Region hopes Multi-Year Accessibility Plan breaks down barriers

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGION
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Last week, the 2024-2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan was presented to Regional Council. The plan is used as a guide to make the Region’s facilities, operations and services accessible and inclusive to all residents.

The plan builds on the successes of the 2018-2023 accessibility plan, including audible/visual fire alarms installed at 12 locations, new accessibility staff training and accessible parking upgrades at multiple Regional facilities to name a few. It also outlines 31 specific actions across six focus areas aimed at further advancing accessibility in the Region. These actions and focus areas will address a range of accessibility barriers from customer service and employment practices to the design of public spaces and transportation infrastructure.

“We are proud to present the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, which reflects our ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers,” said Michelle Sergi, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. “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 includes actions across six focus areas: General Requirements, Customer Service, Information and Communication, Employment, Design of Public Spaces, and Transportation. These areas cover a wide range of initiatives, including policy updates, accessibility training for staff and volunteers, improved communication tools, inclusive hiring practices, and the remediation of physical barriers in Regional facilities and public spaces. Key initiatives also include ongoing improvements to accessible transportation infrastructure, such as the installation of curb ramps and pedestrian signals.

A key part of the accessiblity plan development process was community consultation which helped to identify accessibility barriers to Regional services, programs and facilities.

“The development of this plan was truly a collaborative effort. Input from people with disabilities, community partners, Regional staff and municipal Accessibility Advisory Committees from across the Region, all helped to shape this plan,” said Angela Stea, Director of Strategic Initiatives. “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 plan is a legislative requirement of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Niagara Region will provide annual progress reports on the implementation of the plan and update the plan as necessary to ensure continued progress toward a fully accessible Niagara.

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