN’T USE THE SAME SITE FOR VOTING IN THE OCTOBER 2011 ONTARIO ELECTION

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org May 2, 2011 SUMMARY Today’s federal election is an important time to think about the accessibility of this October’s upcoming Ontario general election. When you go to vote in the federal election today, check if your polling station has any barriers to accessibility for … Continue reading IS YOUR POLLING STATION AT TODAY’S FEDERAL ELECTION ACCESSIBLE – IF NOT, MAKE SURE ELECTIONS ONTARIO DOESN’T USE THE SAME SITE FOR VOTING IN THE OCTOBER 2011 ONTARIO ELECTION

THREE QUICK WAYS YOU CAN HELP PROMOTE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 29, 2011 SUMMARY Please take a few moments to help our campaign for a fully-accessible Ontario. We here recap three quick and easy actions you can take to help our campaign. MORE DETAILS 1. Make sure your Polling Station in the … Continue reading THREE QUICK WAYS YOU CAN HELP PROMOTE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES

Make sure the polling station for you in the October 2011 election is accessible to voters with disabilities

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 8, 2011 SUMMARY Here is the latest news in our 12-year long campaign to ensure that elections in Ontario are fully accessible to persons with disabilities. 1. Voters with disabilities across Ontario can now benefit from a hard-one new right for … Continue reading Make sure the polling station for you in the October 2011 election is accessible to voters with disabilities

Help us respond to the association of municipalities of Ontario’s and the public transit sector’s efforts to weaken the integrated accessibility regulation and to delay its enactment

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 4, 2011 SUMMARY We now have a unique insight into the views of perhaps the most vocal voices advocating to weaken the McGuinty Government’s proposed new regulation to address barriers facing persons with disabilities in the areas of employment, transportation, and information and communication. … Continue reading Help us respond to the association of municipalities of Ontario’s and the public transit sector’s efforts to weaken the integrated accessibility regulation and to delay its enactment

Ontario Human Rights Commission blasts government’s draft accessibility regulation as raising serious problems under the human rights code — Human Rights Commission endorses AODA Alliance brief on how to fix it

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 21, 2011 SUMMARY On March 18, 2011 the Ontario Human Rights Commission slammed the McGuinty Government’s draft Integrated Accessibility Regulation (IAR). It identifies serious flaws in the draft IAR from the perspective of the Human Rights Code. The IAR aims to … Continue reading Ontario Human Rights Commission blasts government’s draft accessibility regulation as raising serious problems under the human rights code — Human Rights Commission endorses AODA Alliance brief on how to fix it

Hamilton spectator articles show why it is so important to give the McGuinty government feedback now on its proposed accessibility regulation before the deadline tomorrow

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 17, 2011 SUMMARY A series of articles in the Hamilton Spectator this month show that it is very important for as many individuals and organizations to urge the McGuinty Government to strengthen its proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation. The McGuinty Government has … Continue reading Hamilton spectator articles show why it is so important to give the McGuinty government feedback now on its proposed accessibility regulation before the deadline tomorrow

Please tell the McGuinty government if you endorse the aoda alliance’s finalized brief on the draft integrated accessibility regulation

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 11, 2011 SUMMARY Please contact the McGuinty Government to say if you or your organization endorses our just-released finalized brief on the Government’s February 1, 2011 draft of the Integrated Accessibility Regulation that it proposes to enact under the Accessibility for … Continue reading Please tell the McGuinty government if you endorse the aoda alliance’s finalized brief on the draft integrated accessibility regulation

Human Rights Commission warns municipalities and municipal transit authorities to ensure that all new buses are accessible, despite anything less in McGuinty government’s proposed accessibility standard

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org February 17, 2011 SUMMARY We commend the Ontario Human Rights Commission for writing local public transit authorities and municipalities across Ontario, warning them not to buy inaccessible buses, no matter what exemptions may be in the McGuinty Government’s proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation. … Continue reading Human Rights Commission warns municipalities and municipal transit authorities to ensure that all new buses are accessible, despite anything less in McGuinty government’s proposed accessibility standard

McGuinty Government Makes Public New Draft Regulation to Address Barriers in Transportation, Information, Communication and Employment – We Have 45 Days to Give the Government Feedback

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 1, 2011 SUMMARY Today the McGuinty Government posted for public comment a draft “Integrated Accessibility Regulation” (IAR”). It aims to address barriers facing persons with disabilities in transportation, employment, information and communication. We have 45 days … Continue reading McGuinty Government Makes Public New Draft Regulation to Address Barriers in Transportation, Information, Communication and Employment – We Have 45 Days to Give the Government Feedback

Get Ready for A Busy New Year in Our Non-Partisan Campaign for A Barrier-Free Ontario

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, 2011 SUMMARY We kick off 2011 by alerting you to priorities in our activities in 2011 in our ongoing campaign for a barrier-free Ontario, and summarizing what we accomplished last year. We also let you … Continue reading Get Ready for A Busy New Year in Our Non-Partisan Campaign for A Barrier-Free Ontario

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 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

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 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?

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 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!

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 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

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 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

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 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

McGuinty Government Posts Final Proposed Built Environment Accessibility Standard

September 2010 SUMMARY Here you can download the major documents that the McGuinty Government made public in early September, 2010, in connection with the final proposed Built Environment Accessibility Standard that was developed by the Built Environment Standards Development Committee. To download and read the final proposed Built Environment Accessibility Standard in MS Word format, … Continue reading McGuinty Government Posts Final Proposed Built Environment Accessibility Standard

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 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

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 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

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 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?

