Disability Access Standards reforms set to improve access to public buildings in Australia

The Australian Government today announced its response to the Review of the Premises Standards, setting out reforms to be made to the Standards to improve their effectiveness and clarity, as well as new measures to assist with their application and evaluation by government and industry.
Proposed improvements to the Disability Access to Premises Standards will help to ensure people with disabilities have better access to public buildings.
Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Senator Arthur Sinodinos said the Review process, conducted last year in consultation with the Attorney-General George Brandis, showed that the Standards had led to improvements in disability access.
“Since these Standards were introduced in 2011 we’ve seen improvements in providing people with disability with dignified, equitable, cost effective and reasonably achievable access to public buildings,” Senator Sinodinos said.
“However, the Government acknowledges the need for improved clarity of the Standards themselves, as well as greater awareness of the education and training materials available to ensure they are being applied effectively.
The Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Craig Laundy, said engagement with industry would be important to promote the improved standards.
“Through the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF), we will encourage the building and construction industry to utilise the Australian Human Rights Commission’s detailed guidelines on the application of the Premises Standards, as well as promoting the Australian Building Codes Board’s comprehensive, free training material for the industry,” Mr Laundy said.
Put into effect on 1 May 2011, the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 is a legislative instrument made under section 31 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA). The legislation requires that every five years the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, in consultation with the Attorney-General, must review the effectiveness of the Premises Standards in achieving their objectives and identify any amendments.
This first review has shown that the Premises Standards have had a positive impact and are a sound basis for further action.
“I’m confident that these proposed actions in response to the review will improve the provision of equitable and dignified access to public premises for people with disability,” Senator Sinodinos said.

What barriers is your organization removing to help people with disabilities?

If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 orsandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca

Minister Qualtrough reinforces the Government of Canada’s commitment to accessibility

GATINEAU, QUEBEC: The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, joined world leaders at the 2017 International Initiative for Disability Leadership (IIDL) Conference on March 2, 2017, to share their experiences, knowledge and perspectives on this year’s theme: Contributing Lives, Thriving Communities.
During her keynote address to the IIDL, Minister Qualtrough highlighted Canada’s commitment and ongoing work towards building a more accessible and inclusive society. The conference, attended by world leaders, policy makers and social service providers, along with people with disabilities and their families, provided an opportunity for collaboration and the development of international partnerships. Other participating countries included New Zealand, Sweden, Ireland and the United States. Minister Qualtrough spoke about leading by experience and the calls to action that inspire leaders to work for the public good.
She also shared insights gained from a successful public consultation process she led this past fall with Canadians and stakeholders from coast to coast that will inform the development of planned federal accessibility legislation. This legislation will promote equality of opportunity and inclusion of people with disabilities and functional limitations in their workplaces and communities.
During her trip to Australia, Minister Qualtrough met with her Australian counterparts, including the Honourable Jane Prentice, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, and the Honourable Christian Porter, Minister of Social Services, to discuss effective initiatives to promote attitudinal and culture change towards people with disabilities and how to build partnerships with the private sector to promote accessibility leadership.
She also sat down with Kate Palmer from the Australian Sports Commission to discuss disability policies, health and anti-doping in sports, as well as innovative ways of dealing with accessibility costs.

What can your organization learn from this leadership?

If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca

Accessible workplaces

Ontario’s Accessible Employment Standard requires you to make your employment practices accessible to meet the needs of employees and job applicants with disabilities. Learn how to meet the standard.

Businesses and non-profits with:
1-49 employees must complete 4 requirements by January 1, 2017
50+ employees must have completed 6 requirements by January 1, 2016

Return to work process

This requirement does not apply:

• to private-sector and non-profit organizations with fewer than 50 employees
• if an employee’s injury or illness is covered by the return to work provision under any other law

You must develop and write a process to support employees who have been absent from work due to a disability and require disability-related accommodations to return to work.

What are some policies in your organization that complies with the AODA?

If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 orsandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca