Read Articles 1-7 from The Toronto Star’s Online Metroland Publications’ Amazing Ground-Breaking “Restricted Access” series of Articles on Disability Barriers Around Ontario

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Update

United for a Barrier-Free Ontario for All People with Disabilities

Website: www.aodaalliance.org

Email: aodafeedback@gmail.com

Twitter: @aodaalliance

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/aodaalliance

Read Articles 1-7 from The Toronto Star’s Online Metroland Publications’ Amazing Ground-Breaking “Restricted Access” series of Articles on Disability Barriers Around Ontario

December 12, 2024

SUMMARY

Earlier this month, the Toronto Star’s 27 Metroland online publications covering local communities around Ontario have published an amazing series of articles on disability barriers in local communities and efforts to tear them down. It is entitled “Restricted Access.” Metroland did this to recognize the fast-approaching January 1, 2025 deadline which the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act set two decades ago for the Ontario Government to lead this province to become disability accessible.

Each of the articles in this series appeared in all of the Metroland publications. This series is without a doubt the most intensive, extensive and impressive concerted media investigation of this issue in the 30 years of Ontario’s non-partisan grassroots campaign to tear down disability barriers. We offer a resounding round of applause to Metroland for showing such leadership among news outlets. It is especially dazzling given the shrinking media all around us, especially at the local level.

We encourage other news outlets to take similar action. Several news organizations have approached the AODA Alliance for feedback on this newsworthy approaching deadline and the Government’s abject failure in meeting it. We’re always happy to help with both the good news and the bad news.

This package of news stories, if combined into one document, fills an incredible 87 single-spaced pages. It’s a lot to try to read at once! Therefore, we are going to share it with you in three successive AODA Alliance Updates. It is totally worth a thorough read. Below are the first 7 articles.

You can find the entire excellent series in one place on the Metroland website. We have previously shared three of the articles in this series in AODA Alliance Updates: The November 25, 2024 report announcing the AODA Alliance’s event to take place that day at Queen’s Park celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the grassroots accessibility movement, the November 29, 2024 report on our community public hearings at Queen’s Park, and the November 29, 2024 Metroland report on the timeline of the 30 years of this campaign.

For those who don’t have the time to read it all, here are a few key points:

These articles show just how many disability barriers remain in place in Ontario. The articles address a number of different kinds of disabilities but emphasize people using mobility devices such as wheelchairs. We encourage news organizations to also highlight the many other visible and invisible disabilities.

These articles illustrate a wide spectrum of impressive disability advocates working at the grassroots and at the local level across Ontario to campaign for change. They show both their determination and their frustration. There has been some progress, but often in the absence of strong provincial leadership and clear and comprehensive AODA accessibility standards that Ontario has needed. The weak and limited AODA accessibility standards in place, while helpful, fall far short of what these communities need.

These articles depict local leaders who want to do the right thing but, once again, lack the effective leadership that the Ontario Government should be providing.

These articles demonstrate just how obviously bogus is the claim by the Ford Government in the Legislature on November 25, 2024 that 88% of people think Ontario is accessible, as documented in the November 29, 2024 AODA Alliance Update.

How You Can Help

Please send a letter to the editor, 300 words or less, to Metroland at thenewsroom@metroland.com Thank Metroland for producing this ground-breaking series. Tell them about disability barriers you face!

Forward this coverage to other news organizations. Challenge them to cover disability barriers as extensively as has Metroland.

Publicize this Metroland series on website and social media.

Let us know what you try. Email us at aodafeedback@gmail.com

MORE DETAILS

The York Region December 2, 2024

Originally posted at https://www.yorkregion.com/news/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-accessibility-for-ontarians-disability-act/article_ea2646a5-e4fa-5343-ab58-9157f325aa6f.html

5 things you need to know about the Accessibility for Ontarians Disability Act

Keeping up the fight to ensure a barrier-free Ontario requires knowing what’s at stake and what the AODA stands for

What is the AODA? What is its purpose? And how do you fit in and what can you do about it? Check out this quick guide to find out more

By Tim Kelly

Accessibility and the battle to improve it across Ontario has been a long struggle for those with disabilities and those who care for them. With the Jan. 1, 2025 deadline for the AODA approaching it’s important to know what it stands for and what it means.

Richard Lautens Toronto Star file photo

A barrier-free Ontario was the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), unanimously passed by MPPs in 2005. With the province’s 20-year deadline for the implementation of accessibility standards looming on Jan. 1, 2025, Restricted Access: Will Ontario meet its barrier-free goals? explores this quality-of-life issue for the millions of people living with disabilities — a demographic that’s expected to skyrocket as the population ages.

What is the Accessibilty for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)?

Purpose

When it was passed into law in 2005, the act set out a defined process for developing and enforcing uniform accessibility standards across Ontario. Persons with disabilities and industry representatives work together with the government to develop the standards.

Goal

The goal of the Act was to establish, develop, implement and enforce standards related to goods, services, accommodation, employment and buildings before Jan. 1, 2025. The legislation applies to every person in both the public and private sector. Its ultimate aim is to work towards a barrier-free Ontario for all Ontarians.

What are the AODA standards?

The AODA sets forth standards for accessibility in five key areas: customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation, and public spaces. The standards cover a wide range of accessibility features within each standard and are arrived at after years of committee work and hearings and after approval by provincial cabinet. Currently, education and health care standards are being studied and worked on.

Who do AODA standards apply to?

Public-sector organizations, such as government, municipalities, and educational institutions; Commercial organizations that provide goods, services, or facilities to the public; nonprofits; businesses with 50 or more employees, to name some of the categories.

Where can I get (much) more information?

For more information on all things related to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, visit the province’s website here.

The AODA Alliance website at www.aodaalliance.org is also a good source of information. A disability advocacy group, the AODA Alliance publishes regular updates and action plans on its site.

Mississauga News May 2, 2024

Originally posted at https://www.yorkregion.com/news/ontario-accessibility-act-lacks-standards-to-solve-housing-crisis-for-people-with-disabilities/article_4e905567-bd70-5a24-ba40-a4f2a9623288.html

Restricted Access

Ontario accessibility act lacks standards to solve housing crisis for people with disabilities

Report showed people with disabilities four times more likely to experience homelessness

Ontario’s Building Code, the primary framework for residential construction standards, is often criticized for inadequacies in ensuring accessible housing.

By Mzwandile Poncana, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ontario condos pose accessibility challenges, forcing costly retrofits for residents with disabilities amid a growing housing crisis.

Richard Lautens photo

With less than a year to meet its 2025 accessibility deadline, Ontario faces mounting criticism over housing standards that advocates say fail seniors and people with disabilities.

A few years ago, Kate Chung, co-founder of the Accessible Housing Network, and her partner Doug both had knee and hip replacement surgeries. They found their apartment no longer fit their needs as they transitioned to using mobility aids.

Extensive, costly renovations to make their home safer and more manageable for their mobility needs still left many accessibility issues unresolved. They spent $18,000 converting the bathroom, removing the bathtub in favour of a shower and adding grab bars. However, the shower installation included a five-inch lip, meant to prevent water overflow.

“It’s still a tripping hazard,” she said. “The issue — especially for seniors — is tripping.” She mentioned other designs could’ve been made to prevent the water overflow.

She explained that although eliminating the bathtub reduced fall risks, this lip remained an obstacle, and she frequently trips over other parts of the apartment, such as the raised hot water pipes at the door leading to the balcony.

Kate in her home

Kate Chung, 82, spent $18,000 on retrofitting her home to make it more suitable for her and her partner when they both went through mobility-limiting surgeries.

Mzwandile Poncana Metroland

Chung says that it would have been cheaper if accessibility had been in mind while the building was being constructed, since retrofitting is more expensive.

“Luckily, we had the savings to pay for the renovations we made in the bathroom … but not everybody does,” she said.

Chung is among many seniors and Canadians, living with disabilities, who have been affected by what advocates call an “accessibility crisis.”

The problem is prevalent in Peel Region, where the affordability and accessibility crises intersect to prevent those living with disabilities from finding adequate homes.

According to a recent Peel Region staff report, approximately 91,000 households face “core need” — meaning their housing is either inadequate or unaffordable. As of now, the region only meets 19 per cent of the demand for affordable housing, leaving many scrambling for safe options.

According to the Guide for Housing report by Peel Senior Link, Peel’s seniors, the group most likely to need mobility-friendly housing, are projected to make up 21 per cent of the population by 2041. Despite an aging demographic, affordable accessible options remain scarce, often leaving older adults in unsafe conditions or forced into long-term-care facilities far from loved ones, say advocates.

Kate stepping

Even after spending thousands on renovations, Chung says there are still tripping hazards in her home — including a raised hot water pipe at the door to her balcony.

Mzwandile Poncana Metroland

This reflects a larger trend across the province. Recent statistics from Statistics Canada reveal that 27 per cent of Canadians report having a disability, yet current provincial regulations only require 15 per cent of units in new developments to be accessible. This can result in more people relying on renovations.

Gift Tshuma, an advocacy specialist at March of Dimes who uses a wheelchair, said that since many wheelchair users need to pay for adaptations to make their apartment accessible, these individuals would require funding; however, many don’t meet the qualification requirements.

“So, if you’re above a certain income threshold or if you’re not on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program), you don’t qualify for certain funding,” he said.

A 2019 report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation found that adapting existing modest housing to meet accessibility standards in several major Canadian cities typically cost under $10,000 in key areas, including entry access, horizontal circulation, bathroom modifications and rear balcony access.