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 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

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 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

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 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

AODA Alliance Submits its Brief to the Ontario Government on the Final Proposed Information and Communication Standard

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org June 22, 2010 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has finalized and submitted its brief on the final proposed Information and Communication Accessibility Standard. The brief is long and quite detailed. This brief is quite similar to the draft brief that we circulated for … Continue reading AODA Alliance Submits its Brief to the Ontario Government on the Final Proposed Information and Communication Standard

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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?

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 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?

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

Charles Beer Independent AODA Review Report Calls for Stronger Government Leadership on Accessibility and Revamped, Revitalized Process for Developing Accessibility Standards

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org May 31, 2010 SUMMARY On Monday, May 31, 2010, the start of National Access Awareness Week, the McGuinty Government finally made public the long-awaited final report of the Charles Beer Independent Review on the AODA’s implementation. That report had been tabled with … Continue reading Charles Beer Independent AODA Review Report Calls for Stronger Government Leadership on Accessibility and Revamped, Revitalized Process for Developing Accessibility Standards

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 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

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 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

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 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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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?

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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?

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 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

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 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.

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 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

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 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

Legislature Sets Two Days for Public Hearings on Bill 231 – Proposed Law to Reform Accessibility of Elections in Ontario

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 10, 2010 SUMMARY The Legislature’s Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly has circulated a public advertisement announcing that public hearings on Bill 231 will take place on March 24 and 31, 2010. See that ad, below. You have until 4:00 p.m. … Continue reading Legislature Sets Two Days for Public Hearings on Bill 231 – Proposed Law to Reform Accessibility of Elections in Ontario

McGuinty government releases initial proposed built environment accessibility standard for public comment

July 24, 2009 SUMMARY On July 14, 2009, the McGuinty Government made public the initial proposed Built Environment Accessibility Standard. This proposal was developed by the Built Environment Standards Development Committee. The Government appointed that Committee under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005. The public has until October 16, 2009 to send the … Continue reading McGuinty government releases initial proposed built environment accessibility standard for public comment

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

Third Day of Second Reading Debates in the Ontario Legislature on Bill 231, the proposed Elections Reform Legislation, held on March 3, 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

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@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

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@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

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@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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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 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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

Is The Ontario Government Ensuring That No Tax Dollars Are Used To Create Barriers Against People With Disabilities?

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?

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 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

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 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

McGuinty Government Launches Independent Review of AODA’s Effectiveness

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

Excerpts of the Select Committee on Election’s June 2009 Report on Modernizing Ontario Elections Legislation

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

Tell the Ontario Government if you Support the AODA Alliance Brief on the Initial Proposed Employment Accessibility Standard

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

Fourth Anniversary of Unanimous Passage of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – How is the AODA Working So Far?

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?

Chinese Government Delegation Consults AODA Alliance on Disability Accessibility

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

Send Us Your Feedback on Our Draft Brief to the Ontario Government on the Initial Proposed Employment Accessibility Standard

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

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

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 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

Read the AODA Alliance’s Brief to the 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

Please Tell the Ontario Government if You Support the AODA Alliance’s Brief on the Final Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard

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

AODA Alliance Seeks Your Feedback on its Draft 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

Ontario Government Seeks Public Feedback on the Final Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard, Proposed by the Transportation Standards Development Committee

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

Please Endorse the AODA Alliance’s Brief on the Initial Proposed Information and Communication Accessibility Standard

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

AODA Alliance Delegation Presents Recommendations To Improve AODA’s Implementation To Community And Social Services Minister

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

What Steps Is The McGuinty Government Taking To Keep Its 2007 Election Promise Of An Action Plan For Accessible Elections?

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?

Please Give Us Your Feedback On The AODA Alliance’s Draft Brief On The Proposed Information And Communication Accessibility Standard

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

Please Give The McGuinty Government Your Feedback On The Proposed New 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

Toronto Star Guest Column Marks Important 10-year Anniversary in Campaign for Barrier-Free Ontario and Calls for Renewed Government Action

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

Upcoming 10th Anniversary of Major Event in the Long Campaign for Strong Disability Accessibility Legislation

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

Is The Ontario Government on Schedule to Making Ontario Fully Accessible for People with Disabilities by 2025?

October 1, 2008 SUMMARY On September 4, 2008, a delegation from the AODA Alliance met with senior Ontario Government officials at the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario. They are responsible for implementing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. (AODA) We sought an update on what steps the Ontario Government is taking to implement the AODA, … Continue reading Is The Ontario Government on Schedule to Making Ontario Fully Accessible for People with Disabilities by 2025?

AODA ALLIANCE ASKS MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO REPORT ON ITS EFFORTS ON UNKEPT 2007 ELECTION PROMISES

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org November 24, 2010 SUMMARY On November 12, 2010 we wrote to Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur, the McGuinty Government’s cabinet minister with lead responsibility for implementing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We asked what the Government has done … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE ASKS MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO REPORT ON ITS EFFORTS ON UNKEPT 2007 ELECTION PROMISES

AODA Alliance Calls on Elections Ontario to Provide Internet and Telephone Voting and More than One Accessible Voting Machine per Riding in the October 2011 Ontario Election

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org November 22, 2010 SUMMARY On November 18, 2010, the AODA Alliance wrote Chief Electoral Officer Greg Essensa, who has lead responsibility for administering provincial elections in Ontario. For the October 2011 Ontario election, we ask him to exercise his authority under new … Continue reading AODA Alliance Calls on Elections Ontario to Provide Internet and Telephone Voting and More than One Accessible Voting Machine per Riding in the October 2011 Ontario Election

