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 on that date.

Under section 41 of the AODA, four years after the AODA received Royal Assent and went into effect, the Ontario Government must appoint an Independent Review of the effectiveness of the AODA and its implementation. That Independent Review must begin by June 13, 2009. It consult the public, and in particular, the disability community. It must render a report to the Legislature. That report must be made public.

Even before the Government announces this Independent Review, the AODA alliance is already hard at work preparing to offer its views to that Independent Review. We will let you know as soon as the Ontario Government announces who will be conducting that review.

We are eager to hear from you. Let us know what you think of the AODA’s implementation so far. What progress have you seen in the removal and prevention of barriers against Ontarians with disabilities? Is Ontario now on schedule to achieve fully accessible goods, services, facilities and employment on or before 2025? What recommendations would you suggest for improving the AODA and its implementation.

Send us your thoughts. Write us at: aodafeedback@rogers.com