The plan includes a requirement for an annual update on its implementation. Photo Credit: The Niagara Independent.
Niagara Region has officially released an accessibility plan for the next five years.
The 2024-2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is used as a guide to make the Region’s facilities, operations, and services accessible and inclusive to all residents.
The Region was due to adopt a new plan, as the last five-year plan was adopted in 2018 and was only designed to run through 2023.
Among the notable additions include plans to install audible/visual fire alarms at 12 new locations, fund new accessibility staff training, and offer accessible parking upgrades.
“We are proud to present the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, which reflects our ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers,” said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Michelle Sergi. “The actions outlined in this plan are a direct response to community feedback and are designed to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in Niagara Region’s programs, services and facilities.”
The plan outlines 31 specific actions across six focus areas aimed at furthering accessibility throughout Niagara Region. The overall focus is removing barriers, whether that be to customer service, employment, and the access and enjoyment of public spaces.
The six focus areas include general requirements, customer service, information and communication, employment, design of public spaces, and transportation.
The Region highlighted some key initiatives in a news release, pointing to more accessibility training for staff, improved communication tools, more inclusive hiring practices, and dealing with physical barriers.
Transportation infrastructure accommodations, including installing more ramps and pedestrian signals, was also highlighted.
As part of the plan, Niagara Region will provide Council and the public with annual progress reports to demonstrate the plan’s efficacy and implementation. This is a legislative requirement under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Angela Stea, the Region’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, reflected on the plan’s development.
“The development of this plan was truly a collaborative effort,” said Stea. “Input from people with disabilities, community partners, Regional staff and municipal Accessibility Advisory Committees from across the Region, all helped with this plan.”
“The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan sets a comprehensive approach to ensuring that everyone in Niagara, regardless of ability, has access to the Region’s services and spaces.”
The document itself is 28 pages and includes a statement from Regional Chair Jim Bradley.
“This plan builds on our achievements in advancing accessibility across the Region and reaffirms Council’s commitment to ensuring that all Niagara Region services and facilities are accessible to everyone,” said Bradley.
“Meeting and exceeding the standards set forth in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is foundational to our goal of creating an inclusive environment for all.”
Significant input to the plan came from the Region’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, chaired by Councillor Haley Bateman. The committee includes eight members, seven coming from the public.
Jay Goldberg is the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. He previously served as a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