CANADIAN CIVIL LIBERTIES ASSOCIATION CALLS ON ELECTIONS ONTARIO TO ACT PROMPTLY 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 May 5, 2010 SUMMARY On May 4, 2010, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association wrote Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer, Greg Essensa. (Letter set out below.) In their letter, the CCLA echoed our call for prompt action by Elections Ontario to ensure fully accessible … Continue reading CANADIAN CIVIL LIBERTIES ASSOCIATION CALLS ON ELECTIONS ONTARIO TO ACT PROMPTLY TO ENSURE FULLY ACCESSIBLE ELECTIONS FOR VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES

NEW TORONTO STAR ON-LINE GUEST COLUMN CO-WRITTEN BY AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR IDENTIFIES BARRIERS TO ENFORCING HUMAN RIGHTS IN ONTARIO –AND — TODAY IS TTC ANNUAL ACCESSIBILITY PUBLIC FORUM

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org May 10, 2012 SUMMARY The May 10, 2012 on-line edition of the Toronto … Continue reading NEW TORONTO STAR ON-LINE GUEST COLUMN CO-WRITTEN BY AODA ALLIANCE CHAIR IDENTIFIES BARRIERS TO ENFORCING HUMAN RIGHTS IN ONTARIO –AND — TODAY IS TTC ANNUAL ACCESSIBILITY PUBLIC FORUM

ANDREW PINTO REFUSES TO READ THE AODA ALLIANCE’S SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF TO THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW – AODA ALLIANCE URGES MR. PINTO TO RECONSIDER THAT DECISION – AND MORE MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE PINTO REVIEW

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 24, 2012 SUMMARY On April 12, 2012 the AODA Alliance submitted a … Continue reading ANDREW PINTO REFUSES TO READ THE AODA ALLIANCE’S SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF TO THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW – AODA ALLIANCE URGES MR. PINTO TO RECONSIDER THAT DECISION – AND MORE MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE PINTO REVIEW

AODA ALLIANCE SUBMITS A SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF TO THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW – AODA ALLIANCE ALSO RESPONDS TO CRITICISMS OF US LEVELLED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 12, 2012 SUMMARY Here are two recent developments in our effort to … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE SUBMITS A SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF TO THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW – AODA ALLIANCE ALSO RESPONDS TO CRITICISMS OF US LEVELLED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE

HOW IS OUR CAMPAIGN FOR A FULLY ACCESSIBLE ONTARIO GOING? SAMPLING FROM MEDIA AROUND ONTARIO ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AODA

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org April 5, 2012 SUMMARY One way to monitor progress in our campaign for … Continue reading HOW IS OUR CAMPAIGN FOR A FULLY ACCESSIBLE ONTARIO GOING? SAMPLING FROM MEDIA AROUND ONTARIO ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AODA

BITS AND PIECES OF IMPORTANT NEWS ON THE CAMPAIGN FOR A FULLY-ACCESSIBLE ONTARIO

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 30, 2012 SUMMARY Here are selections of important news and upcoming events of … Continue reading BITS AND PIECES OF IMPORTANT NEWS ON THE CAMPAIGN FOR A FULLY-ACCESSIBLE ONTARIO

PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW RESTORES CANCELLED THUNDER BAY PUBLIC HEARINGS AFTER AODA ALLIANCE GETS CBC TO COVER ITS EARLIER CANCELLATION –THUNDER BAY PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE APRIL 4, 2012

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.aodaalliance.org March 19, 2012 SUMMARY The Review of Ontario’s Human Rights Code, which the McGuinty … Continue reading PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW RESTORES CANCELLED THUNDER BAY PUBLIC HEARINGS AFTER AODA ALLIANCE GETS CBC TO COVER ITS EARLIER CANCELLATION –THUNDER BAY PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE APRIL 4, 2012

AODA ALLIANCE MAKES TWO-HOUR PRESENTATION AT ANDREW PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW STAKEHOLDER MEETING—AND MORE MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE PINTO REVIEW

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 02, 2012 SUMMARY On Friday, March 2, 2012, from 10 a.m. to noon, … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE MAKES TWO-HOUR PRESENTATION AT ANDREW PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW STAKEHOLDER MEETING—AND MORE MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE PINTO REVIEW

PLEASE TELL THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW If YOU ENDORSE THE AODA ALLIANCE’S FINAL MARCH 1, 2012 BRIEF ON THE ENFORCEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN ONTARIO –AODA ALLIANCE CALLS FOR SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS TO ONTARIO’S HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM, TO ENSURE ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR DISCRIMINATION VICTIMS

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org March 01, 2012 SUMMARY We are delighted to make public our finalized and comprehensive … Continue reading PLEASE TELL THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW If YOU ENDORSE THE AODA ALLIANCE’S FINAL MARCH 1, 2012 BRIEF ON THE ENFORCEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN ONTARIO –AODA ALLIANCE CALLS FOR SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS TO ONTARIO’S HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM, TO ENSURE ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR DISCRIMINATION VICTIMS

AODA ALLIANCE TO MAKE PRESENTATION TO PINTO REVIEW ON FRIDAY MARCH 2, 2012 – AND STILL MORE NEWS ON THE PINTO REVIEW

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org February 13, 2012 SUMMARY Here is yet more news on the Pinto Review … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE TO MAKE PRESENTATION TO PINTO REVIEW ON FRIDAY MARCH 2, 2012 – AND STILL MORE NEWS ON THE PINTO REVIEW

