Highlights of Selected Accessibility Initiatives
July 2009 – June 2010
3. Implementation of the AAC Communication Strategy
In the past year, the Region of Peel’s Accessibility Planning (AP) Program and Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) continued to raise awareness of accessibility issues and barriers through successfully implementing a number of high-impact tactics described in the AAC Communications Strategy. 2009 AP initiatives include:
News releases
Communication Services developed timely news releases to coincide with accessibility planning initiatives. Information from 2009/2010 news releases appeared in local publications and provided Peel residents with information about Regional initiatives to improve accessibility:
- Region of Peel proclaims National Access Awareness Week
- Peel Region approves Universal Accessibility Standards for future social housing developments
- Region of Peel Adopts 2009 Accessibility Plan
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities helps eliminate barriers in Peel Region
Media relations
Proactive media outreach, including meeting with editors from local publications and follow-up media calls, continue to strengthen relationships with media in order to garner their interest in accessibility issues.
Design and consultation
Public Affairs worked closely with Design and Production to produce professional and easy-to-read publications, including the 2009 Accessibility Plan and an emergency preparedness brochure that provided readers with information about how to assist persons with disabilities in an emergency.
Conferences and special events
Public Affairs supported an internal, disability education and accessibility awareness event open to all Regional staff in celebration of National Access Awareness Week by co-ordinating event posters, web banners, writing Pathways articles, editing speaking notes and taking photos at the event. The Region of Peel also hosted its sixth annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities event in December 2009, which included insightful speakers, award presentations, informative vendor displays and engaging roundtable discussion. The event received very positive media coverage from Rogers television, Brampton Guardian, Mississauga News, Caledon Enterprise and South Asian Focus.
Accessibility Plan. From left, Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services for the Province of Ontario, Meenu Sikand, Region of Peel Accessibility Planning Specialist, and William Goursky, Chair, Peel Region Accessibility Advisory Committee looking over a copy of Peel Region's Accessibility Plan at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference held at the Embassy Grand Convention Centre. Photo by Bryon Johnson
** Source: Mississauga News, December, 02-09; “Peel Event Makes Accessibility a Priority”
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