Introduction

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) sets out the roadmap to make Ontario accessible by 2025. Under this act, accessibility standards are being developed and implemented to break down barriers in key areas of everyday life.

These standards will increase accessibility for people with disabilities in the areas of customer service, information and communications, employment, transportation and the built environment.

The Government of Ontario is preparing to lead the way towards an accessible province, beginning in January 2010 when the first standard - for customer service - comes into force.

Each year, the government sets the course to prevent, identify and remove barriers through annual accessibility plans mandated under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001.

Building on last year's plan, the 2009-2010 accessibility plans will continue moving the Ministry of Transportation towards the goal of an accessible province for all Ontarians.

A notable achievement includes the purchase of 356 conventional and 64 specialized transit buses for a total of 420 new accessible replacement buses under the Ministry's 2008 Ontario Bus Replacement Program. At the end of 2008, 81.2 per cent of municipal conventional transit buses in Ontario were accessible, up from 38 per cent in 2003.

Links to the other ministry plans are available at:

http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/ministry/accessibilityPlans/ministries_accplans10.htm

Ontario Public Service 2010 Customer Service Accessibility Report

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