USE THESE HELPFUL TIPS FOR MAKING A PRESENTATION TO THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE’S PUBLIC HEARINGS OR SENDING IN WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS – AND SEND US FEEDBACK ON OUR DRAFT BRIEF TO THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org February 9, 2012 SUMMARY It can be easy to give the Pinto Human … Continue reading USE THESE HELPFUL TIPS FOR MAKING A PRESENTATION TO THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE’S PUBLIC HEARINGS OR SENDING IN WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS – AND SEND US FEEDBACK ON OUR DRAFT BRIEF TO THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW

MORE PROBLEMS WITH PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW — PINTO REVIEW BELATEDLY SETS TIMES AND LOCATIONS FOR PUBLIC FORUMS, WRONGLY CANCELS THUNDER BAY FORUM AND FINALLY EXTENDS DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR A STAKEHOLDER MEETING — GIVE US FEEDBACK ON OUR DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OUR BRIEF TO THE PINTO REVIEW

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org February 7, 2012 SUMMARY What’s Going On at the Pinto Ontario Human Rights … Continue reading MORE PROBLEMS WITH PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW — PINTO REVIEW BELATEDLY SETS TIMES AND LOCATIONS FOR PUBLIC FORUMS, WRONGLY CANCELS THUNDER BAY FORUM AND FINALLY EXTENDS DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR A STAKEHOLDER MEETING — GIVE US FEEDBACK ON OUR DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OUR BRIEF TO THE PINTO REVIEW

JUST-RELEASED HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE 2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT DOCUMENTS THAT THE CENTRE WARNED MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT IT COULDN’T PROVIDE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF SERVICE FROM 2008-2010 – AND MORE NEWS ON UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org February 1, 2012 SUMMARY Here is the latest news on the Independent Review of … Continue reading JUST-RELEASED HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE 2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT DOCUMENTS THAT THE CENTRE WARNED MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT IT COULDN’T PROVIDE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF SERVICE FROM 2008-2010 – AND MORE NEWS ON UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW

AODA ALLIANCE URGES PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW TO GIVE THE PUBLIC MORE TIME TO GIVE INPUT INTO ONTARIO’S HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEM — WE ASK HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL, COMMISSION AND LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE TO DISCLOSE MORE ABOUT THEIR OPERATIONS –MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT URGED TO MAKE PUBLIC THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org January 23, 2012 SUMMARY Here is the latest news in our effort to ensure … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE URGES PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW TO GIVE THE PUBLIC MORE TIME TO GIVE INPUT INTO ONTARIO’S HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEM — WE ASK HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL, COMMISSION AND LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE TO DISCLOSE MORE ABOUT THEIR OPERATIONS –MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT URGED TO MAKE PUBLIC THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE

READ WHAT THE HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE HAVE DISCLOSED AS OF JANUARY 23, 2012 ABOUT THEIR WORK ON ENFORCING THE ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE UNDER BILL 107

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org January 23, 2012 SUMMARY On November 14, 2011, we wrote Ontario’s Human Rights Tribunal, … Continue reading READ WHAT THE HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE HAVE DISCLOSED AS OF JANUARY 23, 2012 ABOUT THEIR WORK ON ENFORCING THE ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE UNDER BILL 107

SIGN UP – TO TELL THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW WHAT YOU THINK OF THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT’S PRIVATIZING HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT – AND TELL THE PINTO REVIEW IF YOU SUPPORT OUR RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO FIX PROBLEMS WITH THE PINTO REVIEW’S CONSULTATIONS

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.com Follow us on Twitter and get others to do so as well! Twitter.com/aodaalliance Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org January 9, 2012 SUMMARY A major issue is now becoming a priority for … Continue reading SIGN UP – TO TELL THE PINTO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE REVIEW WHAT YOU THINK OF THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT’S PRIVATIZING HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT – AND TELL THE PINTO REVIEW IF YOU SUPPORT OUR RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO FIX PROBLEMS WITH THE PINTO REVIEW’S CONSULTATIONS

Read the December 23, 2011 Consultation Paper of the Andrew Pinto Review of Bill 107’s Privatization of Human Rights Enforcement in Ontario

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.com Follow 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 9, 2012 SUMMARY Consultation Paper of the … Continue reading Read the December 23, 2011 Consultation Paper of the Andrew Pinto Review of Bill 107’s Privatization of Human Rights Enforcement in Ontario

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT DUCKS COMPLAINT ABOUT ITS CONTROVERSIAL CHOICE OF WHOM TO CONDUCT INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF BILL 107

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 November 21, 2011 SUMMARY The McGuinty Government recently wrote a … Continue reading MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT DUCKS COMPLAINT ABOUT ITS CONTROVERSIAL CHOICE OF WHOM TO CONDUCT INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF BILL 107

AODA ALLIANCE CALLS ON Independent Review OF ONTARIO’S HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT TO HOLD OPEN,ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC HEARINGS

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 November 17, 2011 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance has written … Continue reading AODA ALLIANCE CALLS ON Independent Review OF ONTARIO’S HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT TO HOLD OPEN,ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC HEARINGS

PLEASE ENDORSE THE AODA ALLIANCE’S REQUEST OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE TO DISCLOSE DETAILS ON ENFORCEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN ONTARIO

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 November 14, 2011 SUMMARY We have just written the … Continue reading PLEASE ENDORSE THE AODA ALLIANCE’S REQUEST OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND HUMAN RIGHTS LEGAL SUPPORT CENTRE TO DISCLOSE DETAILS ON ENFORCEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN ONTARIO

FOR AN Independent Review OF ONTARIO’S HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM, THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT APPOINTS A BILL 107 SUPPORTER, WHO PUBLICLY OPPOSED THE AODA ALLIANCE’S POSITION ON HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org August 29, 2011 SUMMARY On August 12, 2011, the McGuinty Government appointed Toronto lawyer Andrew Pinto to conduct an Independent Review of Ontario’s new and controversial human rights enforcement system, implemented under Bill 107. Bill 107 is legislation that the McGuinty Government … Continue reading FOR AN Independent Review OF ONTARIO’S HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM, THE MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT APPOINTS A BILL 107 SUPPORTER, WHO PUBLICLY OPPOSED THE AODA ALLIANCE’S POSITION ON HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT

WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR ENFORCING HUMAN RIGHTS IN ONTARIO?

