Accessibility

Accessibility standards have been created as part of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.  These standards are rules that businesses and organizations in Ontario need to follow to identify, remove, and prevent barriers so that people with disabilities have more opportunities to participate in everyday life. 

We can arrange for alternate formats for documents or accessible feedback upon request.

accessible parking spaces

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) was enacted into law by the provincial government in June 2005. The goal of the AODA is to create provincial accessibility standards and to obtain universal accessibility by 2025.

The AODA applies to the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. This means businesses and organizations with more than one employee are required to comply with accessibility standards in five areas, including:

  • Customer service
  • Transportation
  • Information and communication
  • Built environment
  • Employment

The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (O. Reg. 429/07 under the AODA) came into force on January 1, 2008. This means that businesses and organizations are legally required to make their customer service operations accessible to persons with disabilities by 2012.

On July 1, 2011, the Integrated Accessibility Standards (O. Reg. 191/11 under the AODA) were enacted into law.  This regulation includes the accessibility standards for information and communications, employment, transportation, and the design of public spaces.

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The council of every municipality having a population of more than 10,000 people is required to establish an accessibility advisory committee, made up of members of the public. The Accessibility Advisory Committee (under subsection [5] of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) is appointed for a term of four (4) years, corresponding with the term of Council.

Policies

Dufferin County's Multi-Year Access Plan 2022-2025 outlines the County's commitment to reducing or removing barriers for people with disabilities throughout our corporation.

The County of Dufferin will consult with Accessibility Advisory Committee, public and people with disabilities when constructing and re-developing public spaces.

Dufferin County has the following accessibility policies:

Accessible Information

If you require information in an alternate format, please contact us at 519.941.2816 x 2500. We will work with you to understand your specific accessibility needs and to provide you with the information within a reasonable time frame.

Accessibility Concern? Make a Barrier Report

Let us know if you have experienced a barrier at any of our service locations such as:

  • Buildings or areas not adequately accessible to users of mobility aids
  • Outdoor hazards such as blocked or damaged sidewalks or parking lots, overgrown shrubs, inadequate snow or ice removal, etc
  • Indoor hazards such as tripping hazards, inadequate lighting, inadequate alarm systems, rooms or areas inaccessible to users of mobility aids, etc
  • Communication barriers involving service provision or customer service

You can call us at 519.941.2816 x 2500 or submit your feedback using the form below.

Service Disruptions

Dufferin County is committed to provide Notice of Temporary Service Disruption when facilities, services or access to services are temporarily unavailable.

For planned disruptions, notice will be provided within a reasonable time in advance. For unplanned disruptions, notice will be provided as soon as possible.