Celebrating access and ability in our communities

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham and Durham Regional Council are committed to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities enjoy the same opportunities in our region. On September 30, Durham Regional Council passed the Accessibility Report for 2019. This annual report outlines the initiatives completed throughout the previous calendar year, as part of the Region’s strategy to prevent and remove accessibility barriers across Regional operations. 

Durham Region’s 2019 initiatives included: 

• Hosting the 2019 Ontario Parasport Games, which welcomed nearly 500 participants in 11 sports. Durham Region’s inclusive values were furthered by the Games as more people and businesses became aware of what it means to provide inclusive, accessible and welcoming places and experiences to individuals of all abilities.
• Creating a Games Legacy Fund to support initiatives to expand and enhance parasport opportunities, awareness, participation and experience throughout Durham Region.
• Launching MyDurhamWater, an online water billing system that provides more accessible options to residents, such as viewing billing information and entering meter readings online, and communicating with the Region through multiple channels.
• Installing accessible pedestrian signals (APS) at 18 locations, bringing the total number of signalized intersections quipped with APS to 139.
• Requiring open captioning on all external videos produced by the Region. Captions are permanently visible on the video and do not require special programs or applications to be displayed.
• Installing a tablet for court users to pay tickets, look up cases, or set early resolution proceedings during business hours and after hours.
• Redeveloping the Region’s intranet site for internal employees, designed with accessibility in mind.
• Continued training and learning opportunities for Regional employees on accessibility and disability-related topics, processes, and templates, to increase knowledge and understanding.
• Donating previously used Regional smartphones to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s (CNIB) Phone it Forward program. Donated devices are reset in a secure manner, loaded with accessible apps and donated to people with vision loss.
• Continuous improvement throughout the organization: regular accessibility audits; reduction in the number of contact phone numbers for public health programs and services, installation of accessible public service counters; hearing loop systems; and recognition of employees who incorporate, champion and share accessibility best practices in their work.

Visit durham.ca/Accessibility to review the 2019 Accessibility Report, learn more about accessibility in the region, or to review the Region’s 2016-2021 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. 

Quotes

“Finding innovative ways to help eliminate obstacles is a path we can travel together. We believe in building a welcoming and inclusive community where every person who lives, works and plays in the region–regardless of their ability–is able to participate fully. I’m proud of the work that our Accessibility Advisory Committee and Durham Region employees have done, and the legacy that has been built through our hosting of the 2019 Ontario Parasport Games.”

-       John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Durham Region

“We know that living in an inclusive and accessible environment means that we, as Regional employees, must work together to ensure dignity and independence for all individuals, of all abilities. We strive to approach all that we do with an accessible mindset, and view our programs, services, practices and facilities through an accessibility-based lens. Ultimately, accessibility benefits everyone, providing equal access and opportunity. This philosophy is supported in our Strategic Plan and Age-Friendly Durham Strategy and Action Plan.”

-       Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer, Durham Region

“Access is more than just removing physical barriers. The Durham Region Accessibility Advisory Committee continues to provide feedback and advice on making Durham Region’s programs, services, facilities and initiatives easier for people with disabilities. Together we’re working to meet the needs of our communities, helping to create a better region for everyone.”

-       Carla Boose, Chair, Accessibility Advisory Committee, Durham Region

Quick Facts

• The Region of Durham is committed to ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities throughout its goods, services, employment and facilities as outlined in its Accessibility Policy.
• The Region of Durham implemented its first Accessibility Plan in 2003.
• The Durham Region Accessibility Advisory Committee provides feedback and advice to Durham Regional Council and Regional employees on creating a more accessible environment. This includes feedback on identifying, removing and preventing barriers related to attitudes; information and communication; policies and procedures; customer service; employment; programs and services; transportation; and the design of public spaces.
• The Region’s AAC was first established in 2002. Members come from various backgrounds, representing different types of disabilities, and covering several local area municipalities.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.