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org WHEN WILL A BUILT ENVIRONMENT ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD BE ENACTED? July 13, 2011 SUMMARY In the October Ontario election, an important issue for persons with disabilities will be the future of the enforcement of the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Human Rights Code … Continue reading WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR ENFORCING HUMAN RIGHTS IN ONTARIO?

AT AODA ALLIANCE’S REQUEST, ELECTIONS ONTARIO EXTENDS DEADLINE TO JUNE 3, 2011 TO GIVE FEEDBACK ON ACCESSIBILITY OF PROPOSED OCTOBER 2011 ELECTION’S POLLING STATION LOCATIONS

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org May 6, 2011 SUMMARY At the request of the AODA Alliance, Elections Ontario has extended the deadline to June 3, 2011 for giving your feedback on the accessibility of the locations that Elections Ontario proposes to use for polling stations in the … Continue reading AT AODA ALLIANCE’S REQUEST, ELECTIONS ONTARIO EXTENDS DEADLINE TO JUNE 3, 2011 TO GIVE FEEDBACK ON ACCESSIBILITY OF PROPOSED OCTOBER 2011 ELECTION’S POLLING STATION LOCATIONS

Toronto Star Report Proves AODA Alliance Correctly Predicted Problems with McGuinty Government’s 2006 Privatization of Human Rights Enforcement in Ontario

Sign Up for AODA Alliance Updates by writing: aodafeedback@gmail.com Learn more at: www.www.aodaalliance.org May 29, 2010 SUMMARY Now that the Ontario Legislature has passed Bill 231, including provisions on making Ontario elections accessible to voters with disabilities, our attention turns to other important issues in our campaign to make Ontario fully accessible to persons with … Continue reading Toronto Star Report Proves AODA Alliance Correctly Predicted Problems with McGuinty Government’s 2006 Privatization of Human Rights Enforcement in Ontario

AODA Alliance’s Brief to Standing Committee on Government Agencies Reveals Broken Government Commitments on Reforms to Human Rights Enforcement

February 12, 2009 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance’s Brief on the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, submitted to the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on Government Agencies for its February 9, 2009 public hearings, documents in detail how the McGuinty Government has broken several important commitments on what discrimination victims would experience in the reformed system for … Continue reading AODA Alliance’s Brief to Standing Committee on Government Agencies Reveals Broken Government Commitments on Reforms to Human Rights Enforcement

AODA Alliance Tells Legislature’s Standing Committee That Most New Discrimination Claimants at the Human Rights Tribunal Have No Lawyer, and that Bill 107 Just Shuffled the Human Rights Caseload Backlog from the Human Rights Commission to the Human Rights Tribunal

February 11, 2009 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance’s February 9, 2009 deputation before the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on Government Agencies revealed that many McGuinty Government promises on Bill 107 have been broken. We set out the 8-page text of this presentation, below. You can also click here to download an mp3 file of the audio … Continue reading AODA Alliance Tells Legislature’s Standing Committee That Most New Discrimination Claimants at the Human Rights Tribunal Have No Lawyer, and that Bill 107 Just Shuffled the Human Rights Caseload Backlog from the Human Rights Commission to the Human Rights Tribunal

AODA Alliance Holds Joint Queen’s Park News Conference on the June 30, 2008 Launch of Bill 107’s Privatization of Human Rights Enforcement – Unveiling List of the McGuinty Government’s 10 Commitments on what Bill 107 Will Give You, and Internal Government Documents Casting Doubt on Whether it will Deliver on these Promises

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE UPDATE July 2, 2008 On Wednesday, July 2, 2008 the AODA Alliance held a joint news conference with the Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic. This news conference addressed the June 2, 2008 start-up of Bill 107’s privatization of the enforcement of human rights in Ontario. … Continue reading AODA Alliance Holds Joint Queen’s Park News Conference on the June 30, 2008 Launch of Bill 107’s Privatization of Human Rights Enforcement – Unveiling List of the McGuinty Government’s 10 Commitments on what Bill 107 Will Give You, and Internal Government Documents Casting Doubt on Whether it will Deliver on these Promises

Ten Key Government Commitments on Bill 107 Human Rights Reform

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE UPDATE July 2, 2008 Note: For a full background of the public record on this issue, visit: http://www.www.aodaalliance.org/category/ontario-human-rights/ SUMMARY The McGuinty Government has given ten major commitments under Bill 107: Commitment of free legal representation for all human rights complainants. Commitment that the Human Rights Legal Support Centre … Continue reading Ten Key Government Commitments on Bill 107 Human Rights Reform

Tell The Human Rights Tribunal If You Support our Proposals On The Tribunal’s Proposed Accessibility Policy

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE UPDATE June 20, 2008 SUMMARY The Human Rights Tribunal announced that it intends to establish a formal policy on ensuring accessibility of the Tribunal’s services to equality-seeking groups, including persons with disabilities. The Tribunal’s 4-page draft accessibility policy, on which it seeks input, is set out below. The Tribunal asked for public input … Continue reading Tell The Human Rights Tribunal If You Support our Proposals On The Tribunal’s Proposed Accessibility Policy

Human Rights Tribunal Finally Announces its Final Rules of Procedure for Handling Human Rights Cases, Rejecting Most AODA Alliance Recommendations

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE UPDATE June 13, 2008 SUMMARY Less than one month before Ontario’s new human rights system goes into operation on June 30, 2008, the Human Rights Tribunal finally released its finalized permanent rules of procedure. These rules dictate how discrimination cases will be handled at the Tribunal beginning June … Continue reading Human Rights Tribunal Finally Announces its Final Rules of Procedure for Handling Human Rights Cases, Rejecting Most AODA Alliance Recommendations

What does Ontario’s March 22, 2007 budget include for accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities?

