Did you know?
- Currently, one in seven Canadians have a disability, and that number is expected to grow with an aging population
- People with disabilities are more likely to be unemployed, to live in poverty and to earn less than people without a disability
- These barriers continue to exist today and limit the social, political and economic inclusion of people with disabilities
So, what is the City doing?
In 2017, the City of Edmonton was awarded the “Rick Hansen Accessible Cities Award” prompting the City to continue to improve accessibility in Edmonton. Now, the City is creating an updated corporate policy – Accessibility for People with Disabilities (C602).
Edmonton is proud to receive the Rick Hansen Foundation’s Accessible Cities award! https://t.co/BKJyXrydua
— City of Edmonton (@CityofEdmonton) May 31, 2017
Accessibility is fundamental to the quality of life, well-being and engagement of individuals in the social, economic, cultural, spiritual and political aspects of society. It means removing barriers for people through inclusive design of built form, programs and services to ensure equitable access to all irrespective of age or ability. Best practices and standards in accessibility are evolving nationally and internationally.
“To date, City staff have been using an accessibility lens to apply best practices and standards in their work developing City plans, programs and projects,” says Pascale Ladouceur, Director of Facility Planning and Design. “Now it’s time to formalize this work with an updated corporate policy.”
The Accessibility for People with Disabilities Policy will guide all areas of City work in serving Edmontonians with diverse abilities.
“Our city is enriched by the contributions of persons with disabilities,” says Heather Crowe, Accessibility Services Officer. “We are committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to City of Edmonton information, programs, services, facilities and open spaces.”
The Policy will be a formal document intended to ensure citizens and staff with disabilities are treated with respect, and have equitable access and opportunity to participate to the fullest extent.
Public engagement is an important part of this policy development work. Opportunities to provide feedback on a draft of the Policy will begin at the end of February through to mid-March.
For more information about this policy work and public engagement opportunities, visit: edmonton.ca/accessibilitypolicy
Edmonton Celebrates Accessible City Award
The Accessible Canada Act proposed federal legislation, Bill C-81 First reading was in June 2018.