Table of Contents

 

• Introduction
• Message from the Minister
• Report on Achievements
• 2005 - 2006 Accessibility Improvement Initiatives
• Ongoing Accessibility Improvement Initiatives
• Commitments - Measures to Prevent New Barriers
• Customer service
• Employment
• Built environment
• Acts and regulations
• Other barriers
• Commitments - Barriers To Be Addressed
• Customer service
• Built environment
• For More Information

Introduction

In June 2005, the Ontario government took a strong stand on accessibility when it passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) into law.

The AODA lays out a comprehensive road map to make Ontario accessible to all people through the development, implementation and enforcement of new, mandatory accessibility standards for some of the most important aspects of people's lives.

The first two standards that are currently being developed cover the areas of transportation and customer service. On June 13, the first anniversary of the passage of the AODA, the government announced the development of three new standards that will address information and communications, the built environment, and employment.

While the government is moving forward to implement the AODA, there will be a transition period where government and the broader public sector will continue to meet their obligations under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA). These obligations will remain in effect until they are repealed and replaced by standards under the new act.

Under the ODA, Ontario government ministries, municipalities, hospitals, school boards, colleges, universities and public transportation organizations are required to develop annual accessibility plans to make policies, practices, programs, services and buildings more accessible to people with disabilities. These plans must be made available to the public. Accessibility planning efforts to date have developed a strong foundation for the development of accessibility standards that will mean real and effective change.

This document is the fourth annual accessibility plan developed by the Ministry of Tourism. It highlights the achievements of the 2005-06 plan and outlines the commitments for 2006-07 so that no new barriers are created and, over time, existing ones are removed.

This ministry intends to build on its achievements by implementing initiatives that support the government's commitment to continue to make Ontario an inclusive and accessible province where people of all abilities have a chance to fully achieve their potential.

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Message from the Minister

As Minister of Tourism, I am pleased to present my ministry's 2006-07 Accessibility Plan. At the Ministry of Tourism, we are committed to developing responsive and effective standards and building on past achievements to ensure improved accessibility to our services.

This year marks the first anniversary of the landmark Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This legislation fosters the development, implementation and enforcement of accessibility standards in key areas of daily living, including customer service, employment, communications and information and our physical environment.

My ministry is building on the success of our previous three plans. Staff are working diligently to identify, prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities. In 2005, the ministry collected data on the importance of accessibility when planning for travel. In 2006, we will provide these statistics to our tourism stakeholders. Also, my ministry participated on the Customer Service Standards Development Committee, engaging stakeholders in a dialogue on the development of accessibility standards.

We continue to demonstrate leadership by increasing the accessibility of ministry offices and attractions across the province. For example, all Toronto and Regional offices have accessible ramps, designated parking areas and barrier-free drop off zones. Our provincial attraction, Huronia Historical Parks, began upgrading its historical site and facilities, as recommended in the 2004-05 site assessment for the removal of barriers.

The Ministry of Tourism will continue to make every effort to ensure that Ontarians of all abilities enjoy access to government services.

Yours sincerely,

Jim Bradley

Minister

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Report on Achievements

 

2005 - 2006 Accessibility Improvement Initiatives

The Ministry of Tourism successfully achieved the commitments outlined in the 2005-06 accessibility plan. The following section provides a status report on the ministry's achievements.

Commitment:

To collect data on the importance of accessibility in travel planning.

Status: Completed.

Action:

The Ministry of Tourism included a question on the importance of accessibility in travel planning in the Travel Activities and Motivational Survey (TAMS) carried out in Canada and the United States.

Timeframe:

Data collection was carried out in the fall and winter of 2005-06.

Commitment:

To build awareness among Ministry of Tourism employees about programs and services available to them to assist with accessibility, and to ensure that ministry staff are sensitized to the needs and concerns of peoples with disabilities.

Status: Completed.

Action:

The Ministry of Tourism's Human Resources Branch ensured that all managers were made aware of the ministry's plan, programs and services and that new employees received information regarding the programs and services available to them.  Ministry of Tourism managers identified at the beginning of the year as not having taken the Ministry of Government Services' online manager accessibility training have done so. 

