Accessibility
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 will be raised at Durham Regional Headquarters.
- 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 DayTM 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.
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:
- 2021 Durham Region Accessibility Report
- 2020 Durham Region Accessibility Report
- 2019 Durham Region Accessibility Report
- 2018 Durham Region Accessibility Report
- 2017 Durham Region Accessibility Report
- 2016 Durham Region Accessibility Report
- 2015 Durham Region Accessibility Report
- 2014 Durham Region Accessibility Report
You and your accessible resources
- Abilities Centre
- Access Ontario
- Accessible Pedestrian Signals
- Accessible Transit
- Council Meetings Calendar
- Canadian Hearing Services
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
- Durham Immigration Portal
- Grandview Kids
- Windreach Farm
Universal symbols
International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) |
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Braille symbol |
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Accessible print |
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Assistive listening systems |
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Sign language interpretation |
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Closed captioning (CC) |
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