Ontario Improving Accessibility For People With Disabilities
February 18, 2009 2:14 PM
McGuinty Government Releases Accessibility Standard For Public Review
Ontario
is taking another step towards improving accessibility for people with
disabilities with the release of the proposed employment accessibility
standard for public review. The accessibility standard was developed by
a committee of people from the disability and business communities.
The proposed standard, which aims to tackle barriers in the workplace, outlines ways that employers can help people with disabilities by:
- developing accessible employment policies
- providing information about a job, such as applications, in accessible formats
- giving disability awareness training to all employees
- preparing accommodation plans to help employees perform their job.
Everyone has the opportunity to provide their feedback to help shape an employment accessibility standard that will apply to businesses and organizations across Ontario.
QUICK FACTS
- Under its accessibility legislation, the province has a goal to make Ontario accessible by 2025 through the development of standards.
- In 2006, 49.5 per cent of people with disabilities between ages 15 and 64 were unemployed, compared to 24.5 per cent of those without disabilities.
- About 1.85 million people in Ontario have a disability. Improving accessibility can help businesses tap into this workforce.
LEARN MORE
Ministry of Community and Social Services
ontario.ca/community
ontario.ca/community
"The release of this proposed standard is an important step forward to making employment more accessible for people with disabilities. Now, people in Ontario can take part in the process by providing their feedback on the committee’s proposed standard."
– Madeleine Meilleur
Minister of Community and Social Services
Communities
