Mississauga’s blueprint for tomorrow: breaking barriers and advancing the City’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

This National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), the City of Mississauga is pleased to share its progress on the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan: 2023-2028 as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

“More than 201,000 Mississauga residents have a disability – which is more than a quarter of our population. As a City, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive community where everyone has equal access to services, programs and facilities,” said Acting Mayor and Ward 8 Councillor Matt Mahoney. “Our goal is to make all spaces, programs and services easily accessible for all, regardless of ability and I want to thank the Accessibility Advisory Committee who are helping us do just that. On behalf of Councillor Martin Reid who joins me as a Council representative on the committee and all Members of Council, I want to congratulation the Accessibility Advisory Committee on the occasion of their 20th anniversary and thank them for all their advice and input over the years.”

Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the City is required to develop a multi-year accessibility plan that outlines how Mississauga will meet its obligations under the legislation and remove barriers for people with disabilities. Last year, the City launched its third plan, which builds upon what has been accomplished since introducing its first multi-year plan in 2012.

The 2023 annual status update includes the following highlights:

• Improved accessibility at a number of City facilities and public spaces through targeted improvements, such as adding universal/all-season washrooms, adding accessible entrances/ramps, improved paths and walkways.
• Establishing a more inclusive employment culture by implementing policies and practices that ensure future and current employees with disabilities have the support to work effectively, experience career growth and have opportunities for learning, development and progression.
• Conducting site inspections to assess compliance with a number of AODA requirements and completed the biennial filing of the City’s accessibility compliance report.

“We’re proud to share that Mississauga has gone above and beyond AODA standards to create an accessible city for everyone,” said Raj Sheth, Commissioner of Corporate Services. “Our current Multi-Year Accessibility Plan showcases our dedication to removing barriers, promoting inclusion and our commitment to ensuring barrier-free spaces for all. We continue to work with our allies on the Accessibility Advisory Committee to seek their expertise and understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities to make sure our City programs and services are accessible to all and to help promote awareness in the community.”

To learn more about the City’s commitments to advancing accessibility and to read the 2023 annual status update, visit the webpage.

About the Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Accessibility Advisory Committee reviews municipal policies, programs and services to make the City more accessible to all citizens. The committee provides advice and suggests actions to help support the City’s accessibility goals. This year, marks the committee’s 20th anniversary.

Tags

• Access and Accessibility
• Plans and Strategies