Town improves its accessibility

The Town of Caledon is committed to the review and identification of potential barriers to persons with disabilities in the provision of Town services, programs, policies, procedures, and facilities.

At their meeting of Sept. 26, council approved the completion of the 2005/2006 Accessibility Plan for the Town.

Over the past two years, the Town of Caledon has made concentrated efforts to improve access for persons with disabilities who reside in or visit our community. Accomplishments include:

* The completion of sensitivity training for all Town staff.

* A workshop for the senior management team to better understand and address mental health issues.

* Construction of the barrier-free Adam Wallace Park.

* Completion of several renovations to existing Town buildings to incorporate accessibility opportunities (e.g. Snoezelen room at the Caledon Centre for Recreation & Wellness, community rooms in Valleywood and Cheltenham).

* Alignment with organizations such as Reach for the Rainbow to create integrated recreation opportunities.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) replaces the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001. The AODA has a goal to

improve access to workplaces, customer service, transportation and communication for persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors. It establishes mandatory provincial accessibility standards to ensure province-wide consistency.