In condos, most accessibility updates cost less than $5,000 or ranged from $5,000 to $10,000, with kitchen renovations exceeding $10,000. For other housing types, such as detached, semi-detached, bungalows and townhouses, accessibility costs ranged from $5,000 to $10,000 in these same target areas.

Jacob Cohen, COO of the Daniels Corporation — a GTA condo developer — said that they have found planning accessibility has to start at the very beginning of the project.

Sal Amenta, a chair of the Accessible Housing Network, is a senior who lives with sciatica and said it has been difficult for him to walk up the stairs and perform daily activities. There have been moments where he has had to rely on a walker or cane.

“It was so bad that I had to hold onto the sides of stairs when I went down, and when I came up the stairs, I had to walk on all fours like a dog. The pain was so bad,” he recalled of one painful memory.

Like Chung, he spent a large amount of money to remove his bathtub and make it a walk-in. His shower now also has grab bars, and there is space to sit on a stool when he is showering, if needed.

“What I fondly wish, for other people of my age, is that they will have a home that they can live as comfortably as possible, and not have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to renovate, in order to carry on living in their community with their friends and neighbours,” he said.

However, in order to get renovations for his stairs, he would need to get a reserved mortgage and take a portion of the house’s value. He estimates it would take tens of thousands of dollars, since the house was not designed for these modifications.

Sal Amenta and stool official

Sal Amenta, a senior living with sciatica, had to spend a large amount on renovating his bathroom so that his bathtub was removed and replaced with a walk-in shower.

Sal Amenta photo

He fears that as he ages, he will have to be dependent on a wheelchair and his home is not currently designed for wheelchair use.

Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), passed in 2005, was intended to make the province fully accessible by 2025. But advocates say the act lacks enforcement standards for residential housing, leaving people with disabilities without accessible home options.

“There’s a housing accessibility crisis,” said advocate David Lepofsky, describing the current state of accessible housing in Ontario.

He added that, despite repeated calls for accessible housing standards, the government has yet to deliver regulations specific to private housing.

“When the government tries to stimulate more housing but doesn’t encourage accessibility, it’s condoning the creation of more inaccessible housing and making the problem worse,” he said.

Rich Donovan, an accessibility expert who conducted a recent legislative review of the AODA, emphasized that the act lacks clear regulations for residential accessibility.

“The framework does not include residential housing accessibility standards,” he said, adding that this omission means Ontario is missing out on a “significant opportunity” to improve housing access for people with disabilities across the province.

Luke Anderson, co-chair of the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition, said gaps in accessibility exist even in newer buildings, where many homes — like Chung’s — still have steps or other barriers that make them impossible for some people to enter.

“Between half and three-quarters” of public and retail spaces, Anderson noted, remain inaccessible.

“The province had the intention of creating a barrier-free Ontario by 2025. And you know, as a wheelchair user myself, it’s clear that we are not going to see that,” he said.

Chung added that the lack of specific housing standards under the AODA leaves people vulnerable.

“If homes were built with accessibility in mind from the start, we wouldn’t have to invest so heavily in expensive renovations later on,” Chung said.

She expressed frustration over the province’s resistance to applying AODA standards to residential spaces, noting that it only worsens the accessibility gap over time.

Chung said that the AODA deliberately did not include housing. They said that “we’ll leave housing to the building code.”

“But the building code is the source of the tragedy, because it only requires that 15 per cent of the apartments in a brand-new building be visitable,” she said.

Ontario’s Building Code, the primary framework for residential construction standards, is often criticized for inadequacies in ensuring accessible housing. Advocates say that while the code addresses certain public spaces and commercial facilities, it largely overlooks residential buildings — a gap that leaves people with disabilities facing major barriers in their own homes.

Sal’s stairs official

The stairs of Sal Amenta’s home — he recalls when the pain from his sciatica was so severe he had to crawl up them on all fours.

Sal Amenta photo

A recent report from Ontario’s design of public spaces standards development committee critiques the provincial building code’s accessibility standards, saying the current requirements are “insufficient” — particularly in residential housing. The Improving Accessible Built Environment Standards — 2023 Initial Recommendations report urges comprehensive updates to the code to address gaps and ensure new constructions and major renovations include accessible design features, making spaces more usable for people with disabilities.

As disability rates rise, building code requirements remain minimal, leaving a critical gap in housing design, advocates say. The lack of adequate standards is evident in new builds, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, where townhomes and condo units with raised thresholds or narrow doorways are common, says Anderson, who is also the co-founder of Stop Gap Foundation.

“There’s no requirement to remove the curb on balconies, for instance,” he says, explaining that wheelchair users are often unable to use outdoor spaces in their own homes.

At Daniels, they no longer solely use the building code as a standard for creating accessible housing.

