Monthly Archives: April 2016

Why Canadian Companies Can’t Ignore the Cost of Mental Illness

With public figures such as Clara Hughes leading the way to greater awareness and increased discussion around mental health, it’s still a largely overlooked issue in many workplaces.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com/why-canadian-companies-cant-ignore-the-cost-of-mental-illness/

Barrier-Free Ballot Boxes

Gone are the days a person living with disabilities would be denied the right to vote because of a flight of stairs. Or because they couldn’t see the ballot. Or because they couldn’t leave their home.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com/barrier-free-ballot-boxes/

Accessibility News April 9,2016 Update

Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/acnewsca

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. Consider having them check that any of your new web site content is compliant with an Accessibility Audit.

Visit http://www.inclusivemedia.ca to find out more.

The AODA Clock is Ticking

There are 8 years, 38 weeks, 2 days till a fully Accessible Ontario! Will you be compliant?

In this Issue

Read more at
https://www.accessibilitynews.ca/accessibility-news-april-92016-update/

A Lot More Needs To Be Done To Help Blind People Use The Internet

Facebook’s new blind-friendly feature puts a small dent in a big problem.

For the blind, navigating the digital world can be as tricky as moving through the physical one.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com/a-lot-more-needs-to-be-done-to-help-blind-people-use-the-internet/

Barrier-Free BC Urges Provincial Government to ‘Just Say Yes’ to a British Columbians with Disabilities Act

A grassroots movement of organizations and individuals representing British Columbia’s residents with disabilities officially launched a province-wide campaign on the steps of the Legislature today. Barrier-Free BC called on the provincial government to ‘Just Say Yes’ and enact a British Columbians with Disabilities Act.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com/barrier-free-bc-urges-provincial-government-to-just-say-yes-to-a-british-columbians-with-disabilities-act/

ADVANCING INCLUSION FOR 25 YEARS

Twenty-five years ago, a small group of people labelled with an intellectual disability began proving that quote to be true. That group was the beginning of a legacy that would become People First of Canada (PFC). Today, People First of Canada is the national voice of people who have been labelled with an intellectual disability.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com/advancing-inclusion-for-25-years/

Ontario Decides to Give First Responders Workplace Insurance Coverage for PTSD

First responders no longer have to prove that their PTSD is related to their job CBC News Posted: Apr 06, 2016

Evidence shows that first responders are at least twice as likely compared to the general population to suffer from PTSD, due to the risk of frequent exposure to traumatic stressors, the province says.

The president of the Superior North professional paramedics association says he’s pleased the Ontario government unanimously passed legislation today that recognizes PTSD as a work-related illness.

Under the new law, it will be easier, and quicker for paramedics, firefighters, and police officers to access treatment for mental health issues, Ryan Ross said.

Read more at
https://www.accessibilitynews.ca/ontario-decides-to-give-first-responders-workplace-insurance-coverage-for-ptsd/

Properties Must Be Accessible to People with Disabilities Before Occupancy Federal Court Rules

Equity Residential, the nation’s largest developer of multi-family housing, must comply with the Fair Housing Act by ensuring that properties are accessible to people with disabilities before they are occupied, not afterwards, according to a decision by the U. S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

Read more at
http://www.accessibilitynewsinternational.com/properties-must-be-accessible-to-people-with-disabilities-before-occupancy-federal-court-rules/

The Wynne Government Wants the AODA Alliance to Volunteer its Time to Give Input on its Flawed Proposal for a Private Accessibility Certification Process

but Charges $120 to Give Us Basic Information We’ve Requested About That Program that We Are Entitled to Get Under the Freedom of Information Act

Read more at
http://www.aoda.ca/the-wynne-government-wants-the-aoda-alliance-to-volunteer-its-time-to-give-input-on-its-flawed-proposal-for-a-private-accessibility-certification-process/

Families ‘Devastated’ by Changes to Ontario Autism Program

Overhaul means hundreds of children 5 and over no longer eligible for intensive treatment funded by the province

After two years on the wait list, Janet Asher’s 4-year-old son Benjamin started autism treatment this week in Toronto. But new rules announced this week mean he is no longer eligible after he turns 5 next month.

By: Andrea Gordon Feature Writer, Published on Fri Apr 01 2016

Janet Asher waited years for this day to arrive. Friday was her son Benjamin’s first session of intensive autism therapy funded by the province, which she hoped would change his life.

The road had been long 12 months to get an assessment and autism diagnosis, followed by almost two more years on the wait list for a treatment spot through Surrey Place Centre in Toronto.

Read more at
https://www.accessibilitynews.ca/families-devastated-by-changes-to-ontario-autism-program/