Ontario Celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities

News.onntario.ca
Dec. 4

Province taking steps to provide more support and create inclusive communities

Today, Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, issued the following statement:

"The United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.

There are currently 2.6 million Ontarians living with a disability working across countless fields and occupations. While some of these disabilities are recognizable, many are invisible.

People with disabilities need greater help, especially during COVID-19. Our government is making sure this diverse group of vulnerable people are not left behind by: 

• extending the partnership with the Ontario Community Support Association to provide deliveries of food, medicine and other essentials to those who are isolating due to COVID-19;
• investing $1.3 million over two years with the Rick Hansen Foundation to implement the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification program in Ontario;
• working with partners through the EnAbling Change Program to help businesses understand the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, and to promote accessibility tools and resources;
• helping adults and people with disabilities reach their professional goals through programs like the Literacy and Basic Skills program, which helps develop and apply literacy, numeracy and digital skills through participation in professional development opportunities; and providing deaf adults access to American Sign Language (ASL) funding to pay for ASL interpreters, deaf-blind intervenors, and note-taking service; and
• launching our Advancing Accessibility in Ontario framework, which outlines the steps we are taking to break down barriers in the built environment and help create a society and economy that is inclusive for everyone.

 

When communities and businesses are more accessible, everyone benefits. People with disabilities can take part in everyday life, and businesses gain potential talent, and customers.

On behalf of our government, I would like to thank everyone, including our partners in the disability community, businesses and not-for-profit organizations for making Ontario more inclusive and accessible for all."