Woman using accessibility tower at Regional Headquarters

Accessibility

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National AccessAbility Week is May 28 to June 3! During this week we are all encouraged to take time to learn more about the issues and barriers related to disability, accessibility and inclusion. Everyday, we can take the pledge to show up either individually or collectively to make our community more accessible and inclusive. We encourage you to take some time to learn more about National AccessAbility Week and its importance.

Durham Region recognizes National AccessAbility Week:

May 29: the Disability Flag was raised at Durham Regional Headquarters. Meaning of the flag: The three equally sized horizontal stripes of gold, silver, and bronze are meant to represent the three main types of disability: physical, mental (intellectual or psychosocial), and sensory. The flag and its design have a general nature, meaning that each color does not exclusively represent a specific type of disability, but rather all of them as a whole. No color is considered more important than another. The flag represents people with disabilities, their struggle for rights, and related concepts, including the disability pride movement and the Paralympics.

May 30: Durham Region, in partnership with Abilities Centre, will host the Durham Accessibility Conference. Register by May 26.
May 31: In recognition of Red Shirt Day, we encourage everyone to wear a red shirt for accessibility. Red Shirt Day^TM of Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red in schools, workplaces and other spaces in order to create a visible display of solidarity. To learn more visit: National AccessAbility Week and Red Shirt Day - Easter Seals Ontario

The Regional Municipality of Durham is committed to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities enjoy the same opportunities as they live, work, play, visit and invest in our region.

Each year, the Region’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) nominates individuals, businesses, or organizations based on their efforts in identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for individuals living with a disability. Accessibility champions are honoured with the Accessibility Award to recognize their dedication to making the Region more accessible for people of all abilities.

Provide Feedback

The Region of Durham welcomes feedback on how we provide accessible customer service. Customer feedback will help us to identify barriers and respond to concerns. The Region ensures our feedback process is accessible to people with disabilities by providing or arranging for accessible formats and communication supports, upon request. Feedback may be provided in the following ways:

using the online form
We want to hear from you! Select to provide feedback
by mail (address at the bottom of the page)
In person (address at the bottom of the page)
by phone - 905-668-4113 extension 2009
through emailing the Accessibility Coordinator

Request accessible format

If you are unable to access information on our website, you can request an accessible format. With our continued commitment to meet the requirements outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), we will work with you to provide an accessible format that meets your needs.

Request an accessible format

Some examples of accessible formats and communication supports can include:

Accessible electronic formats such as HTML, MS Word and Adobe PDF files
Large print
Reading the written information aloud to the person directly

Legislation

In June 2005, the Ontario Government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), with a vision of a fully accessible Ontario by 2025.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) has developed accessibility standards in five areas:

Customer service (Accessible Customer Service brochure)
Information and communication
Employment
Transportation
Design of public spaces (built environment)

Businesses and organizations in Ontario must follow these standards.

The Regional Municipality of Durham Accessibility Policy identifies how the Region achieves and maintains accessibility by meeting the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11.

Reports and plans

The Regional Municipality of Durham's 2022-2025 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines what the Region will do to improve accessibility and meet AODA requirements.

To assist Regional Council and staff with this process, the Durham Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) provides advice on accessibility issues on a wide range of our municipal processes. Learn more by reading our reports:

You and your accessible resources

Universal symbols

International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA)

Many people recognize this symbol as it is often used to identify accessible areas, such as washrooms, parking spots, lowered counters, entrances, etc. However, it is actually meant to identify limited mobility, such as wheelchair use.

Braille symbol

This symbol can be found on printed matter that is available in Braille, including items such as publications and signage.

Accessible print

Publications with this symbol identify items that appear in large print (16 to 20 point font size); or are available in this format, upon request.

Assistive listening systems

Symbol of an ear with dots, assistive listening

This symbol identifies when an assistive listening system is available for an event, such as infrared, loop and FM systems.

Sign language interpretation

This symbol identifies that sign language interpretation is available at an event.

Closed captioning (CC)

Two letter C's, Closed Captioning This symbol will be used when a video is closed captioned for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.