March 22, 2007 SUMMARY Here is a quick update on the key points in the March 22, 2007 Ontario Budget as it pertains to key disability issues in which the AODA Alliance is involved. This is the last provincial Budget before this fall’s provincial election. AODA Alliance representatives attended the pre-Budget lock-up just before the … Continue reading What does Ontario’s March 22, 2007 budget include for accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities?

Attend Major Toronto Public Forum On Government’s Plans To Weaken Human Rights Commission And Privatize Human Rights Enforcement

List Of Community Organizations Opposing Government Plans To Privatize Enforcement Of Human Rights Code Keeps Growing March 31, 2006 SUMMARY In this update, we provide you with the following: A quick summary of the current issue surrounding the Government’s plans to privatize the enforcement of human rights in Ontario by weakening the Ontario Human Rights … Continue reading Attend Major Toronto Public Forum On Government’s Plans To Weaken Human Rights Commission And Privatize Human Rights Enforcement

Closure Motion

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

Bill 107 Vote

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

What Will Happen To The 4,000 Discrimination Cases At The Ontario Human Rights Commission On June 30, 2008 When Bill 107 Goes Into Operation?

May 28, 2008 SUMMARY Under five weeks from now, on June 30, 2008, Bill 107 goes into operation. It privatizes enforcement of human rights in Ontario. On Day One, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario estimates that there will be 4,000 discrimination cases already in the works at the Ontario Human Rights Commission. What will … Continue reading What Will Happen To The 4,000 Discrimination Cases At The Ontario Human Rights Commission On June 30, 2008 When Bill 107 Goes Into Operation?

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 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

Toronto Star Guest Column Details Problems With Human Rights Tribunal’s Proposed New Rules For Discrimination Cases

May 8, 2008 SUMMARY A guest column by David Lepofsky appears in the May 8, 2008 Toronto Star. It details serious problems with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal’s proposed new rules for handling discrimination cases after June 30, 2008. See the text of this column below. We encourage you to write the Toronto Star and … Continue reading Toronto Star Guest Column Details Problems With Human Rights Tribunal’s Proposed New Rules For Discrimination Cases

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?

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?

Eight Weeks Before Bill 107 Goes Into Full Operation, Is The New Human Rights Enforcement System Ready For Day One?

May 2, 2008 June 30, 2008 is just around the corner. That’s when Bill 107 goes into full operation. On that date, discrimination victims will no longer be able to go to the Ontario Human Rights Commission to conduct a public investigation of their individual human rights complaints, and to publicly prosecute it where there’s … Continue reading Eight Weeks Before Bill 107 Goes Into Full Operation, Is The New Human Rights Enforcement System Ready For Day One?

Email The Human Rights Tribunal To Support The AODA Alliance Brief Regarding The Tribunal’s Proposed Rules Of Procedure

April 15, 2008 SUMMARY Please take a minute to send a short email to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, to support the AODA Alliance brief, which raises concerns about the Tribunal’s proposed new rules of procedure. If the Tribunal adopts these rules, any discrimination victim will have to obey them to present a discrimination case. … Continue reading Email The Human Rights Tribunal To Support The AODA Alliance Brief Regarding The Tribunal’s Proposed Rules Of Procedure

Human Rights Tribunal’s Proposed New Rules Would Erect Barriers Impeding Discrimination Victims From Access To Justice, and Give Tribunal Sweeping, Excessive Powers – Please Endorse Concerns Raised In The New AODA Alliance Brief

March 28, 2008 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance here makes public the brief it submitted to the Human Rights Tribunal. It addresses the Tribunal’s proposed new rules of procedure. These proposed rules spell out the hoops discrimination victims would have to get through after June 30, 2008 to present a discrimination complaint to the Human Rights … Continue reading Human Rights Tribunal’s Proposed New Rules Would Erect Barriers Impeding Discrimination Victims From Access To Justice, and Give Tribunal Sweeping, Excessive Powers – Please Endorse Concerns Raised In The New AODA Alliance Brief

Viewing The 2008 Ontario Budget Through A Disability Lens How Does It Look?

March 25, 2008 SUMMARY On March 25, 2008, Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan brought forward this year’s Ontario budget. What does it offer Ontarians with Disabilities? Beyond a 2% increase in social assistance, it provides little to address the distinctive needs of Ontarians with disabilities, including those pertaining to improving accessibility. The Budget provided a … Continue reading Viewing The 2008 Ontario Budget Through A Disability Lens How Does It Look?

Several Sarnia City Councillors Oppose Announcing All Bus Stops to Accommodate Vision Impaired Passengers

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

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

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

Human Rights Tribunal Consults on Important New Rules for Enforcing Human Rights – But Who Even Knows This Consultation is Going On?

March 2, 2008 SUMMARY We heard through the grapevine that the Ontario Human Rights tribunal is now holding a consultation on its all-important new rules of procedure. These rules will govern all human rights complaints in Ontario after June 30, 2008. The public has until March 14, 2008 to send its input to the Tribunal. … Continue reading Human Rights Tribunal Consults on Important New Rules for Enforcing Human Rights – But Who Even Knows This Consultation is Going On?

