In the third review of the AODA, the Honourable David Onley recommends needed improvements to the Act. One of these improvements is the need to address accessibility for people who have environmental sensitivities (ES). During the public meetings Onley held while preparing his review, attendees outline the need for removing barriers for people with ES.
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Physical Distancing and Public Spaces After the COVID-19 Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, we cheer ourselves by thinking of future socializing in-person. We also think about returning to work or activities we love. These hopes help us through the challenges of physical distancing. Moreover, these challenges show us that we can be more flexible or more creative than we thought we could. For instance, structures and spaces have adapted to physical distancing requirements during the pandemic. Many of these adaptations are also practices that make spaces more accessible for citizens with disabilities. Governments are mandating new guidelines for how people arrange or move through buildings and other spaces. In the post-COVID-19 future, more people may recognize the value of adapting spaces to meet citizens’ diverse needs. Consequently, governments that approve designs for public spaces may think differently about physical distancing and public spaces after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ford Government to Spend Over a Half Billion Dollars on New Schools and Major School Additions, Without Announcing Effective Measures to Ensure that These Schools Will be Fully Accessible to Students, Parents and School Staff with Disabilities
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Update United for a Barrier-Free Society for All People with Disabilities
Web: http://www.aodaalliance.org Email: aodafeedback@gmail.com Twitter: @aodaalliance Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aodaalliance/
July 30, 2020
SUMMARY
An Interim Victory for Disability Advocates – Toronto City Council Directs City Staff to Investigate Dangers to People with Disabilities If Electric Scooters are Allowed
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Update United for a Barrier-Free Society for All People with Disabilities
Web: http://www.aodaalliance.org Email: aodafeedback@gmail.com Twitter: @aodaalliance Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aodaalliance/
July 29, 2020
SUMMARY
Yesterday disability advocates won an important interim victory in Toronto, Canadas largest city, in the campaign to protect the public, including people with disabilities, from the proven dangers to public safety and disability accessibility that are posed by electric scooters (e-scooters).
Accessibility Training for Architects After the COVID-19 Pandemic
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, people out in public are learning to think differently about the spaces they travel through. For instance, workers and customers need more open space around them, to comply with physical distancing. Features such as wide aisles and fixed-queuing guides for line areas keep people safe. These features also make spaces more accessible for people with disabilities. In short, accessible building features make spaces safer for everyone. However, many architects lack knowledge about the features allowing people with disabilities to navigate spaces. As a result, they often design buildings without accessible features. Accessibility training for architects after the COVID-19 pandemic would help designers create buildings with fewer barriers and more safety.