Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Update United for a Barrier-Free Society for All People with Disabilities
Web: https://www.aodaalliance.org Email: aodafeedback@gmail.com Twitter: @aodaalliance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aodaalliance/
April 16, 2021
SUMMARY
Please save the date for these two important events that are fast approaching. For the first one, register now. For the second one, stay tuned for details on how to register to take part.
Please publicize both of these events widely on social media, and by carrier pigeon (but only if the birds are socially distancing).
MORE DETAILS
1. Register to Attend the Online Public Forum on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, on the Danger Facing People with Disabilities if Ontario Must Ration or Triage Life-Saving Critical Care
The newest wave of COVID is overloading Ontario intensive care units, which is what triggered Ontario’s latest lockdown. As a result, life-saving critical care in Ontario hospitals could very soon be rationed or “triaged.” Serious concerns about the triage protocol have been raised by disability organizations such as ARCH Disability Law Centre and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance.
This is a time-sensitive issue. We encourage you to join us on Tuesday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. for a virtual information session to learn more about Ontario’s triage protocol and why it matters. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER NOW! (ASL and closed captioning will be available)
For background on the AODA Alliance’s efforts to battle the danger of disability discrimination in critical care triage, visit the AODA Alliance website’s health care page.
2. Save the Date! On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, Tell the Online Meeting of Toronto’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee Not to Allow Electric Scooters in Toronto
On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, the City of Toronto’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee will be discussing whether Toronto should lift the ban on riding electric scooters in public places. Members of the public will be able to register in advance to speak to that Committee at that meeting before it debates the issue. We urge as many people as possible to sign up to speak against allowing e-scooters. E-scooters endanger the safety of the public, including people with disabilities, and will create new barriers impeding people with disabilities.
We will let you know when you can sign up, and how to register to present. That opportunity to register may not open up until just a few days before the April 28, 2021 meeting.
Members of the public each get only 3 to 5 minutes to speak, so you don’t have to talk long. You can even speak for a shorter time and just tell the members of City Council not to allow e-scooters.
We know the e-scooter corporate lobbyists will be organizing to again pressure City Council. We want City Council to stand up for people with disabilities and to stand up to the e-scooter corporate lobbyists.
Stay tuned for more information on this. You can learn all about our efforts to protect people with disabilities from e-scooters by visiting the AODA Alliance website’s e-scooter page.