ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility Plan
The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, (ODA) is to improve opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the Province. To this end, the ODA mandates that each Municipality prepare an annual accessibility plan. The first plan for Lanark Highlands was prepared in 2003.
Once adopted, the accessibility plan must be reviewed annually. The Act also requires that the plan be made available to the public, which has been accomplished by placing a copy at the Municipal Office at the front counter, as well as on the information board in the lobby, on the Township’s Website and at the Public Library.
Accessibility Standards
Through the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), Ontario is working to make the province fully accessible to people with disabilities by 2025. Under the Act, the Province is developing five accessibility standards that organizations will be required to follow to identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessibility.
• Customer Service
• Information & Communication
• Employment
• Built Environment
• Transportation
Customer Service
The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (Ontario Regulation 429/07) came into force on January 1, 2008. The Township of Lanark Highlands, as a designated public service organization, was required to be in compliance with the standard by January 1, 2010.
Further Information
Ministry of Community and Social Services – www.mcss.gov.on.ca