Council Approves 2023 Joint Annual Accessibility Status Report
MIDDLESEX COUNTY – County council, in its ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility for all residents, took a significant step forward during the council meeting on February 13. Council reviewed and approved the 2023 Joint Annual Accessibility Status Report, a comprehensive document detailing the progress made in the past year towards making the county more accessible to people with disabilities.
Presented by Paul Shipway, Acting Manager of Legislative Services/County Clerk, the report is a collaborative effort between Middlesex County and its constituent municipalities. It outlines the initiatives and actions taken throughout 2023 to improve accessibility across various sectors of the community. The report's approval signifies the county's commitment to not only meeting but exceeding the requirements set forth by the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
The 2023 Joint Annual Accessibility Status Report, endorsed by the Accessibility Advisory Committee on January 17 provides a transparent overview of the county's accessibility projects and initiatives. It is an essential tool for the public and municipal employees to understand the efforts being made to remove and prevent accessibility impediments within Middlesex County.
The report's approval by council, with motions moved by Councillor McMillan and seconded by Councillor Grantham, ensures that these findings and the ongoing commitment to accessibility will be shared widely.
The approval of this report marks another step in Middlesex County's journey towards creating a more accessible and inclusive community. It showcases the county's proactive approach to not only identifying and removing obstacles but also preventing new ones from arising, ensuring that Middlesex remains a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Middlesex Banner