“We found that it did not go far enough in terms of its use of and enhancement of accessible standards and accessible living,” said Cohen.

Daniels created their own framework, which included a checklist of six or seven items they believed could be easily added to enhance the building. Some things on this list include a roll-in shower, balconies without curbs and widened door frames to ensure an easier path of travel.

“This would lead to a better quality of life for people living in those units,” Cohen said.

He hopes that other organizations take inspiration from their framework and start to think about developing beyond the building code’s requirements.

“The more developers and builders that do this that start today, the more accessible housing we’re going to have down the road,” he said.

Brad Evoy, a steering committee member of the Accessible Housing Network and executive director of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario, argued that Ontario’s accessible housing crisis is inseparable from the larger housing crisis.

“The number of folks who are currently unhoused and on disability support has doubled in the last two years,” Evoy said.

He pointed to a broader issue of increasing housing precarity, exacerbated for disabled Ontarians who face added layers of disadvantage when trying to secure affordable, accessible housing.

“The affordability piece and the accessibility piece go hand in hand,” he added, noting that housing policies have failed to address either need. He also noted the relationship between lack of accessible, affordable homes and homelessness.

A report by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) showed that people with disabilities are four times more likely to experience homelessness. Chung said this number could be significantly higher — up to 80 per cent — if all disabilities, including mental disabilities, are included.

Advocates argue that Ontario should adopt universal design principles which aim to make housing accessible to people of all ages and abilities by creating spaces that can easily be modified such that anybody can live in them. Amenta emphasized the urgency of universal design, noting that people do not anticipate future disabilities.

“For the grace of God, you’re not disabled this very moment — but you may well be soon,” Amenta said, underscoring the unpredictability of life and the necessity of planning as we age.

Amenta, Chung and Evoy all underscored the need for legislative and policy reforms to improve housing accessibility in Ontario.

“Developers are refusing to think outside the box,” Chung said, emphasizing that builders often resist changes even when accessible designs do not increase costs. She also noted that, across federal, provincial and municipal governments, responsibility for housing accessibility is often shifted rather than addressed, with each level pointing to the other for action.

“Every one of them is saying, ‘It’s the other guy’s job,’” she said.

Sidewalks for All (accessibility in Ontario)

Luke Anderson, co-chair of the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition, said it is “clear” that the province will not reach its deadline to be accessible by 2025.

Metroland file photo

Chung expressed frustration over the reluctance of developers and policymakers to embrace universal design.

“They will build to the building code and no more,” she said. “They seem to think it’ll cost too much, which is ridiculous. It doesn’t.”

Chung said that while some developers, such as Daniels Corporation, have shown a willingness to incorporate accessible designs in certain projects, most are still hesitant to make universal design a standard.

Donovan stressed the importance of rethinking Ontario’s approach to accessibility in housing, and pointed out that Ontario’s existing standards are often insufficient in meeting the daily needs of those with disabilities.

“If we’re not thinking about those needs from the start,” he said, “we’re creating barriers that don’t need to exist.”

Reflecting on the lack of practical enforcement and user-specific design, Donovan emphasized the need for a tailored approach that goes beyond existing general regulations.

“Building for people with disabilities isn’t about checking boxes,” he noted. Instead, he argued, Ontario should use data and feedback from people with lived experience to drive improvements.

Chung and her colleagues are also urging Canada to adopt standards similar to those implemented in Australia, where all new housing must be built to universal design specifications. Amenta and Chung pointed to Australia’s progress in requiring universal design, arguing that Canada should not fall behind.

“The Australian building code now requires that all new housing be universal design,” Chung said. “Why aren’t we doing the same?”

Advocates are urging the government to look beyond the immediate costs and recognize the broader benefits of universal accessibility.

“If we have to adopt universal principles that apply to everyone and everywhere, we will create homes that serve generations to come,” says Amenta.

Markham Economist Sun December 2, 2024

Originally posted at https://www.yorkregion.com/news/markham-resident-with-vision-loss-faces-ongoing-barriers-amid-ontarios-inclusivity-push/article_080921b2-7854-521e-b0e1-a5c6aa183d74.html

Restricted Access

Markham resident with vision loss faces ongoing barriers amid Ontario’s inclusivity push

Markham reports compliance with current standards but faces criticism from local resident with disability.

By Scarlett Liu, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Danny Leung

Danny Leung at JBVC Café at 105 Gibson Dr., Markham.

Scarlett Liu Metroland

While the City of Markham reports that it has met all current AODA standards, some residents say there’s still plenty of work to be done. Danny Leung, who is fully blind, is one of them.

For Leung, public transit poses one of the biggest challenges.

“Since I can’t drive, I rely on public transportation, but the buses are often late, especially in winter. Sometimes, there’s only one bus every half-hour or even longer, which makes the wait unbearable,” he said.

