I definitely agree that individuals with disabilities should not be ignored where companies and the general public is concerned. Being that I work with clients with disabilities I can say that they are like the general public but can not enjoy half the amounts of things that other individuals can. They are entitled to the same restuarants, leisure activities, shops etc, but their choices are limited to who can provide the best accomodation. I think companies could benefit a lot by considering individuals with a disability in their customer base.

This sounds like a very positive development. It is important to incorporate the abilities of all of our productive society members and it looks like Ontario is going in the right direction. What I would like to see is more information disseminated out broadly about how to meet the requirements of this legislation.

Great article, very insightful and it’s good to see that Ontario is taking steps to reduce the gap and economic inequalities between all members of society, especially those with disabilities.rnrnAn additional $25Bn in consumer spending will have a considerable impact on the bottom line of companies as you’ve mentioned and has to potential to boost economic growth/productivity (GDP), and increase the labour force/supply in Ontario – all huge gainsrnrnIt is crucial to that the gov’t provide incentives to businesses to encourage and fasten the changes required to make the market place more accessible (both from a consumer and employee perspective) – tax credits, writeoffs, etc.

This is definitely a step in the right direction. It is true how often the activities of the able are taken for granted, and how difficult it can be for those with disabilities to do the simple things that most people take for granted. Though these strategies may be a challenge for organizations to implement, I hope they can make it work to benefit a broader range of society.

Excellent article! Accessibility for the disabled is an important characteristic in relation to the geography of space in small areas and large regions. More often than not, businesses and public spaces ignore this inclusion as a goal when it comes to transportation planning, land use planning and building design. It should not be forgotten, that accessibility is something of value, as mentioned in the above noted article, and improvement of accessibility in an urban city like Toronto especially, is of crucial importance. In furtherance to business and entrepreneurship development, accessibility should also be considered by translating its needs into performance measures through which policies can be evaluated. There needs to be an accepted measurement approach for accessibility. If businesses and public spaces are cogniscant of this reality then the future is looking bright.

Thanks for a great piece! It sounds like we are headed for an exciting time. I am curious to see how quickly the business world will respond. The ones that take a first mover role, and those who see the good of planning beyond compliance, will likely position themselves to reap the greatest economic benefit. Meanwhile, people with disabilities will not only be given more space to contribute as consumers, but may also take the lead in managing this change. Talk about moving from the margins!I agree with the previous commenters that measurements will be key in making this change meaningful, but we’re clearly moving in the right direction.

Great article!rnVolunteer Toronto is engaged in an exciting Project, u201cFrom Here to Thereu201d: Accessible Customer Service for the Voluntary Sector.rnIt will provide information, training and support to non profit agencies across the province to become compliant with the Customer Service Standards by 2012.rnThe Sector is an important component of the economy, contributing close to 8% of the GNP, creating over a million jobs, to say nothing of billions of hours of service provided by Volunteers throughout communities across Canada. If you would like to receive more info about the progress of the Project visit http://www.volunteertoronto.carn

Great article!rnVolunteer Toronto is engaged in an exciting Project, u201cFrom Here to Thereu201d: Accessible Customer Service for the Voluntary Sector.rnIt will provide information, training and support to non profit agencies across the province to become compliant with the Customer Service Standards by 2012.rnThe Sector is an important component of the economy, contributing close to 8% of the GNP, creating over a million jobs, to say nothing of billions of hours of service provided by Volunteers throughout communities across Canada. If you would like to receive more info about the progress of the Project visit http://www.volunteertoronto.carn

If you would like more information as to how to meet the requirements please visit http://www.accesson.ca. You will find a multitude of resources, including videos and compliance manuals on meeting the requirements.

The federal government has already set aside incentives for organizations to adopt accessibility, specifically, through the Enabling Accessibility Fund which is designed to assist organizations in renovating/retrofitting environments to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. There is also the Social Development Partnerships Program u2014 Disability (SDPP-D) which is geared towards supporting innovative ways of removing barriers through improved access to programs and services and encourages a wide range of community-based initiatives to address social issues and barriers that people with disabilities face. Thanks for the comment you can read more about it here: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/disability_issues/eaf/cfp/index.shtml

In addition to great financial benefits for organizations who as you put it take the “first mover role”, becoming compliant early and implementing universal design is good for an organization’s public image. Increased accessibility is also seen as a social issue, therefore, being a leader in this field will only enhance an organization’s reputation among present and potential customers.

I’m glad you support this. Companies will benefit from it, however, we must also be advocates of accessibility in that we educate others on its role in society as well as acting as informed customers who hold organizations who fail to adhere to these laws accountable only then will the benefits of accessibility be realized.