Ontario Northland's Accessibility Public Meeting
Ontario Northland was pleased to demonstrate its plans for a more inclusive and accessible future at the recent online Accessibility Public Meeting. The meeting served as a platform to unveil the 2023-2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, a document that reflects the agency’s dedication to providing accessible transportation services, while inviting valuable feedback from the public, particularly from individuals with disabilities.
Throughout the meeting, Ontario Northland reinforced its core values, emphasizing inclusion, equal opportunity, and a commitment to meeting the needs of people with disabilities promptly. The agency sees these meetings as a chance to showcase its dedication to accessible transportation services and to actively seek feedback from its valued passengers.
Below are some highlights from the meeting:
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
- Developed in collaboration with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the 2023-2027 plan is a testament to Ontario Northland's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Website Update
- The public-facing website has undergone a refresh and is now WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliant.
- Feedback from Accessibility Advisory Committee members played a crucial role in testing the website's accessibility, including screen readers and the ticketing system.
Barrier-Free Audits
- Ontario Northland has conducted barrier-free audits at various locations, with a focus on implementing recommendations to increase accessibility and reduce barriers in spaces used by customers and passengers.
Motor Coach Enhancements
- Two new motor coaches are on order, featuring designated space on the driver's side for service/support animals while maintaining sufficient legroom for passengers.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee plays a pivotal role in creating and finalizing the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The committee's ongoing support and perspective will be crucial in implementing and actioning the plan successfully. If you are interested in participating in this committee, please contact accessibility@ontarionorthland.ca.
A post-event survey was distributed to attendees, offering them an opportunity to provide further feedback on the meeting and the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The insights gathered will guide Ontario Northland in enhancing its services and meetings in the future.
The 2023-2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan can be viewed here: