Accessibility

Accessibility Laws

The Ontarians with Disabilities Act , and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, passed by the Provincial Government in 2001 and 2005 respectively, are designed to increase awareness and remove barriers affecting people with disabilities.

The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) is to improve opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification and prevention of barriers to their full participation in life. Under the ODA local accessibility advisory committees were established and municipalities were required to have an annual accessibility plan in place.

In 2005 the Provincial Government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). The intent of this legislation is to make Ontario fully accessible for people with disabilities by 2025.

The Township is committed to providing inclusive and accessible communities and continues to implement the legislated requirements set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Accessibility standards contained within the AODA focus on five key areas:

• Accessible Customer Service
• Accessible Information and Communication
• Design of Public Spaces
• Employment Accessibility
• Accessible Transportation

Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy

Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Township is a member of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC). GRAAC is an advisory committee that provides advice and recommendations to the Township on the identification and removal of barriers in Township policies, programs, services and facilities.

For additional information on Accessibility Standards please contact the Ministry of Economic development, employment & Infrastructure.

Communication Supports and Alternate Formats

The Township of Wellesley recognizes that persons with disabilities use various methods to access information. Upon request, the Township will provide, or arrange for the provision of accessible formats or communication supports for persons with disabilities. The cost of these goods and services will be no greater than the regular cost charged to others.

If a person requires an alternate format or communication support, they can contact the Clerk's Department at 519-699-3968 or by email at aharron@wellesley.ca.  

The Township of Wellesley also notifies its employees and the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports. Public notice is provided on its website and on many of the documents produced by the Township.

For more information regarding accessible formats or communication supports, please contact the Clerk's Department. 

Questions? Have questions about the legislation? Please email your questions to accessibility@ontario.ca.

 Accessibility Plans

The Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 required municipalities of a certain size to complete an annual accessibility plan. Under the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the Township of Wellesley has moved from an annual plan to a multi-year plan.  Much like the annual plan, the multi-year plan outlines the actions undertaken by the Township to achieve its priorities but also outlines the Township's goals over the next few years to address accessibility within its facilities and services.

The multi-year plan will be reviewed at least once every five years and an annual status report on the progress of the report will be prepared.

• Wellesley Accessibility Plan 2018-2022

The Township aims to provide exceptional customer service for everyone, including for people with disabilities, as described in our Integrated Accessibility Standard Policy.

Accessible Customer Service Feedback Form

The Township encourages feedback from individuals to help us improve our services. Feedback will be used to assist with revisions of policies and procedures to provide accessible customer service.

Access the Accessible Customer Service Feedback Form.

To ensure the delivery of goods and services to those individuals with disabilities is provided in a timely manner, you are invited to provide your feedback in in person, by telephone at number 519-699-3948, by email through the contact us form or any other agreed upon method.

Written requests can be sent to the attention of the Clerk, Township of Wellesley, 4639 Lobsinger Line, St. Clements, Ontario    N0B 2M0

Kiwanis Transit

Kiwanis Transit provides specialized transit services for residents who can answer yes to one of the following:

• 65 years of age or older (proof of age required)
• Canadian National Institute for the Blind registrant (proof of registration required)
• Physically disabled
• Developmentally disabled
• Have a temporary disability that affects mobility

Contact Us for Help

While we make every effort to keep all content on this website accessible to all visitors, please contact us for help if you find any information on this website that you cannot access.

Building an accessible website is an ongoing process and we welcome any comments on how to improve our site's accessibility.

Making Ontario Accessible

• Government of Ontario - Making Ontario Accessible
• Government of Ontario - Enabling Change Partnership Program
• Advancing Accessibility in Ontario: Improving Understanding and Awareness about Accessibility 
• Advancing Accessibility in Ontario: Government leading by example
• Advancing Accessibility in Ontario: Breaking down barriers in the built environment
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
• Accessibility in Ontario: Information for Businesses web page