As Ontario approaches its provincial general election on February 27, 2025, accessibility and disability rights remain critical issues for voters across the province. Despite the existence of laws like the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), many barriers persist in employment, housing, public transportation, and digital accessibility. For the blind, Deafblind, and partially sighted community, these challenges are not just inconveniences—they impact fundamental rights and opportunities. As candidates present their platforms, it is essential to ask where they stand on these urgent issues and what concrete actions they will take to promote accessibility, equity, and inclusion in Ontario.
With this election, Ontarians have a crucial opportunity to hold candidates accountable for their commitments to accessibility and disability rights. Voters must demand clear and actionable plans to enforce AODA compliance, modernize disability-related supports, and ensure that blind and partially sighted individuals can fully participate in all aspects of society. The questions below have been drafted by AEBC’s Advocacy Committee. These questions aim to provide a framework for assessing each candidate’s dedication to building a more inclusive Ontario. As we head to the polls, let’s ensure that accessibility and equity remain at the forefront of this election.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
The Ontario government has repeatedly failed to meet its own deadlines for implementing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If elected, will you commit to setting and enforcing strict timelines to ensure full implementation of the AODA, and what concrete steps will you take to eliminate accessibility barriers across Ontario?
The latest independent review of the AODA has identified serious gaps in enforcement and compliance. What will your government do to ensure that businesses, public institutions, and municipalities comply with AODA standards, and will you commit to introducing financial penalties for non-compliance?
The disability community continues to raise concerns that Ontario’s built environment remains inaccessible despite AODA requirements. Will you commit to updating Ontario’s Building Code to align with universal design principles and ensure that all newly constructed or renovated public and private spaces are fully accessible to blind, Deafblind, and partially sighted individuals?
Vision and Disability-Related Supports
Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP) has not kept pace with technological advancements, leaving many blind, Deafblind, and partially sighted individuals without the tools they need to live independently. How will you modernize ADP to include emerging technologies and eliminate excessive wait times for essential assistive devices?
With an unemployment rate exceeding 75% for blind Ontarians, what is your plan to reduce employment barriers and ensure that job seekers with vision disabilities have access to equitable hiring practices, workplace accommodations, and career advancement opportunities?
Accessible transit remains a significant barrier for blind Ontarians, with inconsistent service levels, gaps in wayfinding supports, and ongoing issues with transit apps. What measures will your government take to ensure that public transportation is fully accessible, including real-time audible announcements, tactile wayfinding solutions, and mandatory accessibility training for transit staff?
Economic and Social Equity
Many blind and disabled Ontarians rely on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), yet current ODSP rates force recipients to live far below the poverty line. Will you commit to raising ODSP to a livable income level and removing punitive clawback measures that penalize recipients who attempt to work?
The housing crisis in Ontario has disproportionately affected disabled individuals, with a severe shortage of accessible and affordable housing. Will you commit to mandating accessibility requirements in all new housing developments, and what policies will you introduce to ensure that blind and partially sighted Ontarians can access safe and affordable housing?
Digital and Election Accessibility
Ontario’s provincial election process continues to exclude voters with disabilities, with limited access to accessible voting options such as online or telephone voting. Will you commit to implementing independent and private voting methods that ensure blind, Deafblind, and partially sighted Ontarians can cast their ballots without assistance?
Despite growing reliance on digital platforms, many government websites, forms, and public services remain inaccessible to people using screen readers and other assistive technologies. What will your government do to enforce digital accessibility standards for all public sector and provincially regulated private sector organizations?
FEATURED IMAGE ALT TEXT: photo of a person putting a ballot into a ballot box.