Accessibility

Increasing the Accessibility of Ontario’s
Public Spaces & Main Streets

Accessing Our Heritage Virtual Conference

October 20, 2021 – 12:00pm-5:00pm ET

 

MORE INFORMATION: Accessibility and Heritage Conference Program

 

Thank you for participating.  For Webinar Recordings.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT MEDIA RELEASE

06 22 2021 – News Release – OBIAA BIA Association Tackles Accessibility of Ontario’s Heritage Buildings

CONFERENCE BACKGROUND:

This project is being guided by an Advisory Committee made up of BIAs, Municipal Accessibility Staff, individuals with disabilities, and business owners. The committee members include:

Jim Mountain, Adjunct Professor, Carleton University, Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism. Former Director of Heritage Regeneration Projects for the National Trust for Canada

Amanda Motyer, Accessibility Specialist, Lett Architects Inc.

Mark Buffone, Accessibility Compliance Coordinator, City Peterborough

Hayley Nabuurs, Master of Urban & Regional Planning Candidate, Queen’s University

John Lane, Director, Ontario Building Officials of Ontario (OBOA) and Manager, Building Inspections, City of Hamilton

Sarah Cossette, Manager, Library, Arts and Heritage Services Unit, Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries

Kay Matthews, Executive Director, Ontario BIA Association

Constance ExleyAccessing our Heritage Project Manager and CEO of Accessibility Services Canada

The Business of Accessibility Handbook

The Business of Accessibility Handbook: How to Make Your Main Street Business Accessibility Smart offers no cost and low-cost ideas, gathered from people with first-hand experience, to inspire businesses to go beyond the minimum requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

The handbook includes:

  • Low cost and no cost tips on how businesses can be more accessible in such areas as lighting, signage, websites, space layout, and more
  • The business case for accessibility and Ontario’s changing demographics
  • A Built Environment Accessibility Checklist
  • Stories of Ontario businesses
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Built environment accessibility resources