Leung feels the transit system discourages visually impaired people from going out. What makes it worse is that many neighbourhoods lack bus routes, further limiting his ability to travel independently.

Snow removal is another pain point.

“Some sidewalks near bus stops aren’t cleared for days after a snowfall, making it nearly impossible for people with limited mobility or visual impairments to get around,” said Leung.

In response, a city representative pointed out that the city recognizes the concerns regarding transit coverage and is exploring ways to enhance bus routes and schedules to improve accessibility.

Meanwhile, the public works team is reviewing snow removal protocols, especially for accessible routes, to ensure timely service.

In July, Markham launched a survey asking residents for feedback on improving accessibility. However, people like Leung — those most affected by barriers — weren’t even aware of it.

“I had no access to the government’s street signs for the survey or the online promotions. I doubt how this actually reaches the disabled,” he said.

Leung has long been an advocate for the blind community. In 2006, he founded Joy Beyond Vision Community (JBVC), a charity that helps people with visual impairments overcome challenges. Eight years later, he opened JBVC Café, a non-profit at 105 Gibson Dr., staffed entirely by visually impaired people.

The café struggles financially and cannot be self-sufficient, Leung admitted. It depends on donations to support its employees, while limited government funding adds to the burden. In addition to meeting various requirements, applying and filling out various forms is also a huge obstacle for him.

Despite these challenges, Leung is committed to keeping the café running.

“If the café closes, my employees will struggle to find other jobs,” he said.

Employing visually impaired people means much more than just a paycheque, Leung explained; it gives them a sense of community, a fulfilling life and a shot at independence.

“I certainly hope the city could help us more, whether that’s through subsidies, rent reduction or creating more job opportunities,” he said.

Currently employing eight people at JBVC, Leung believes many people with disabilities can thrive in the right environment with proper training. He also hopes the government can set an example by hiring more people with disabilities.

“If the government doesn’t hire us, how can it expect private companies to do the same?” he said.

According to the city, its updated Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines ways to encourage local businesses to hire people with disabilities. It is also focusing on inclusive recruitment, accessible job postings, and awareness campaigns to promote inclusivity.

Although the plan aligns with the AODA’s 2025 deadline, the city acknowledges that some long-term projects, particularly those involving older infrastructure and parks, may require additional time to fully meet enhanced accessibility standards.

The 2024-2029 Accessibility Plan, set for council approval on Dec. 3, offers a road map for continuous improvement. These efforts are expected to significantly advance the goal of making Markham an accessible city within the next five years.

Scarlett Liu is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering news in Markham and Richmond Hill, with a focus on the Chinese community. She speaks English and Chinese. The LJI supports the creation of original civic journalism.

Collingwood Connection December 2, 2024

Originally posted at https://www.yorkregion.com/news/lost-our-freedom-collingwood-disability-advocates-say-current-accessible-transit-options-limit-their-independence/article_7c63963e-edd7-5a75-affe-39a9645b4dc9.html

Restricted Access

‘Lost our freedom’: Collingwood disability advocates say current accessible transit options limit their independence

Accessible bus service stops at 9 p.m., which means those with disabilities in Collingwood are spending more nights at home.

By John Edwards

Casey Morrison continues to fight for his independence.

The Collingwood man, who has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair to get around but says the loss of the accessible taxi service will have an impact on his quality of life.

For nearly two decades, the Town of Collingwood and Ace Cabs had an agreement for an on-demand accessible taxi. Morrison was able to call for a cab at any time until 11 p.m., which would allow him to go to hockey games, the movies or visit friends.

The town subsidized the service at an annual cost of about $84,000.

However, Ace Cabs recently went out of business, and while the accessible taxi will continue to operate until March 2025, the hours have been cut to Monday to Friday, 9 a.m., to 5 p.m.

This has left Morrison and others out in the cold.

“I am feeling that people, living with disabilities, lost our freedom,” he said. “We need the door-to-door transit to work for everyone not just medical appointments. We had our accessible taxi for 17 years, and it was great for us because we went out independently. We could call or text for a ride and they came 15 minutes or so. We cannot go to a bus stop in rain or snow because our wheelchairs will get wet, and they will be stuck in snow.”

Kathryn Bloomfield is a founding member of Breaking Down Barriers, an independent living centre for individuals with disabilities.

She said the municipality offers an accessible option but it’s not on demand. Bloomfield said she has to book a ride 48 hours in advance and the bus only runs until 9 p.m.

For Bloomfield, who enjoys playing euchre at the local Leisure Time Centre, the loss of the taxi means she spends more nights at home.

“Now, I can’t go,” she said. “Lately, I did wheel from there. Even for me trying to get home from the Leisure time centre … it’s impossible. There are other things I would’ve liked to have gone to. Now, they want 48 hours in advance. I’m more an in-the-moment person.”

