AODA Alliance
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UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO
October 25, 2012
SUMMARY
We want to remind you that next Monday, October 29, 2012, is the start of our “Dial Dalton” campaign, to press the McGuinty Government to far more effectively enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Please take a little bit of time to join in our campaign.
Starting Monday, October 29, 2012, please call the office of Premier Dalton McGuinty! Ask whoever answers to tell you what number to call to report a barrier that persons with disabilities face, that may violate the AODA, and to get the AODA enforced. Ask what plans the Government has to keep Dalton McGuinty’s pledge, first made 14 years ago on October 29, 1998, to ensure that his new Disabilities Act would be effectively enforced.
It’s easy! The main number for Premier McGuinty’s office is (416) 325-1941. TTY 1-800-387-5559.
For quick action tips that tell you everything you need to know to take part in our Dial Dalton campaign, starting on Monday, October 29, 20012, visit: http://t.co/vZEie8Kx
When the Mike Harris Conservatives were in power and the McGuinty Liberals were in opposition from 1995 to 2003, the McGuinty Liberals said over and over that a Disabilities Act must be effectively enforced to make a real difference for persons with disabilities. An unenforced voluntary law is no solution. Unless the McGuinty Government makes strong and effective use of all the enforcement tools it built into the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in 2005, that law will be nothing more than a voluntary law – the very thing the McGuinty Liberals said was incapable of meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in Ontario.
We first announced our Dial Dalton campaign on Monday, October 15, 2012, two weeks before it kicks off. Just a few short hours later, Premier Dalton McGuinty made the surprise announcement that he will be stepping down as Ontario’s premier once the Liberal party selects a new leader. Needless to say, this was all a huge and unexpected coincidence.
Some have asked us whether we plan to go ahead with this Dial Dalton campaign, in light of the fact that Premier McGuinty will be stepping down. The answer is a loud, resounding YES!
It is more urgent than ever for Premier McGuinty to ensure that his Government keeps his 14-year-old promise to ensure that the Disabilities Act is effectively enforced, before he leaves office. In fact, it is a priority for us to concentrate now on ensuring that the Premier keeps all his promises on disability accessibility before he walks out of the Premier’s Office on his last day on the job. We also will aim to work to ensure that his successor commits to the effective implementation of the AODA. We will have more to say about this in the coming days.
If you want to
see the recent, short and inadequate message that the McGuinty Government posted on its website for the public on delivering on its pledge of effective enforcement of the AODA, visit: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/accessibility/customerService/compliance.aspx
That web page states:
“If you aren’t receiving accessible customer service from a business or organization, contact them and let them know. Tell them what your needs are and explain why you are having difficulty accessing their service. This will help them understand what they might need to do to make their service more accessible.
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, we do not have the power to investigate complaints or resolve issues between a person and a business or an organization. However, we do carry out audits to make sure organizations are meeting their accessibility obligations and we track complaints. If you would like more information about compliance with Ontario’s accessibility legislation, please let us know.
How to contact us
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
777 Bay Street, 6th Floor, Suite 601A
Toronto ON M7A 2J4
Email: accessibility@ontario.ca
If you are in Toronto, call:
416-246-7073 (English)
416-246-7075 (French)
If you are outside of Toronto, call:
1-877-300-4024 (bilingual)
TTY: 416-325-3408
1-800-268-7095”
Send your feedback to us at aodafeedback@gmail.com
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Learn all about our campaign for a fully accessible Ontario by visiting: http://www.www.aodaalliance.org