MISSISSAUGA, March 7, 2012 - Mississauga's ninth accessibility plan outlines how the City will continue to improve services for people with disabilities from 2012 to 2017. The plan, which focuses on implementing a range of new provincial accessibility standards, was approved today by City Council.

"The City has been making great strides in improving accessibility over the past several years. Continuing this progress and meeting the new Ontario standards will be our focus for the next five years," said Diana Simpson, City accessibility coordinator. "Our goal has always been to continue to improve accessibility across the City."

The new accessibility plan was developed with the Accessibility Staff Working Group made up of staff from all departments, in consultation with the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). The AAC includes representatives from the disability community and stakeholder community groups, and two members of Council: Katie Mahoney, councillor Ward 8 and Pat Saito, councillor Ward 9.

The new standards, included in a new regulation made last year under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, include improvements to transportation, employment, information and communication activities as well as services the City delivers. It also requires updates to City policies to support the City's commitment to accessibility.

Background

On June 13, 2005 the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) was enacted. The AODA requires the development of accessibility standards with the goal of leading to an accessible Ontario by 2025.

Please visit www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/accessibility for copies of the City's new accessibility plan. For more information please contact Diana Simpson at 905-615-3608, TTY 905-616-3411 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .