Accessibility

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 (ACS) 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.

If you require communication support, such as an American Sign Language interpreter to participate in a Town program, meeting or event, contact the Accessibility Coordinator. Town of Penetanguishene documents are available in alternate formats upon request. Please contact the Town for more information.

As providers of service to the public, the Town of Penetanguishene plays a significant role in ensuring full access to those living in our community through the Council appointed Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). 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. The 2020-2024 Accessibility Plan outlines the projects and initiatives staff and committee members will undertake to ensure the Town of Penetanguishene is meeting its compliance obligations under the Integrated Accessibility Standards. The provincial government is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the Regulations.