Accessibility

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)

Ontario has an important law, called the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. The first of its kind in Canada, the goal is to create provincial accessibility standards and to obtain universal accessibility by 2025.

Businesses and organizations that provide goods and services to people in Ontario will have to meet accessibility standards in five areas, in five-year increments, including:

  • Customer service
  • Transportation
  • Information and communication
  • Built environment
  • Employment

Accessible Customer Service

Accessible customer service is now the law and came into force on January 1, 2008. This means that businesses and organizations that provide goods or services to people will be legally required to make their customer service operations accessible to people with disabilities by 2012. As a municipality, the Town of Milton was required to comply with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service by January 1, 2010. Meeting these standards involved identifying and removing barriers to customer service in operational practices, policies and procedures, and communications, as well as ensuring staff training is taking place. The customer service standard is the first in a series of standards that will help lead to a fully accessible Ontario.

Town of Milton documents are available in alternate formats upon request. Please fill out the Request for Alternate Formats Form or contact the Coordinator, Accessibility at 905-878-7252 ext. 2534.

Town of Milton Role in Accessibility

As providers of service to the public, the Town of Milton plays a significant role in ensuring full access to those living in our community through the Council appointed Milton Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC) . Each year, the committee develops the Town's annual Accessibility Plan. The plan identifies barriers to municipal practices and services, and recommends solutions for their removal. The public is encouraged to review the plans and to provide input at the appropriate time regarding barriers that may exist in municipal services, programs and practices. In 2011, the plan is focusing on promoting awareness of accessibility; ensuring staff training is taking place, and reviewing/monitoring provincial legislation and standards. The provincial government is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the Regulations.

On October 22, 2007 Milton Council formally adopted the City of London's Facility Accessibility Design Standards. These guidelines are being used by Town staff as an aid for the design and construction of all new facilities, as well as the renovation, alteration or addition to existing facilities owned, leased or operated by the Town of Milton. This document also references requirements around signage, detectable warning surfaces, texture, color, lighting, materials, finishes and acoustics.

Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities

Halton Region, the City of Burlington, the Towns of Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville and the Halton Regional Police Service have collaborated on preparing a series of public education resources on emergency preparedness for persons with disabilities. The materials include a topic-focused pamphlet series, an audio CD on emergency preparedness, and a closed captioned personal emergency preparedness DVD. The pamphlet series addresses physical, visual, auditory and non-visible disabilities, as well as considerations for seniors, travelers and people living or working in high-rise buildings.

National Access Awareness Week

National Access Awareness Week was established in 1988 to promote better access for people with disabilities. The week was created in response to a request from Rick Hansen, following his 40,000 km Man in Motion World Tour. Held at the end of May, it celebrates achievements made both by and for people with disabilities. Look for upcoming events for National Access Awareness Week on this website in the spring.

Get Involved

Join the Milton Accessibility Advisory Committee and sign up to be on the mailing list for accessibility updates by contacting us as noted below.

Additional Information