McGuinty Government Helping Break Down Barriers

Ontario is improving services for people with disabilities in publicly funded schools.

The province is partnering with the Ontario Education Services Corporation to create online training, policies, procedures and tip sheets. These tools will help staff and teachers in schools learn how to interact with people who have a variety of disabilities, including those who:

• Use assistive devices, such as canes or wheelchairs
• Have a non-visible disability, such as a learning or mental health disability
• Are accompanied by a support person, such as a sign language interpreter.

These tools are being developed under the EnAbling Change Partnership Program to help school boards and schools comply with Ontario’s customer service standard.

QUOTES

“Accessible service is about knowing how to communicate with everyone. Working together with our partners, we can help more organizations learn how to better serve people with disabilities.”
— Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services

“Our publicly funded schools reflect the rich diversity of Ontario’s communities. Ensuring people of all abilities can access the same level of quality service will help make our schools more welcoming for everyone.”
— Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education

“Ontario’s schools are at the heart of our communities. Through this partnership, we will strengthen our schools and our communities.”
— Janet Wilkinson, project coordinator under the Enabling Change Partnership Program

QUICK FACTS

• Through the EnAbling Change Partnership Program, Ontario works with non-profit organizations on educational initiatives that will improve accessibility in sectors across the province.
  
• Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the province is breaking down barriers through standards in customer service, transportation, information and communications, employment and the built environment.
  
• Public sector organizations will need to comply with the first standard – for customer service – by 2010, followed by the private sector in 2012.
  

LEARN MORE

Read how Northern College is improving access for their students.

Learn how to provide accessible customer service.