Accessibility
Welcome
Hello and Welcome to the Accessibility Information page created for, and in association with The Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee (KLAAC).
Accessibility
People with disabilities represent a significant and growing part of our population. Statistics Canada reports that about 1.9 million Ontarians have disabilities or approximately 16% of the population. In less than 20 years, with an aging poputalion, it is estimated that approximately 20% of the population will have disabilities.
The Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) was enacted in January 2001 with the purpose of improving access and inclusiveness for people with disabilities. The act was built on the strong foundation of the Human Rights Code which protects the rights of all Ontarians.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA), 2005 -
Considered a parallel implementation to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001(ODA), the AODA, 2005 received royal assent and came into effect in June 2005. Unlike the ODA, 2001 which required only the Public Sector (government based corporations such as Municipalities, Ministries, School Boards & Hospitals) to plan for Accessibility, the AODA, 2005 applies to both the Public and Private Sectors covering every aspect of life available to the population. The goal of the AODA, 2005 is to ensure that all Ontarians with disabilities have full access to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, building structures and premises by January 1, 2025.
This goal will be achieved through the development, implementation and enforcement of provincially-set accessibility standards in the areas of Customer Service, Information and Communication, Transportation, Employment and Built Environment.
Accessible Customer Service Standard
This is the first standard to be developed. It came into effect on January 1, 2008. The standard states what organizations and businesses in Ontario must do to make the provision of their goods and services more accessible to people with disabilities.
- Accessible Customer Service Policy (PDF) (Word)
- "May I Help You?" - Understanding Accessible Customer Service - Staff and Volunteers (PDF) (Word)
- "May I Help You?" - Understanding Accessible Customer Service - Agents and Contractors (PDF) (Word)
- Accessible Customer Service Feedback Form — Online Version
- Accessible Customer Service Feedback Form (PDF) (Word)
Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee (KLAAC)
The Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee (KLAAC) was once known as the Municipal Advisory Committee for Disabled Persons (MACDP). MACDP was originally established in the Town of Lindsay as a Standing Committee of Council in 1991. The Committee was renamed the Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee (KLAAC) in 2001 with the enactment of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 and the amalgamation of the communities of Victoria County to form what is now known as The City of Kawartha Lakes. With the expanded responsibilities of serving a population in excess of 72,000 and an area of 3366 square kms the original committee membership was increased from seven (7) to thirteen (13) members.
Each member of KLAAC is appointed by Council for a suggested term to provide advice to Council and Staff in the preparation and implementation of the annual Accessibility Plan, to review Building Accessibility to Municipally owned/leased premises, to review and provide comment on selected Site Plans as described in section 41 of the Planning Act, to provide comment to the Province of Ontario with regard to the development of the AODA, 2005 standards and other matters relating to the identification, removal and prevention of barriers for persons with disabilities.
The Committee continues to build awareness and to educate the general public about the importance of social change and full inclusion by hosting an annual Aware Fair, with the presentation of community Accessibility Awareness Recognition Awards and with the availability of the KLAAC 2009 brochure.
In the year 2011, KLAAC will celebrate 20 years of recognizing that people with disabilities represent a significant and growing part of our population. The proactive approach of the Community Vision Statement of the City of Kawartha Lakes Council and the Mission statement and Mandate of KLAAC which fully supports the enhancement of the abilities of people with disabilities to have equal access to opportunities, live independently and contribute to the community, have had, and will continue to have, positive effects to the future prosperity in the City of Kawartha Lakes and to all citizens throughout Ontario.
The Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee members, the majority of whom are persons with disabilities, have the following Mission statement -
Our Goal is a Barrier Free City!
A barrier free City of Kawartha Lakes means that we all successfully prevent and remove obstacles that inhibit any of our citizens from fully participating in the opportunities enjoyed in our beautiful towns and neighbourhoods. We strive for inclusive programs and services.
The City of Kawartha Lakes and the KLAAC encourages the community to visit the Ministry of Community and Social Services Web Site to follow the evolution of a fully accessible Ontario by 2025. http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario
For more information please contact:
Barbara Condie, Accessibility Coordinator
City of Kawartha Lakes
12 Peel St., P.O. Box 9000
Lindsay, ON K9V 5R8
bcondie@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca
(705) 324-9411 ext. 1185 or
Toll Free 1-888-822-2225 ext. 1185
