Accessibility

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 is an important law in Ontario. Businesses and organizations that provide goods and services to people in Ontario are required to meet accessibility standards to remove barriers in the areas of customer service, transportation, information and communication, built environment and employment.

The Municipality of Highlands East recognizes that persons with disabilities should be provided with an equal opportunity to access goods, services and information in a manner consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality.

We have implemented the Customer Service Standard. The Information and Communications, Employment and Transportation Standards have been combined into the Integrated Accessibility Regulation that became law on July 1, 2011.

For more information about making Ontario Accessible visit the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment's Accessibility Laws website.

Accessible Customer Service Policy and Procedures

The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (Ontario Regulation 429/07) came into force on January 1, 2008. If you are a provider of goods and services, and have one or more employees in Ontario, you will be required to comply with this regulation.

If you are a public sector organization designated in the standard, you must comply by January 1, 2010. 

If you are a private business, non-profit organization, or any other service provider with at least one employee in Ontario, you must comply by January 1, 2012.

The Corporation of the Municipality of Highlands East has established an accessible customer service policy, procedures and practices, and has provided staff with training. The procedures and practices sets out a feedback process, notice of service disruptions and more.

Document Accessibility

We strive to ensure that all documents on this site are accessible, however, this is an ongoing process and third party documents and information may not be accessible. If you require information in an alternate format, please call 705-448-2981.

Hosting Accessible Events

The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario has published a helpful guide for people who plan events such as festivals, community meals, meetings and any other type of public gathering. It includes information on cheap or free ways that can help reduce barriers for people with disabilities and make events more inclusive and successful.

Planning Accessible Events