McGuinty Government’s Fall 2007 Toronto Public Meeting on Human Rights Reform Reveals Serious Problems with Bill 107’s Implementation

February 6, 2008 SUMMARY In November 2007, the McGuinty Government held a series of public forums around Ontario concerning Bill 107’s implementation. Bill 107 is the widely-criticized law which will privatize human rights enforcement in Ontario. It will take away their right to a public investigation of discrimination complaints, and to a public prosecution of … Continue reading McGuinty Government’s Fall 2007 Toronto Public Meeting on Human Rights Reform Reveals Serious Problems with Bill 107’s Implementation

Ontario Government Consultant’s Study on Effectiveness of Standards Development Committees Misses Key Problems with Flawed Implementation of the AODA

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

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 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

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

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

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 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?

McGuinty Government’s Throne Speech Commits to Implementing AODA

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

Further Details on Government’s Information Sessions on Bill 107’s Privatization of Human Rights Enforcement

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

Some Serious Concerns about Human rights Tribunal’s Proposed New Interim Rules of Procedure

October 29, 2007 SUMMARY The widely criticized Bill 107 gives the Human Rights Tribunal sweeping power to make new rules of procedure for handling the many discrimination cases that will go directly to the Tribunal under Bill 107’s privatization of human rights enforcement. Last year the AODA Alliance raised serious concerns about this sweeping power. … Continue reading Some Serious Concerns about Human rights Tribunal’s Proposed New Interim Rules of Procedure

Attend and Raise Questions at Government’s November Public Meetings on Changes to Human Rights Enforcement

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ALLIANCE UPDATE PLAN TO ATTEND AND RAISE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AT NOVEMBER PUBLIC FORUMS AROUND ONTARIO ON LIFE UNDER BILL 107’S PRIVATIZATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT IN ONTARIO October 24, 2007 SUMMARY On the verge of this fall’s election campaign, the Ontario Government announced that in November, there will be a … Continue reading Attend and Raise Questions at Government’s November Public Meetings on Changes to Human Rights Enforcement

Why Has The Ontario Government’s Development of Accessibility Standards Under The AODA Been So Ineffective So Far?

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?

Bits and Pieces of News on the Accessibility Front, in the Aftermath of Last Week’s Ontario Election

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

Ontario’s New Lieutenant Governor Challenges All Ontarians to take Strong, Effective Action to make Ontario Barrier-Free for People With Disabilities

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

Re-Elected Ontario Government Makes Important Election Commitments to Ontarians 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

AODA Alliance Writes Elections Ontario in Pursuit of Barrier-Free Election

October 4, 2007 SUMMARY * As part of the AODA Alliance’s campaign for fully accessible elections in Ontario, we have written to the Chief Elections Officer. See our October 1, 2007 letter below. All three major political parties have pledged in this election that they support the next Government of Ontario developing an action plan … Continue reading AODA Alliance Writes Elections Ontario in Pursuit of Barrier-Free Election

Please Read and Circulate The Toronto Star’s Guest Column on the Ontario Election’s Disability Accessibility Issues

October 3, 2007 SUMMARY Below you can read the October 3, 2007 Toronto Star’s guest column on the Ontario election’s disability accessibility issues. It was written by David Lepofsky, the AODA Alliance’s Human Rights Reform Representative. We encourage you to: * Send a letter to the Toronto Star editor, expressing your views on the issues … Continue reading Please Read and Circulate The Toronto Star’s Guest Column on the Ontario Election’s Disability Accessibility Issues

Update: One Day Left to Send the Ontario Government Your Feedback on Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard – And Other News

September 27, 2007 SUMMARY Here are a few recent and important items: * We urge you to send the Ontario Government an email by the deadline tomorrow, Friday September 28, 2007, on the weak proposed transportation accessibility standard. If you don’t have much time, it would be great if you just send in a one-line … Continue reading Update: One Day Left to Send the Ontario Government Your Feedback on Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard – And Other News

How You Can Help Raise Disability Accessibility Issues in This Election in 15 Minutes or Less!

September 23, 2007 SUMMARY If you’re really busy, and have little free time, you can still really help raise important disability accessibility issues in this Ontario election. Here are ways you can help that take less than 15 minutes! For each of these, you need to take a moment to download our short 1-page leaflet … Continue reading How You Can Help Raise Disability Accessibility Issues in This Election in 15 Minutes or Less!

How To Help Raise Disability Accessibility Issues in this Election – Read Our 2007 Election Action Kit

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE 2007 ELECTION ACTION KIT September 17, 2007 OUR GOALS IN THIS ELECTION Help make voters with disabilities count in the October 10, 2007 Ontario election. We have two important goals: 1. We want the positions the parties and their candidates take on disability issues, including disability accessibility issues, … Continue reading How To Help Raise Disability Accessibility Issues in this Election – Read Our 2007 Election Action Kit

What the Liberal Party Promises

September 14, 2007 Doreen Winkler, Ph.D., R.S.W. Acting Chair Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance 1828 Bayview Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4G 2E8 Dear Ms. Winkler: Thank you for writing to me and for giving me the opportunity to outline our government’s record and the Ontario Liberals’ future plans for ensuring accessibility in Ontario. And … Continue reading What the Liberal Party Promises

Point by Point Comparison of the Three Parties’ Commitments on this Election’s Disability Accessibility Issues

