Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
2024-2029
Niagara Region's roadmap to identify, remove and prevent barriers so that everyone can fully access our programs, services and spaces.
29%
Of people living in Niagara have a disability — over 150,000 residents
600
Community members shared their experiences to shape this plan
6
Focus areas covering services, spaces, employment and more
What this plan is
The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is our commitment to providing equal access to programs, services and facilities for everyone, including people with disabilities. Required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), it is a living document updated every five years, and is supported by the Region's broader work on diversity, equity and inclusion.
In 2024, Niagara Region reached out to hundreds of residents to understand what accessibility barriers look like in their day-to-day lives. Through in-person sessions, an online survey and a public virtual meeting, almost 600 people shared their stories.
People living with chronic illness, mental health challenges, mobility limitations, hearing and vision loss, and language and learning disabilities all contributed insights that shaped this plan.
Disability can happen at any time in a person's life, and it can be permanent, temporary or episodic. Removing barriers benefits everyone, not just people with disabilities.
Six focus areas
What we're working on
The plan addresses accessibility barriers across six key areas of Regional services and operations.
General requirements
- Update Niagara Region's accessibility plan and policies
- Develop a digital accessibility policy for all web-based services
- Coordinate and centralize accessibility training for staff and volunteers
Customer service
- Review procedures for service animals, support persons and service disruptions
- Implement best practices for accessible Regional meetings
- Expand staff training on disability and assistive devices
Information and communication
- Ensure all websites and apps meet WCAG 2.0 AA standards
- Establish consistent web auditing across departments
- Review emergency and public safety communications for accessibility
Employment
- Remove barriers in hiring and recruitment practices
- Strengthen accommodation plan processes for employees with disabilities
- Support information sharing for staff and volunteers with accessibility needs
Design of public spaces
- Complete accessible design upgrades across Regional facilities
- Update Facility Accessible Design Standards for all construction
- Work toward scent and fragrance-free Regional spaces
Transportation
- Install curb ramps, tactile surfaces and accessible pedestrian signals at Regional intersections
- Adjust signal timings for pedestrians who need more crossing time
- Educate the public on mobility barriers like blocked walkways and parking misuse
2025 Status update
52%
of plan actions are completed or in progress
In the first year of the 2024–2029 plan, significant work has been done across all six focus areas.
General requirements
✔ External scan of digital and accessible information policies completed
✔Train ing schedule developed for document accessibility
Customer service
✔ Updated AODA training added to staff learning portal
✔ Scanned best practices for accessible meetings
✔ Reviewed customer service training
Information and communications
✔ Over 400 employees trained in accessible document creation
✔ New website in development with accessibility focus
✔ Regional websites tested for accessibility
Employment
✔ Continued workplace accessibility and inclusion initiatives
✔ Reviewed emergency planning for employees with disabilities
✔ New accessibility resources added to staff intranet
Design of public spaces
✔ 90 per cent of Regional facilities reviewed for access barriers
✔ Three new universal washrooms at child care facilities
✔ Strobe lights installed at 30 Regional locations
✔ Scent and fragrance sensitivity awareness campaign launched
Transportation
✔ Online survey launched on accessible taxi use in Niagara
Learn more about the plan
The 2024–2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is available as a PDF. It can also be provided in an alternate format or with communication supports upon request.