Monthly Archives: July 2012

Hiring Those With Disabilities Easier Than You Think:Tim Hortons Franchise Owner

Mark Wafer, president of Megleen Inc., which operates as a Tim Hortons, was appointed Monday to a federal panel looking to get more people with disabilities into the workforce.

Wafer has hired 82 people with disabilities over the last 17 years, including 33 out of his current workforce of 210 spread over his six locations.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com/?p=2759

Government of Canada Initiatives Help Canadians With Disabilities Find Jobs

“Any vision of future growth and prosperity for Canada depends on getting more people into the labour force, including Canadians with disabilities,” said Minister Flaherty. “Many businesses have already adopted innovative approaches to the employment of people with disabilities that are both effective and affordable, and it’s important to build on this expertise and experience.”

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com/?p=2756

How Effective is the Integrated Accessibility Standard, Part IV – Transportation? Not so Much!

The other side of this is that there is currently no mechanism of enforcing the AODA and many municipalities are just going to wait it out until 2025.

Read more at
http://www.aoda.ca/?p=1877

Ontario Turns Down Simple, Affordable Way to Help Mentally Ill

Published on Sunday July 29, 2012
RICK EGLINTON/TORONTO STAR

Since the shooting of Michael Eligon by police in February, residents of East York have been asking for a mobile crisis intervention team to help de-escalate confrontations with mentally ill patients.

Ontario has declared mental health a priority, shielding it from the cutbacks other public services are facing.

But to residents of East York, that commitment rings hollow. Desperate for help after the shooting of a psychiatric patient by police and a series of other “code yellow” incidents (unauthorized departures from their local hospital), 60 of them signed a petition last week pleading for a mobile crisis intervention team.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/ontario-turns-down-simple-affordable-way-to-help-mentally-ill/

Accessibility News July 28,2012 Update

Inclusive Media and Design Inc is a proud supporter of Accessibility News.

Inclusive is ready to caption and video describe all your video for web, DVD, and computer desktop. They can also assist you in understanding and implementing Ontario’s AODA Integrated Standards’ media requirements.

Visit www.inclusivemedia.ca to find out more.

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In this Issue

*Initiative to Revise the Excise Tax Act for Goods for the Blind and Visually Impaired
*Wheelchair Users Pay More for Taxis
*The Toll of Mental Illness
*My Life Simplified via Accessible Web and Apps!
*Seniors Face Ageism Stigma; Age an Obstacle to Finding Jobs
*TIGAR Project Accelerates Book Accessibility for People With Print Disabilities *Barriers to Equality Persist in Ontario

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/accessibility-news-july-282012-update/

Initiative to Revise the Excise Tax Act for Goods for the Blind and Visually Impaired

There are many specialized pieces of software and hardware that are available for people who are blind or visually impaired that are not sold by
the CNIB.

The vast majority of doctors have no understanding of what specialized aids are available for the blind or visually impaired.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com/?p=2753

Wheelchair Users Pay More for Taxis

Due to his condition, taxi cabs are overcharging him, said Mr. Barker, who is on the town’s accessibility advisory committee.

“I’ve been told it’s an industry standard,” he said.

Read more at
http://www.aoda.ca/?p=1869

The Toll of Mental Illness

It’s a staggering number. The conference board estimates that Canada’s economy loses $20.7 billion a year due to people being unable to work as a result of the six types of mental illness most prevalent among working age people, including depression, bipolar disorder and panic disorder.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com/?p=2751

My Life Simplified via Accessible Web and Apps!

I can wake up to my phone’s alarm and check the weather.This task previously required a specialized Braille or talking watch and/or lock and use of radio or television for weather information.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com/?p=2749

Seniors Face Ageism Stigma; Age an Obstacle to Finding Jobs

Misty Harris
Edmonton Journal, July 23, 2012

After beating cancer, James Ford was eager to re-enter the workforce and resume an active business life.

But the Sherwood Park man’s nearly four decades of experience in marketing and communications were consistently negated by his age, with prospective employers seemingly more interested in his health than in his professional talent.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynews.ca/seniors-face-ageism-stigma-age-an-obstacle-to-finding-jobs/