Nadia Hovan is friends with Morrison and works in the film and television industry. She has created a number of videos in hopes of raising awareness of the importance of accessible transportation for people with disabilities

“I believe decision-makers are forgetting that the people behind this cause are humans. Many have given up hope and feel unheard. I want them to know that their voices matter. Their stories matter,” said Hovan.

Hovan said the hours for accessible transit are far too limited.

“This schedule seems to imply that people with disabilities only need transportation during business hours — that they don’t work, volunteer or have social lives outside of these hours. This is simply not reflective of real life,” she said. “Imagine the backlash if these restrictions applied to everyone? What would the public do without access to transportation after a night out, or if they suddenly needed a ride home because of bad weather? These are the realities people living with disabilities have faced since October 1. It’s an insulting blow to their independence and dignity.”

In her video, Hovan interviewed Bethany Wilson who also has cerebral palsy. She said she has to rely on the sidewalks to be clean in order to get places she wants to go.

“I really don’t understand for the life of me, why everyone is making things so difficult,” she said. “It makes me feel unwanted and the fact everyone else has got what they want and people with disabilities, somehow have been left behind.”

Collingwood Councillor Chris Potts recently put forward a motion calling to extend both conventional and accessible municipal transit services to 6 a.m., to 11 p.m., seven days a week. This will be discussed during the upcoming budget meetings

York Region December 2, 2024

Originally posted at https://www.yorkregion.com/news/wheelchair-user-on-a-roll-to-make-york-public-transit-more-accessible/article_96adfeeb-3e09-5a47-bf14-bc60ce4eaeb1.html

Restricted Access

Wheelchair user on a roll to make York public transit more accessible

York Region Transit’s Mobility On-Request includes accessible vans and small buses with about 1,500 registered users.

By Yoyo Yan

Mobility On-Request complaint

Bibianne Yu has multiple sclerosis, uses a wheelchair and is having issues with York Region’s door-to-door Mobility On-Request paratransit service.

Steve Somerville Metroland

Meet Bibianne Xu. Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Markham, she’s a fierce advocate for accessible transit that actually works for people like her.

Xu relies on paratransit services to keep her moving, but York Region Transit’s (YRT) Mobility On-Request (MOR) system has her feeling, well, a little left out.

“I want to live my life to the fullest,” the 52-year-old says. “I don’t want transportation to keep me on the sidelines.”

Before moving to Chartwell Woodhaven Long Term Care Residence in Markham, Xu lived in Scarborough, where she used TTC’s Wheel-Trans regularly and had no trouble staying active in the community. But YRT’s MOR? It’s a different ride.

The problem is, Xu’s MS impacts her ability to regulate body temperature. For her, staying in climate-controlled, door-to-door transit is essential to prevent health risks.

Dr. Tania Bruno, an MS specialist, sent YRT not one but two letters explaining Xu’s needs. Still, her request for “unconditional” ridership was denied.

Instead, she was given “conditional” status, which means she has to use a patchwork of YRT options that require transfers. Cue the frustration.

“It’s like they’re ignoring what my doctor is saying,” Xu says. “It’s insulting, really.”

add another twist, YRT offered her a travel training program to prove her eligibility for more support, which Xu finds pretty baffling.

“I’m fully functional mentally and cognitively,” she points out. “If I’m having a good day, I’ll ‘pass’ the test. If it’s a bad day, I’ll risk further harm.”

Her advocate, Peter Busciglio of York Region MY MS FAMILY, is equally fed up. “YRT is gambling with her health,” he said in an advocacy letter to local officials. “It’s appalling and upsetting for our whole community.”

YRT, in response, says they’re keeping things private. YRT’s manager of Mobility On-Request mentioned they have been working with Xu within their set parameters.

According to YRT, MOR’s fleet includes 111 sedans and accessible vans and 30 small buses, with around 1,500 registered users and more than 302,000 rides provided in 2022. That all comes with a $23.5 million budget funded mostly by taxpayers. MOR’s “family of services” model, YRT says, helps keep costs down.

But on days with bad weather, Xu’s transit situation is bleak. She either has to rely on her elderly father or pay for a taxi. And while Xu teaches ESL to newcomers at Peoples Church in North York, a trip that could be easier with dependable transit, the current system means it’s often an ordeal.

“I don’t even consider going anywhere when the temperature is not right for my condition,” she says. “I am not feeling terribly welcome and included by this accessibility service.”

Originally from Hong Kong, Xu has lived in Canada since she was 13, spent two decades in Michigan, and returned to Toronto. While she’s adjusted to life changes brought on by MS, she’s not about to stop advocating for her right to “freedom of movement.”

“I feel like I have a role in standing up against limitations that stop people like me from living fully,” she says. And as for YRT? They’d better get ready for the ride.

