York Regional Council approves 2023 to 2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

December 04, 2023

Multi-year plan to further strengthen accessibility across York Region and York Regional Police programs, services and facilities.

Newmarket –York Regional Council approved York Region’s 2023 to 2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, which outlines how The Regional Municipality of York and York Regional Police are working to meet and surpass requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

“York Region is committed to creating welcoming and inclusive communities, valuing the diversity of residents and allow every person to thrive, free of barriers and without discrimination,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “Part of this commitment is making the Region more accessible for everyone.”

Developed in consultation with people with disabilities, community members and the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee (YRAAC), the plan identifies actions across the following five areas impacting residents’ daily lives:

Information and communications
Employment
Transportation
Design of public spaces
Customer service

Multi-year accessibility planning was first established in 2013. Since then, York Region and York Regional Police have implemented and met all AODA requirements for broader public sector organizations. Building on foundations of accessibility accomplishments and actions, the two organizations continue to meet and, in some cases, exceed the AODA requirements. Most actions in the plan are already in place and continue to be part of regular business practices.

Highlights of the 2023 to 2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan include:

Incorporating accessibility practices across all stages of employment, including providing accommodations during recruitment, assessment and selection processes and supporting employees with disabilities in the workplace
Making it easier to travel and move around the Region by considering accessibility needs of people with disabilities
Creating, providing and receiving information and communications in accessible ways
Updating York Region’s accessibility design guidelines for buildings and facilities to enhance the accessibility of Regional public spaces
Training all employees, volunteers and agents on AODA, Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation and Ontario’s Human Rights Code as they pertain to people with disabilities

“York Region is enriched by contributions from people of all abilities,” said Tom Vegh, Town of Newmarket Deputy Mayor and Chair of the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee. “York Region and YRAAC remain passionate about identifying and removing barriers, changing attitudes and the importance of accessibility across all York Region communities.”

York Region’s long-standing commitment to continuous improvement extends to accessibility and continues to drive the Region forward. Earlier this year, YRAAC marked its 20th anniversary, and since inception, committee members have shared knowledge, expertise and lived experiences to help make Regional programs, services and facilities more accessible.

Creating a community that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible for everyone aligns with York Region’s Vision, Regional Official Plan, 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan – From Vision to Results, Accessibility Policy and Inclusion Charter for York Region.

The plan will also be updated every four years to coincide with each new term of Council and York Region’s Strategic Plan.

For more information, visit york.ca/accessibility

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.2 million residents and 55,600 businesses with more than 615,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices

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Media Contact:

Tamara Ostrowski, Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71226 Cell: 905-251-6412
Email: @email