Accessibility Plan

Each year, Niagara Region updates their accessibility plan, highlighting areas within the region for improvement.

Accessibility Plan, 2018-2023
Highlights include implementing audible pedestrian cross signals, increasing accessible transportation, inclusion with emergency preparedness initiatives, available of other formats of information, policies and procedures for customer service.

Current Initiatives

Staff Training

Customer service training to be organized by Human Resources, Accessibility Coordinator and Community Services
Continue to ensure accessible communication between departments, staff and particularly with the public to promote and enhance communication
Promote employment of persons with a disability. Continue support of workplace accessibility and accommodation for all departments
Accessibility Coordinator support of events related to Regional accessibility

Improving Print and Web Materials

Staff reports and brochures to use person first verbiage, include accessibility provisions in policies, practices and procedures, meet all legislated Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Standards
Regional materials available in alternative formats upon request, website regularly updated with accessible technologies
Ensure TTY contact information is included on website and on all published material Continue to monitor further customer service needs for any additional TTY service

Facilities Improvements

Add visual strobe to audible fire alarms in all new construction and retrofits of existing facilities
Improve Council Chambers with listening assistive devices, infrared or FM transmitter to personal walkmans. Improve physical access to podium.
Promote Facility Accessibility Design Standards adoption to 12 municipalities within the Region of Niagara
Use Facility Accessibility Design Standards as guideline for all improvements and as criteria for leasing and lease renewals

Reduce Barriers in the Community

Work with municipalities to improve their sidewalks
Increase audible signals at intersections
Medical trip criteria for Inter-Municipal Specialized Transit now includes employment and education
Identify barriers to accessibility during periods of construction or snow removal.

Policy / Procedures

Ensure legislative compliance and implementation into practices