York releases 2007 accessibility plan
Region to implement initiatives to identify and remove barriers

York Region launched National Access Awareness Week last Monday with the release of Towards Accessibility: York's 2007 Accessibility Plan.

It is a comprehensive plan of actions the Region will take to identify, remove and avoid barriers for people with disabilities in Regional programs, services, facilities, by-laws, policies and procedures.

"This plan builds on our experience in accessibility planning and moves us even further along in our pursuit of achieving even greater accessibility," said York Chairman Bill Fisch. "We will continue to identify and remove barriers so that all residents can fully participate in York Region services and programs."

York's fourth accessibility plan advances the Region's efforts to prepare for and attain the standards required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). The Region's response builds on the work established by three previous accessibility plans: Understanding Barriers (2004), Moving Forward (2005) and Removing Barriers (2006).

"Through these plans, accessibility to our programs and services has been enhanced across the Region, including improvements to buses, bus stops and crosswalks, buildings, housing and long-term care facilities, policing services, policies and procurement processes, training programs and York Region's Web site," said Richmond Hill Councillor Brenda Hogg, chair of the community services and housing committee of Regional council.

Towards Accessibility was developed with advice from the 2003-'06 York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee, which recently completed its threeyear term.

"The committee worked with staff, provided advice and gave freely of their time to support the Region's efforts to make our programs and services more accessible," said Georgina Councillor Danny Wheeler, chair of the 2007-'10 committee. "We thank the founding members for their hard work and dedication to the accessibility planning process here in York Region."

All municipalities must develop an annual accessibility plan under the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001.

Copies of Towards Accessibility in regular print, large print and CD format are available from the information displays set up during National Access Awareness Week (May 28 to June 1) at the York Region Administrative Centre at 17250 Yonge St. in Newmarket and the York Region South Services Centre at 50 High Tech Rd. in Richmond Hill. The plan is also available from the Region's Web site at www.york.ca under "Services - Accessibility Planning."