The ministry maintained an intranet accessibility information portal, and the accessibility portion of the staff orientation website was reviewed and updated.

A presentation was done on accessibility issues for seniors and others travelling in Ontario, at the ministry's all staff day.

Timeframe:

The Human Resources Branch provided information throughout the course of the year.  The intranet was reviewed November 2005 and further updates done February 2006.  New managers were sent a reminder of their online training, to be completed by March 2006.  The all staff day session was held on May 18, 2006.

Commitment:

To encourage Ministry of Tourism staff to provide on-going input on the identification, prevention and removal of barriers for people with disabilities.

Status: Completed.

Action:

As part of the ministry's intranet accessibility page, staff were encouraged to communicate with their manager to provide suggestions, comments or request further information.  Information for staff to contact the ministry's executive lead on accessibility was also provided.

Timeframe:

The process for staff to communicate with managers, along with contact information for the accessibility executive lead, was posted on the intranet on January 24, 2006.

Commitment:

To increase accessibility in the workplace for ministry employees.

Status: Completed.

Action:

The Ministry of Tourism's Human Resources Branch added a clause to "Offer of Employment" letters asking employees to notify their managers about any accessibility needs.

Timeframe:

The clause was added to the letters in January 2006.

Commitment:

As opportunities arise, to increase accessibility of Ministry of Tourism offices across the province.

Status: Ongoing.

Action:

All Toronto and Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Regional offices used by Ministry of Tourism staff have accessible ramps, designated parking areas and barrier-free drop-off zones, including parking levels with elevators, height clearance for vans and wide parking spaces.  Barrier-free interior features include corridors wide enough to allow for wheelchair or scooter use, slip-resistant surfaces, uncluttered pathways and slip-free stairs with rails.

At the Queen's Park complex, signage and door entry upgrades are underway, "voice enunciation" elevator announcements are near finalization and new washrooms are being designed to be barrier free.  As well, designated fire safety waiting areas have been completed and are equipped with signage, seating and telephones.  The ministry also continues to work with the Ontario Realty Corporation and Profac to identify and address barriers.

Fort William Historical Park (FWHP) completed a comprehensive report entitled the Barrier Free Accessibility Audit.  As a result, renovations to staff washrooms were completed including replacing sink faucets, and adjusting the height and angle of all mirrors, and the height of a drinking fountain, all sinks, two toilets and a urinal.

Huronia Historical Parks (HHP) began construction on upgrades to the historic site and facilities, as recommended in the 2004-05 site assessment for the removal of barriers.  As a result, HHP added 12 ramps and lighting-on-demand to historic buildings at the Sainte-Marie among the Hurons site.  Further, two washrooms were made accessible, six hearing-impaired alarm lights and six emergency lights were installed in the museum, theatres and restaurant, seven entry doors to the foyer and museum were installed with automatic push-button openers, and nine handicapped parking spaces were created.  At Discovery Harbour, 42 emergency lights were installed to increase visibility.

Timeframe:

HHP work occurred throughout the 2005-06 year.  FWHP Audit report was completed in March 2006.

Commitment:

To consider accessibility, including the identification and removal of barriers when reviewing existing acts or regulations or when drafting new ones.

Status: Completed.

Action:

The ministry reviewed several pieces of legislation in 2005-06, including:  amendments to the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation Act; the St. Clair Parks Commission Act to permit the transfer of the St. Clair lands and the dissolution of the Commission; a consequential amendment to the Historical Parks Act in Bill 11; the regulation amending Reg. 829 regarding sight-seeing vehicle fees at Niagara Parks Commission.

The review found that none of these statutes create any barriers.

A review of the Innkeepers Act and the Hotel Registration of Guests Act is underway.

Timeframe:

Throughout the duration of the 2005-06 Accessibility Plan.

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Ongoing Accessibility Improvement Initiatives

The Ministry of Tourism successfully achieved and continues to maintain ongoing commitments outlined in plans made prior to 2005-06.  This section provides a status report on these commitments.

Commitment:

To ensure tourism industry interests are represented in the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario's process of developing standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Status: Ongoing.

Action:

The ministry participated on the Customer Service Standards Development Committee, engaging tourism industry participation in a dialogue on the development of standards and providing regular feedback to stakeholders.

The ministry will participate in future initiatives of the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario.

Timeframe:

Draft Customer Service Standard completed July 2006.

Commitment:

To ensure that all financial, program and policy planning processes and efforts move toward accessibility and take into account the potential effect of ministry activities on people with disabilities.

Status: Ongoing.

Action:

The Ministry of Tourism continued to ensure that accessibility planning was considered in the 2005-06 policy, program and results-based planning processes.

Accounting and Controllership Services, of Corporate Resources Branch (CRB), offered a Ministry Best Practices course which included procurement.  Staff were reminded of their responsibilities regarding accessibility and given the source contacts for further information. 

CRB's online document, Ministry Financial Delegation of Authority, has an updated link to the Ministry of Government Services' most recent version of Guidelines for Implementing the Procurement Provisions of the ODA.

Timeframe:

Course was offered in February 2006.  CRB's online link was updated with the revised March 2006 Guidelines.

Commitment:

To provide signer or interpreter services as required at all ministry-planned events and ensure that these events are held in accessible locations.

Status: Ongoing.

Action:

The Ministry of Tourism's Communications Branch maintained a list of registered sign language interpreter service providers, and all meetings and events convened by the ministry included a request for guests' accommodation needs in meeting invitations.

Timeframe:

Continuing

Commitment:

To ensure that the Ministry of Tourism's website is accessible.

Status: Ongoing.

Action:

The Ministry of Tourism's Communications Branch continued to ensure that its website content is available in accessible formats.

Timeframe:

Confirmed in 2005-06 and will continue throughout the 2006-07 plan.

Commitment:

To appoint an executive lead and maintain a Tourism Accessibility Team with representation from each branch of the ministry.

Status: Ongoing.

Action:

The Tourism Accessibility Team was made responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Ministry of Tourism's 2005-06 Accessibility Plan and reporting results.

Timeframe:

Throughout the duration of the Ministry of Tourism's 2005-06 Accessibility Plan, the Tourism Accessibility Team met monthly to review the plan and address any issues.

Commitment:

Partner with Publications Ontario to provide ministry publications in alternative formats as requested.

Status: Ongoing.

Action:

The Ministry of Tourism's Communications Branch addressed all requests for publications and ministry materials in alternative formats in an efficient and timely manner.  In addition, ministry branches promoted the fact that Ministry of Tourism publications are available in alternative formats.

Timeframe:

As requests arose throughout the year.

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Commitments - Measures to Prevent New Barriers

In 2006-07, the Ministry of Tourism commits to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to persons with disabilities.  This section provides an outline of these measures.

 

 

Customer service

• Continue to ensure tourism industry interests are represented in the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario's process of developing standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
• Continue to ensure that ministry events provide for accessibility needs by ensuring that signer or interpreter services are provided as required, and that events are held in accessible locations.

 

Employment

• Appoint an executive lead and maintain a Tourism Accessibility Team with representation from each branch of the ministry.
• Organize an information session at a ministry staff day in order to increase staff awareness of accessibility related issues.
• Maintain an accessibility portal on the intranet site to give staff easy access to the ministry's Accessibility Plan and information.
• Through the Human Resources Branch:
• ensure all managers are aware of the ministry's plan, programs and services
• ensure new employees receive information regarding programs and services that are available to them to assist with accessibility
• insert a clause into offers of employment, requesting information on an individual's accessibility needs.
• Encourage staff to continue to provide input on the identification, prevention, and removal of barriers for people with disabilities.
• Maintain a relationship with Publications Ontario to ensure that publications are available in accessible formats.
• Maintain the accessibility of the ministry's website.

 

Built environment

• Monitoring of Toronto office space is on-going for unforeseen and new barriers.