Yoyo Yan is a reporter for YorkRegion.com. Reach him at yyan@metroland.com

Barrie Advance December 2, 2024

Originally posted at https://www.yorkregion.com/news/as-deadline-for-compliance-under-accessibility-for-ontarians-with-disabilities-act-approaches-is-downtown-barrie/article_c6ad403c-81dd-59c1-beaf-bc6e1aaa00f9.html

Restricted Access

As deadline for compliance under Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act approaches, is downtown Barrie ready to be accessible to all?

Enacted in 2005, AODA gave establishments 20 years to meet standards related to accessibility

With provincial AODA set to kick in on Jan. 1, 2025, we look at how accessible downtown Barrie really is.

By Brett Glover

Is downtown Barrie accessible enough to meet AODA targets by Jan. 1, 2025?

Is downtown Barrie accessible? We’ll find out in less than a month.

Organizations and businesses throughout Ontario have been given until 2025 to get up to speed on accessibility requirements, as stipulated in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. A casual stroll through downtown Barrie indicates many are not yet ready.

Walking along Dunlop Street from Mulcaster Street through the Five Points to Maple Avenue shows more than a dozen businesses with at least one step leading into the shop, while some have entire flights of stairs required to access their services.

Many are lacking the automated door buttons required under the AODA as well.

Add to that, a glance at several signs posted in the Barrie City Hall rotunda shows they lack braille.

All this begs the question: with less than a month to go before AODA requirements kick in, is downtown Barrie ready?

Claudine Cousins

Empower Simcoe CEO Claudine Cousins says there is work to be done to make downtown Barrie an accessible place for all.

Empower Simcoe photo

Claudine Cousins, CEO of Empower Simcoe, feels there is work to be done yet.

“We have older architecture down there and they’re lovely. But to be able to access those buildings downtown is very difficult for our clients. The doorways are narrow, the elevation is higher, there’s a step-up to get inside some of those spaces. So some of our clients are not able to access those spaces,” she told Simcoe.com.

Empower Simcoe supports those with intellectual disabilities, but Cousins recognizes the lack of AODA compliance impacts many others too.

“Look to individuals who are, for example, seniors who need a certain type of support to access their environment. And I think that’s what the AODA was really trying to do. It’s trying to make sure that everyone — individuals with a disability and without a disability — who needs to live in their community can do so in a way that is much more supportive of their needs,” she added.

Craig Stevens, executive director of the Downtown Barrie BIA, says many of the businesses in that area are limited in what enhancements can be made, purely due to the age of the buildings.

“These buildings were built literally, in some cases, hundreds of years ago when obviously these considerations weren’t being made at that time. So it does definitely make it more difficult. But, what I’ve witnessed as part of our downtown Barrie businesses is, you know, the majority, if not all are, in the mindset to be as accessible as possible within those limitations,” he said.

Stevens says the BIA has accessibility options available for downtown businesses.

“There are initiatives that are available and can be undertaken. One in particular is called a stopgap initiative, where ramps can be built to access those front entrances in and out,” he suggested.

However, in walking through the downtown core, only one business appears to have taken advantage of that, the Bohemia café.

Temporary accessible ramp at a downtown Barrie business

Ad hoc ramps are available for downtown Barrie businesses to increase accessibility, but thus far, it appears only one establishment has made use of them.

Brett Glover Metroland

In pointing that out to Stevens, he suggested more businesses needed to be aware of the initiative.

“I m sure it comes down to awareness of the program,” he surmised.

Simcoe.com reached out to Barrie City Hall for an interview regarding any rules or guidelines the city has on altering downtown historic structures. Instead, the city’s building department provided a written statement.

“The Ontario Building Code (OBC) outlines the prescribed barrier free requirements for new buildings, buildings where extensive renovations are proposed or when a renovation is proposed due to a change of the use of the building. Barrier free requirements for items such as entrances, washrooms, elevators, power door openers, etc. are regulated by the OBC and organizations are not required to retrofit buildings under the AODA,” reads the email.

Cousins indicates there doesn’t seem to be much appetite to make the changes required to have an accessible environment for all, saying it isn’t a question of cost, as there are grants and supports available for those businesses wanting to make enhancements.

“It’s really about, are you really looking at making your space welcoming for everyone? Or are you targeting a different audience? I think that’s really what it is. Maybe they’re not targeting that audience. They’re forgetting that this audience does have disposable income, and in this tight economy, they need to really think twice about where people spend their money and how they can maybe attract individuals who do have that disposable income to bring them into their stores,” she said.

Stevens agrees that it makes good business sense to make a store as accessible as possible.

“Yeah, it definitely is worth the extra effort,” he mused.

Cousins adds, it helps to think of the issue in a more personal light.

