Celebrating inclusivity in our communities

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region is once again celebrating its accessibility achievements via the 2022-2025 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan—a document designed to highlight the achievements of past accessibility plans and reports, while outlining efforts that will continue into 2025.

The elimination of accessibility barriers across Regional operations relate to attitudes, technology, policies, and procedures; as well as those involving physical accessibility to buildings, services and transportation. Achievements highlighted in this plan include:

• Conducting a survey for the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan; asking residents to weigh in on accessible options for people with disabilities and taking note of their feedback.
• Ensuring existing Durham Region websites and web content conformed to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Level AA.
• Placing a heightened priority on the myDurham 311 customer service modernization project, which strives to offer customers a single point of contact with consistent, seamless service—regardless of the method or device used. Highlights include:
  • Transitioned 25 Social Services telephone numbers into one number to create one single point of contact; and ensured voice prompts are easy to understand and follow.
  • Launched the myDurham 311 Smart Home Device Voice Service, which allows residents to access information about Regional services, and frequently asked questions, via Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
  • Launched more than 20 online eForms that allow customers to apply for services online, including the purchase of garbage bag tags.
  • Offering barrier-free access to facilities via the Workplace Modernization Project.

Quote

“Our commitment to being inclusive and accessible involves working together to ensure dignity and independence for individuals of all abilities. It’s about making sure we consider the needs of others; observing obstacles through an accessibility-based lens to help every person truly feel at home in their community.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Durham Region

Quick Facts

• Visit durham.ca/accessibility to learn more.
• The 2022-2025 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan builds on the accomplishments of Durham Region’s previous accessibility plans and reports and identifies future activities to implement the standards outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• 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 (AAC) 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. There are also eight committees at the local municipalities.
• 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.
• In June 2005, the Ontario Legislature passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This includes requiring provincial and municipal governments and key broader public-sector organizations to establish a multi-year accessibility plan, which outlines the organization’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers to people with disabilities. These plans are to be reviewed and updated at least once every five years.

- 30 -

For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.