 

Acts and regulations

• Continue to review existing acts or regulations to identify and remove barriers.
• Take accessibility issues into consideration when drafting new legislation or regulations.

 

Other barriers

• Continue to ensure that all financial, program and policy planning processes and efforts move toward accessibility and take into account the potential impact of ministry activities on people with disabilities.

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Commitments - Barriers To Be Addressed

The Ministry of Tourism commits to identify, remove and prevent barriers to persons with disabilities in the coming year. This section summarizes these commitments.

 

Customer service

Barrier:

Lack of demographic information, to provide a profile of visitors for whom accessible travel is important.

Commitment:

Produce a report from the Travel Activities and Motivations survey (TAMS) relating to that profile, and disseminate to stakeholders.

Responsibility:

Tourism Policy and Research Branch.

Timeline:

End of January, 2007.

Barrier:

People with disabilities may not be able to visit Ministry of Tourism attractions without assistance.

Commitment:

The ministry's attractions, Fort William Historical Park and Huronia Historical Parks, will have a standing policy to provide free admission to the attendants of people with disabilities (with no identification required for either party).

Responsibility:

General Managers of Fort William Historical Park and Huronia Historical Parks.

Timeline:

Effective immediately.

Barrier:

Visitors may have trouble accessing Ministry of Tourism attraction special events without assistance.

Commitment:

The ministry's attraction, Fort William Historical Park, will provide accessible services at its event Rock the Fort, including site access, transportation and accessible admission policies.

Responsibility:

General Manager of Fort William Historical Park.

Timeline:

June 16-18, 2006 Rock the Fort event, and ongoing.

 

Built environment

Barrier:

Public or common areas in leased accommodations are not currently fully accessible to people with accessibility needs.

Commitment:

Currently, the government is not permitted to make alterations to public or common spaces in leased accommodations, which are the responsibility of the landlords.  The ministry will work with Ontario Realty Corporation and ProFac to find ways to work with landlords to make required improvements, if any, to the public or common space of the buildings occupied by the ministry.

Searches for new office space, if any, will consider the accessibility features of potential offices.

Responsibility:

Facilities, Information and Records Management.

Timeline:

On-going.

Barrier:

Areas at Huronia Historical Parks are not currently fully accessible to people with accessibility needs.

Commitment:

As part of its ongoing program of upgrades, Huronia Historical Parks will create an additional three parking spaces and replace two exterior doors with automatic push-button openers at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.  As well, an original historic building at Discovery Harbour will have ramps, better lighting and accessible washrooms added this year.

Responsibility:

General Manager, Huronia Historical Parks.

Timeline:

Throughout the duration of the 2006-07 Accessibility Plan.

Barrier:

Areas at Fort William Historical Park are not currently fully accessible to people with accessibility needs.

Commitment:

Fort William Historical Park will modify the quantity, size, surface, vertical posts and pavement markings of parking spaces at the Visitor Centre and Administration Building.  Further, modifications will be made to some public washrooms, exterior doors, ramps and signage in order to increase accessibility. 

Responsibility:

General Manager, Fort William Historical Park.

Timeline:

Throughout the duration of the 2006-07 Accessibility Plan.

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For More Information

Questions or comments about the ministry's accessibility plan are always welcome.

Please phone:

Ms. Sheila Larmer, Chair, Ministry of Tourism Accessibility Planning Team

General inquiry number: (416) 326-9326

TTY number: 416-325-5807

1-800 number: 1-866-700-0040

E-mail: General_Info@mtr.gov.on.ca

Ministry website address: http://www.tourism.gov.on.ca

Visit the Ministry of Community and Social Services Accessibility Ontario web portal at: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/accessibility/. The site promotes accessibility and provides information and resources on how to make Ontario a barrier-free province.

Alternate formats of this document are available free upon request from:

Publications Ontario

880 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M7A 1N8. Tel: (416) 326-5300

Out of town customers, except Ottawa, call: 1-800-668-9938

In Ottawa, call (613) 238-3630 or toll-free: 1-800-268-8758

TTY Service: 1-800-268-7095

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