October 1, 2007 SUMMARY Here is an issue by issue comparison of what the three political parties have committed in this election campaign regarding the key disability accessibility issues. This is based on the letters which Dalton McGuinty, John Tory and Howard Hampton sent to the AODA Alliance, setting out their commitments to us. In … Continue reading Point by Point Comparison of the Three Parties’ Commitments on this Election’s Disability Accessibility Issues

See the Voting Record of your Local Candidates on One of This Election’s Disability Accessibility Issues

Democratic Accountability for Protecting Human Rights in Ontario In a democracy it is important that every elected politician be made accountable for how they vote on important issues. In the fall of 2006, the McGuinty Government passed Bill 107. The Conservatives and NDP voted against it. Bill 107 was widely criticized by many, including by … Continue reading See the Voting Record of your Local Candidates on One of This Election’s Disability Accessibility Issues

Liberal Party Writes AODA Alliance with Election Commitments Regarding Disability Accessibility

September 14, 2007 SUMMARY On September 14, 2007 we received a letter from Premier Dalton McGuinty. It sets out the Liberal Party’s 2007 election commitments regarding disability accessibility. This letter comes in response to the AODA Alliance’s August 24, 2007 letter to the three party leaders. We asked the three party leaders to each make … Continue reading Liberal Party Writes AODA Alliance with Election Commitments Regarding Disability Accessibility

McGuinty Government’s New Customer Service Accessibility Standard is Weak and Ineffective

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE UPDATE THE FIRST AND ONLY ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD ENACTED UNDER THE AODA IS A MAJOR LET-DOWN – CUSTOMER SERVICE ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD IS WEAK AND INEFFECTIVE September 12, 2007 SUMMARY The Ontario Government recently announced that it enacted the first and only standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities … Continue reading McGuinty Government’s New Customer Service Accessibility Standard is Weak and Ineffective

NDP and Conservatives Make Written Election Commitments to AODA Alliance – Unveiled at September 7, 2007 AODA Alliance Queen’s Park News Conference

September 7, 2007 SUMMARY The AODA Alliance held a news conference at Queen’s Park on Friday September 7, 2007. We made public the written election commitments we have just received from the New Democratic and Progressive Conservative parties. See below their letters to the AODA Alliance, shown in the order we received them. Subsequent to the news conference, we received … Continue reading NDP and Conservatives Make Written Election Commitments to AODA Alliance – Unveiled at September 7, 2007 AODA Alliance Queen’s Park News Conference

Human Rights Commission Slams McGuinty Government’s Weak Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard for Falling Well Below Human Rights Code Requirements.

September 5, 2007 SUMMARY On the eve of the 2007 Ontario election, the Ontario Human Rights Commission issued a news release and a public submission to the McGuinty Government on its implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). These slammed the proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard that the McGuinty Government has circulated for public comment, as weak, ineffective … Continue reading Human Rights Commission Slams McGuinty Government’s Weak Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard for Falling Well Below Human Rights Code Requirements.

McGuinty Government Quietly Proclaims Bill 107 In Force On Election Campaign`s Eve, Before Solving Key Problems With Its Implementation — Human Rights Enforcement Weakened And Privatized

SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 SUMMARY In late August, on the eve of Ontario’s 2007 provincial election campaign, the McGuinty Government quietly proclaimed the date when its widely-criticized Bill 107 comes into force. Bill 107 will privatize and weaken the enforcement of human rights in Ontario. Unless the next Government prevents this, Bill 107 goes into force on June 30, 2008. The … Continue reading McGuinty Government Quietly Proclaims Bill 107 In Force On Election Campaign`s Eve, Before Solving Key Problems With Its Implementation — Human Rights Enforcement Weakened And Privatized

Ontario Government Extends Time for Giving Feedback on Weak Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard as Community Criticism of that Proposed Standard Mounts

August 28, 2007 SUMMARY Let us update you on recent developments on the Ontario Government’s weak proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard. * Good news! The Ontario Government has announced that it is extending the time for the public to give feedback on the weak proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard to September 28, 2007. The AODA Alliance led … Continue reading Ontario Government Extends Time for Giving Feedback on Weak Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard as Community Criticism of that Proposed Standard Mounts

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

Tell the Ontario Government If You Support The AODA Alliance’s Brief on the Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard

August 13, 2007 SUMMARY There’s just 18 days left to let the Ontario Government know what you think of the proposed transportation accessibility standard that has been developed by the Transportation Standards Development Committee under the Accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities Act. It is very important that as many people as possible send the Government … Continue reading Tell the Ontario Government If You Support The AODA Alliance’s Brief on the Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard

AODA Alliance Seeks your Feedback on Draft Submission on Government’s Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard.

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE UPDATE AODA ALLIANCE SEEKS YOUR FEEDBACK ON THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD August 7, 2007 SUMMARY The Ontario Government has invited public input by August 31, 2007 on the proposed new Transportation Accessibility Standard that it is considering enacting into law under the Accessibility for Ontarians … Continue reading AODA Alliance Seeks your Feedback on Draft Submission on Government’s Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard.

AODA Alliance Seeks Your Input On Upcoming Ontario Election And On Proposed Transit Accessibility Standard

July 15, 2007 SUMMARY There are two important priorities for us to address over the next 2-4 months. Raising disability issues in the upcoming Ontario election First, it will be important to raise disability issues in this October’s Ontario general election . We welcome your suggestions on priorities. Email us with your feedback at: aodafeedback@rogers.com … Continue reading AODA Alliance Seeks Your Input On Upcoming Ontario Election And On Proposed Transit Accessibility Standard

Initial Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard

The Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) provides for the development of standards in order to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures, and premises on or before January 1, 2025. The Minister responsible for the AODA is required to establish a process to … Continue reading Initial Proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard