Public review of the Initial Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard

July 14, 2009 was the launch of Public Review for the Initial Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard as part of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

The Initial Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard was developed by an external Accessible Built Environment Standards Development Committee (SDC). This external committee included representatives from the disability community as well as the public and private sectors. The SDC's initial proposed standard is now posted for public review and feedback. The initial proposed standard does not necessarily reflect the point of view of the government.

It is important to note that the government does not plan to impose requirements for retrofitting existing buildings at this time. Also, the government does not intend to require Ontarians to make their existing or new single family houses accessible at this time.

The public review period to make comments on the SDC's Initial Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard is from July 14, 2009 to October 16, 2009.

Once the public review period is over, the standards development committee will reconvene to consider your feedback. They may make changes to their initial proposed standard based on the feedback prior to finalizing a proposed standard for submission to the Minister of Community and Social Services.

Those interested in reviewing the SDC's proposed standard or participating in the accessibility standards development process can find more information on the Ministry of Community and Social Services' website at:

In September, public consultation sessions will be conducted across the province. To participate in a consultation session, or if you require an alternate format or method to provide your feeback, please call 1-888-482-4317 or toll-free TTY 1-888-335-6611, or email public.review@oliverwyman.com.