Making the shift to the social model of disability
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is making the shift
to the social model of disability. What
is the social model of disability.
Social
Model of Disability
This act
follows the social model of disability where the province works to remove all
barriers, physical and non-physical (i.e., systemic), to ensure that all people
are fully included in society. Accessibility
for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) came into legislation in 2005 in
Ontario. The province of Ontario
recognizes the history of discrimination against persons with disabilities in
Ontario (AODA, 2005).
Theories
based on the social model of disability emphasize the social, political and
built environment, assuming that disability is fundamentally the consequence of
social structure. This assumption falls
under two approaches, the environment and the rights outcome approaches. The environmental approach highlights the
interplay between individuals and her environments. The elimination of social, economic and political
barriers that restrict participation of people with disabilities in daily life
becomes the focus of action under this theory.
Proponents of the social model of disability assert that empowerment of
disabled people, requires that they take control over services provided for
them (Kalsson & Niholm, 2006).
The
development of accessibility standards also influence the way other acts are in
place. These standards will be phased in
over assigned target dates. The act and
its standards help both public and private organizations move toward a fully
accessible Ontario where all barriers for people with disabilities are removed.
The
development of accessibility standards also influence the way other acts are in
place. These standards will be phased in
over assigned target dates. The act and
its standards help both public and private organizations move toward a fully
accessible Ontario where all barriers for people with disabilities are removed.
The
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act, as explained above, has the
potential to change the power relations of people with disabilities and allow
for fewer barriers in the medical and car insurance system for victims of motor
vehicle accidents.
What can your business do to ensure inclusion of all
people with disabilities and follow the social model of disability?
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 @ 416-503-1035 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca
or visit www.accessibilitycompliance.ca
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