Ontario was supposed to be accessible by 2025. Some advocates say it’s not even close

As Ontario entered the year 2025, it was expected to be a province that was fully accessible to all individuals. However, advocates argue that the province has failed to meet its own deadline for accessibility.

Back in 2005, the Ontario government unanimously passed the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act (AODA) with the goal of making the province accessible to people with disabilities within two decades. The legislation was seen as a progressive step towards ensuring that individuals with disabilities could fully participate in society by creating regulations, enforcing standards, and giving a voice to those with disabilities.

Despite these efforts, individuals like Beau Hayward, who navigates Toronto in a wheelchair, still face challenges with accessibility. He points to issues with transportation, such as unreliable elevator service in TTC stations, as a major obstacle to his mobility. Hayward, a quadriplegic, has found some improvement in his mobility through a motorized wheel attachment for his wheelchair, but barriers still exist, such as steps at restaurant entrances that prevent power chair users from entering.

Advocates like David Lepofsky, chair of the AODA alliance, have been sounding the alarm for years, warning that Ontario is far from reaching its accessibility goals by 2025. Despite government investments in accessibility initiatives, progress has been slow, with only 57 out of 70 TTC stations currently accessible.

A review of the AODA found that the legislation lacks enforcement mechanisms and that accessibility standards are not being consistently met in the public and private sectors. Rich Donovan, who conducted the review, emphasized the complexity of achieving accessibility and the need for ongoing efforts to improve accessibility standards.

Moving forward, it is clear that achieving full accessibility in Ontario will require continued commitment from regulators, businesses, and individuals with disabilities. The idea of a deadline for accessibility may be unrealistic, as true accessibility requires ongoing efforts and improvements. It is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that Ontario becomes a truly accessible province for all.