Laws and Regulations for the Disabled Population

Statistics reveal stark details about disabled people. However, a disabled person is more than a number that becomes part of a percent sign in a report. That said, the numbers tell there are many who have special and different types of needs.

Around the globe, legislation offers protection and a guide.

Position Paper on Non-visible Disabilities

The government of the United Kingdom (DPTAC) has established the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. This document includes both statistics and a definition to reflect the needs of disabled people.

A Canadian Federal Law Addresses Accessibility

The Accessible Canada Act became law in 2019. National accessibility standards underpin this federal legislation. The summary of the Act is available to read.

The United Nations Sets Guidance in the COVID-19 Era

Good news for people who face the current environment that's filled with uncertainty, besides their own disabilities.The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spotted a need and responded in this news release.

Ontario Legislative Changes to Help

Help is on the way for people with disabilities in Ontario, but not completely until 2025. This date was in place before the coronavirus made planning difficult and the goal is set in provincial legislation.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) will give a new look and new direction to public transportation and public places, to name only two areas. Then, Ontario will give access to both the visible and hidden disabled.

However, public transportation systems within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have to step up the pace to meet this date. There are GO transit stations without elevators, no escalators, or elevators out of service. Often an elevator is a long distance from a taxi stand or a parking lot. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has links among the hundreds of bus stops, subway stations and connections to the GO system. These locations offer little because the elevators aren’t easily accessible. And as years pass by, changes to improve are still slow-paced.

Everyone knows the frustration of delays because construction barriers appear along roadways and sidewalks. And stairs aren’t an option for everyone. AODA is a good move by policy makers to make accessibility attainable. It’s desirable that someone in charge of meeting the deadline keeps checking the calendar.