Highlights of Selected Accessibility Initiatives
July 2009 – June 2010
6. Region of Peel International Day of Persons with Disabilities Event (IDPD)
On December 2, 2009, the Region of Peel celebrated Positive Images of Disabilities at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) conference. This full day event was organized to raise awareness about accessibility issues in Peel through insightful speakers and engaging roundtable discussions. The day included an overview of the Region of Peel’s key accessibility initiatives and persons with disabilities in the Peel community were recognized for their achievements. Selected Regional staff members were also recognized for their contributions to improving accessibility of Regional services, programs and facilities. Of note, the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, was also in attendance to accept the Region of Peel’s 2009 Accessibility Award. Karlene Nation, CTV Diversity Reporter was the Master of Ceremonies and the Regional Chair and Chief Administrative Officer also provided remarks on behalf of the Region.
This year’s annual event was organized as a one day conference and was attended by approximately 250 people. The majority of the participants in attendance were Peel residents with disabilities, disability advocates, accessibility specialists, disability service organizations, various levels of government, members of municipal AACs and special dignitaries.
Overall, the comments received from participants at the event were positive. 69 per cent of those who responded gave an overall rating of “Excellent” and 29 per cent categorized the event as “Good.”
The majority of participants benefitted from the opportunity to engage in round table discussions and enjoyed the messages delivered by the key note speakers and information shared by the Regional staff and vendors. Overall, participants rated the event location and conference as inclusive and accessible for various disabilities.
Participants rated accommodations such as ASL, Closed Captioning Service, availability of conference materials in alternate formats and flexible seating arrangements as very high. Free cross-border and local accessible transportation, organized by the Regional Accessible Planning Office and delivered by our accessible transportation services persons, was well received by event attendees.
The address from the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, keynote speech from Jeff Preston, remarks from Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services and Michelle Amerie were well received. The event’s theme, Positive Images of Disabilities, resonated with the event participants and the media.
2009 AAC Certificate of Recognition – Dundas Street Shelter Project Team
Twelve Information vendor display tables were organized to provide participants with accessibility information, including a display of art showcasing the creative work of student artists with disabilities. Participants enjoyed the variety of information that various vendors brought to share at the conference. Many participants commented that the art exhibition showcased the creative work of visually impaired artists and sent a very positive message about abilities of persons with disabilities.
His Honor David C. Onley and Her Honor Ruth Anne Onley in conversation with the student artist from West Credit Secondary School, Mississauga
The Event was successful with many stating that they look forward to attending next year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebratory conference.
Post media coverage for the event was much improved this year. Coverage appeared in local newspapers from Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon as well as South Asian media. Rogers also interviewed the AAC Chair and the Regional Chair Kolb. From the interest shown by the local media and community participants, one can conclude that the AACs objective to educate the media and the public about accessibility issues was successful.
Regional Chair Kolb Delivering Welcome Remarks to Community Participants
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