“Think about your grandmother, who just needed a little bit of support to access the community. Your grandma is not able to move as quickly as she used to move. And she’s just trying to get into a store and she’s frustrated because the door is a heavy door and she cannot pull it open. She needs to get a little bit of assistance. And just by pushing that button, grandma can go into that store. So that’s what we’re talking about. How can we make sure everyone can access their community?” she concluded.

The AODA takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

Halton Region December 2, 2024

Originally posted at https://www.yorkregion.com/news/there-is-more-work-to-be-done-advisory-committees-working-to-make-halton-region-more/article_0e7f79d9-d074-5121-b40b-282a940f1355.html

‘There is more work to be done’: Advisory committees working to make Halton Region more accessible

“There is more work to be done, and we are relying on the Committee’s continued input.”

By Roland Cilliers

Accessibility is more than just ramps and large bathroom stalls.

It’s about being able to read a website, walk along a downtown street, access a vehicle and safely escape a structure in the event of an emergency. It’s an idea being incorporated across the province to ensure everyone, regardless of their disability, has fair access to their community.

It’s also the law. Passed in 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is designed to ensure all people with physical and mental disabilities have full access to public institutions by 2025.

To keep Halton Region and its communities on track to full accessibility, advisory committees were created. They provide input on just about every project throughout the region.

Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, the chair of the Halton Region Accessibility Advisory Committee (HRAAC), said the input has changed both the way business is done and the final product of numerous crucial projects.

“We have made a lot of progress in making the Region’s services and facilities more accessible,” said Burton. “There is more work to be done, and we are relying on the Committee’s continued input.”

To highlight a few examples, the HRAAC has recently provided input on three new community housing projects in Oakville — 263 Kerr St., 1258 Rebecca St. and 363 Margaret Dr. The committee is consulted during the design phase, provides feedback and highlights the necessity for features like accessible paths, door buttons low enough for someone in a wheelchair and lighting throughout the buildings.

Their input goes beyond just construction projects and into key plans around the region.

“Another project that the committee recently provided input on is the development of new Emergency Preparedness Materials for People with Disabilities. The Halton Region Emergency Management team consulted with the Committee to create materials that provide information to assist people with disabilities and their caregivers in preparing for emergencies,” said Burton.

The involvement of the committee’s work in government communication materials can be seen across the region. Accessibility features, such as larger text options, can be found in many municipal sites.

Accessibility advisory committees are also established in the lower-tier municipalities. Milton’s accessibility program was started back in 2002.

Judi Lytle, an Accessibility Specialist for the City of Burlington and staff liaison to the Burlington Accessibility Advisory Committee, said extensive progress has been done to remove barriers for people with disabilities but they are aware that even more progress is needed. New groups and ways to support those people are regularly being identified.

“We have made progress towards identifying, preventing and removing barriers to people with disabilities, and we know ongoing progress is needed,” said Lytle.

For example, Burlington is about to launch its new 2025 – 2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to outline how additional barriers can be removed and accessibility can be improved.

A relatively new area in accessibility is around supporting people with specialized sensory and cognitive needs. Work has recently been done in the region to add things like Communication Boards at playgrounds to support people who are nonverbal.

“We are gaining an understanding about how to best include accessibility support for neurodivergent individuals. With the growing awareness of neurodivergence in society the city has identified ways to create programs and design environments that address sensory and cognitive needs,” said Lytle.

Milton councillor John Challinor, the chair of the Milton Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC), credits Milton’s committee with a fundamental change that has taken place in the way new projects are handled. He said in the early days, people weren’t clear on how the whole process worked, but today it’s a fairly streamlined process with a sort of cheat sheet for what they need to ask and which areas should be addressed.

Challinor credits the program’s effectiveness to the involvement of people with disabilities — both visible and invisible ones.

“They’re living this every day. And it’s great to sort of have them there. For example, when we’re reviewing with town staff, the website, they can actually show them because they’re trying to move through it. They use our transit system and understand its accessibility. They’re in our community every day using various buildings for whatever reason and are living with decisions that have been made,” Challinor said.

This year has been a busy one for the MAAC. The committee has already gone over 17 different plans, looked at accessibility in transit and provided feedback on the municipality’s website.

The question remains, though: has all this work achieved the goal of AODA and made Milton accessible?

“We’re getting there. The challenge we have is there are a lot of buildings, a lot of institutions that were built before 2002. It’s an old town — it was first settled in 1822. And you’ve got buildings on the main street, for example, they’re 170 years old. But, you know, as they’re retrofitted and they have to meet the current planning requirements, then that’s the opportunity to introduce this legislation and its requirements,” said Challinor.

According to accessibility advocates, true accessibility is an ongoing process. More work will be required to accommodate all those who need it.

For more information on Halton’s accessibility plans, or to provide feedback, visit halton.ca.

Roland Cilliers is a reporter for Metroland in Halton. He can be reached at rcilliers@metroland.com