Message from the Minister
In June 2005, the Ontario government took a strong stand on accessibility when it passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) into law.
The AODA lays out a comprehensive road map to make Ontario accessible to all people through the development, implementation and enforcement of new, mandatory accessibility standards for some of the most important aspects of people’s lives.
Five key areas have been identified for the first accessibility standards: customer service, transportation, information and communications, the built environment, and employment.
The accessible customer service regulations were approved by the Lieutenant–Governor and will come into force on January 1, 2008.
An initial proposed standard on accessible transportation has been developed by the Transportation Standards Development Committee. It was posted for public review on June 27, 2007 and will be available for public comment until September 28, 2007.
The Standards Development Committee that will draft the proposed information and communications standard was established and began meeting in April, 2007. The committees developing the accessible built environment and accessible employment standards have been selected and will begin meeting in the fall of 2007.
While the government is moving forward to implement the AODA, there will be a transition period where government and the broader public sector will continue to meet their obligations under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA). These obligations will remain in effect until they are repealed and replaced by standards under the new act.
Under the ODA, Ontario government ministries, municipalities, hospitals, school boards, colleges, universities and public transportation organizations are required to develop annual accessibility plans to make policies, practices, programs, services and buildings more accessible to people with disabilities. These plans must be made available to the public. Accessibility planning efforts to date have developed a strong foundation for the development of accessibility standards that will mean real and effective change.
This document is the fifth annual accessibility plan developed by the Ministries of Natural Resources and Aboriginal Affairs. It highlights the achievements of the 2006–07 plan and outlines the commitments for 2007–08 so that no new barriers are created and, over time, existing ones are removed.
These ministries intend to build on their achievements by implementing initiatives that support the government's commitment to continue to make Ontario an inclusive and accessible province where people of all abilities have a chance to fully achieve their potential.
At the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, we are building on the success of our previous four plans. We are continuing to look for ways to better meet the needs of people with disabilities who come into contact with these ministries, regardless of whether they are staff, members of the general public or ministry stakeholders.
Our ministries are committed to improving accessibility through identifying, removing and preventing barriers, working together within our ministries, across government and in our relationships with our stakeholders.
Examples of this work in the past year include:
- Providing key information on Internet sites and in publications in a range of formats and media that can easily be accessed by people with disabilities.
- Continuing to ensure that our ministry policies and programs eliminate barriers and are responsive to the needs of the public.
- We are working toward better educating staff on accessibility and will continue to do so.
- In providing access to the outdoors, our ministries have constructed structures on Crown land to allow people with disabilities to gain recreational access and enjoy nature.
- Our ministries have incorporated the goals of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 in business plans, capital projects planning, procurement of goods and services, and a wide range of other activities.
- Ensuring all Ontario residents and visitors have equitable access to information on natural resources, outdoor experiences in provincial parks and on Crown land, and job opportunities in the Ministries.
- Continuing to better educate ministry employees on accessibility.
More examples of ministry efforts in this regard are provided in the pages that follow.
Our ministries seek to provide excellent service to all people and cooperate with an array of partners and stakeholders to achieve that goal. As we meet our priorities and those of the government, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs are able to contribute to a healthier Ontario, stronger communities and a higher quality of life for everyone.
If you have any comments or concerns, please contact Louisa Vatri–Norris at 705–755–5323.
The Honourable David Ramsay
Minister of Natural Resources and
Aboriginal Affairs
