October 30, 2013

SUMMARY

During Question Period in the Ontario Legislature on October 29, 2013, NDP Opposition MPP Cheri DiNovo tried without success to get answers from the Wynne Government on why the Government wants to charge AODA Alliance chair David Lepofsky the steep sum of $2,325 to get answers to his August 15, 2013 Freedom of Information Act request. She asked the minister with lead responsibility for developing new accessibility standards under the AODA and for enforcing that legislation, Dr. Eric Hoskins.

Ontario Premier Speaks about the Disabilities Act in Toronto – AODA Alliance to Present to Manitoba Legislature’s Standing Committee on Proposed Manitoba Accessibility Law – Public Forum on Campaigning for Promised Nova Scotia Disabilities Law to Be Held In Halifax

October 29, 2013

SUMMARY

On three different fronts, there is good news to share today, the 15th anniversary of a pivotal day in our campaign to make Ontario fully accessible to all people with disabilities.

By Victor Schwartzman
October 28, 2013

The AODA Alliance asked the Government for an update on the implementation of AODA and it stonewalled. So the Alliance filed a Freedom of Information Act application months ago to get the information.

The Government’s response? While it cannot refuse to provide the information, it can insist
the Alliance pay a fee to get it: $2,325, a lot of money for an
unincorporated loosely organized citizens’ coalition.

October 22, 2013

SUMMARY

Hard as it may be to believe, we now face yet more delays in our effort to get the Ontario Government to keep its 2003 and 2011 election commitments to effectively enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

By Victor Schwartzman
October 21, 2013

Halloween looms over us. In fact, it has been looming since late August, when bags of Halloween candy first appeared in stores. However, as of this writing (mid-October, before Halloween) it is already being crowded out by the Christmas section (which began showing up in September.)

Following these commercial trends, I plan to celebrate my 80th birthday when I am 70, so I can get all those presents NOW.

TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2013
CNW

Ontario universities have worked collaboratively to help faculty identify students in distress as a result of anxiety and other mental health issues, and provide information on removing barriers from every aspect of campus life through a resource-rich website called www.accessiblecampus.ca.

The website being launched today by the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) features educational videos to raise awareness about mental health and practical tips on everything from how to plan accessible lectures and meetings to making exam time less stressful.

By Victor Schwartzman  
October 14, 2013
Thanksgiving is now over, and now that the turkey is a memory, you may be asking, have I really been given the bird this year?  Given AODA?  What exactly do I have to be thankful for in the past year, and what about the coming year? 

Good questions!  Since you are asking, we have prepared the Top Ten Things About AODA To Be Thankful For After Thanksgiving  

October 11, 2013

SUMMARY

1. Barb Turnbull Tells Her Powerful Story about Fighting for Accessibility

Our unstoppable, non-partisan campaign to make Ontario fully accessible for over 1.7 million people with disabilities is so energized and tenacious because so many wonderful and dedicated people across this province lend their support in their own way, and at the time and place that best suits them. We are indebted to them all.

By Victor Schwartzman 
October 07, 2013
In the modern age, politicians realize it was foolish for their predecessors to take ownership on projects.  The modern politicians’ solution?  Community
consultation processes where the community is invited to be involved in the planning from day one! 

Of course, what happens on day two is another question. 

How Free is “Freedom of Information”?

October 3, 2013

SUMMARY

Ontario’s Wynne Government has told AODA Alliance chair David Lepofsky to pay approximately $2,325.00 if he wants an answer to his request under the Freedom of Information Act for information on the Government’s plans and actions to keep its election promise to effectively enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

October 1, 2013

SUMMARY

The 2015 Pan/ParaPan American Games will be hosted in and around Toronto. Today, the AODA Alliance makes public its proposal for our proposed plan for ensuring that the 2015 Games leave behind a proud legacy of accessibility for people with disabilities. We call on the Ontario Government and its partners overseeing the 2015 Games to endorse, adopt and implement our plan for the Games’ disability accessibility legacy.