The Saugeen Times

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

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Heading into a new year, legislation stemming from the Human Rights Code for full accessibility by 2025 is progressing to ensure buildings are open to people with disabilities and that Staff and volunteers are trained to know how to assist them within that building (if needed).

The new Accessibility Standards for Customer Service states:

Public sector has been in compliance with the new regulations since January 1st 2010. All Town of Saugeen Shores Staff, and some Committee members, have been trained in the accessibility legislation.

Staff who deal with the Public, have been trained under the Customer Service module of the Legislation. i.e. visual impairments, support animals, support persons, wheelchairs, "invisible" disabilities etc.

Suggest good practices to focus on universal accessibility – 4 principles that guide accessible customer services: 1) dignity; 2) independence; 3) integration; and 4) equality of opportunity.

As of January 1st 2012, the Customer Service module of the Legislation is now coming into effect for the private sector . This means that any business in the Province, that has one or more employee, must train their Staff for accessible customer service.

Private businesses will have the legal obligation to train staff and accommodate the needs of customers with a variety of disabilities: physical, hearing, sight, cognitive (mental) and intellectual disabilities. Goods and services must be provided in a way that respects their "dignity and independence". Businesses must communicate in a manner that takes into account their disability and unless otherwise prohibited, and allow service animals on the premises.

This legislation is not about making a building accessible. It’s about customer service and how a business and its staff meet the needs and expectations of a person with a disability – a customer who may need additional assistance and support.

This could include such customer service initiatives as:

Training staff on how to approach and converse with individuals with various disabilities.

e.g. Individual with a service animal: dog, monkey, boa constrictor, rat

Well-lit entrances and stores, restaurants and offices
Forms, signage and information presented that can be used by a person with a disability.

e.g.. Large print menus, brochures, large menu boards, easy to see directional/wayfaring signage, website accessibility,

Traffic flow and office/store layout and design.
Tables and desks that accommodate a person with a disability.
Admission policy that allows a caregiver accompanying a person with a disability "free accesses" to your business.
Keeping downtown cores safe and accessible

The safe and full use of downtown sidewalks is very important. Items such as bike racks, clothing racks, signs, flower pots, trees, tables and chairs, are very important for a viable downtown core, however care and consideration needs to be given to the location. Too much congestion in one area however, limits the access to the business and restricts one’s ability to walk on the sidewalk without obstacles.

Also other Legislation such as the Sign By-law also comes into play.

Entrance to Businesses:

The steps at the doorways of some downtown stores present a barrier for people in wheelchairs or with baby strollers. Improvements have been made in many locations, but most downtowns have a long way to go to be truly accessible.