The City of Vaughan is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. The City believes in integration and fair access for residents, visitors and employees with visible or non-visible disabilities. The City promises to meet the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility, and supporting the goals of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). 

• The delivery of quality programs and services to all citizens
• The identification and removal of physical barriers to existing and new facilities
• The participation of people with disabilities in the development and review of our annual accessibility plans and initiatives
• The support of ongoing efforts of the Vaughan Accessibility Advisory Committee (PDF)
• The implementation of initiatives that continue to make the City an inclusive and he implementation of initiatives that continue to make the City an inclusive and accessible city (PDF) where people of all abilities have the chance to fully achieve their potential 

• Access to City services, programs and facilities available to the general public
• The rights to dignity, inclusion, privacy and confidentiality
• The opportunities to develop life skills through programs and services to meet individual needs and goals
• A forum where they can voice concerns or issues (PDF) as they relate to accessibility

What is considered a ‘disability’?  

• Any degree of physical disability caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness. Examples may include diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, vision or hearing loss
• A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability
• A learning disability, or difficulty understanding or using symbols or spoken language
• A mental disorder
• An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 

What is a ‘barrier’?

• Attitudinal barriers – societal beliefs, negative attitude, stereotyping, stigma, discrimination, etc.
• Architectural/structural barriers – steps, manual doors, building design, etc.
• Information or communications barriers – small font, poor text contrast, confusing design of materials and signage, inaccessible websites, etc.
• Technological barriers – lack of assistive technology for computers, telephones, etc.
• Policy, procedure or practice barriers – services or systems that are nonexistent or hinder the involvement these people 

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