Town of Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee
Adjust Text Size: Small Medium Large

In recognition of the almost 1.9 million Ontarians that have a disability, the Provincial Goverment has taken a step towards their goal of creating a fully accessible Ontario. On December 14, 2001, Royal Assent was given to the Ontarians with a Disability Act, 2001. The stated purpose of the act is to improve opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the Province.

Under the Act, onus is being placed on all municipal governments, transportation providers, the Ontario Public Service, hospitals, universities, colleges, schools and various other agencies in the public sector to accessibility issues on there agendas.

The Municipal sections of the Ontarians With Disabilities (ODA) was proclaimed on September 30, 2002 at which time municipalities with populations of over 10,000 are required to have established an Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Mandate

The primary purpose of the Town of Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee shall be to consult with and to provide advice to Council on the annual municipal accessibility plan for the Corporation of the Town of Essex. The Accessibility Committee will also be responsible to review and advise council on accessibility issues including:

• Site plans of new and existing municipal buildings where approval is required by the Town of Essex (as decribed in Section 41 of the Planning Act)
• New and existing municipal by-laws of the Corporation of the Town of Essex
• Purchasing Goods and services for the Corporation of the Town of Essex
• Significant renovations of Structures designated for municipal building by the Corporation of the Town of Essex
• Leased facilities or any other facilities used as a municipal building by the Corporation of the Town of Essex
• Corporation of the Town of Essex capital facilities under the Municipal Act
• Goods and services provided by the Corporation of the Town of Essex or agents providing services under contract with the Corporation of the Town of Essex

The Town of Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee shall carry out all other duties that are established in the regulations and duties that the Town of Essex Council may deem appropriate following consultation from the public on the role of the Town of Essex Accessibility Committee