What is Disability?
Defining disability is a complex, evolving matter. The term “disability” covers a broad range and degree of conditions. A disability may have been present at birth, caused by an accident, or developed over time. Section 10 of the Code defines “disability” as:
- Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
- A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
- A learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
- A mental disorder, or
- An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
The Code protects people from discrimination and harassment because of past, present and perceived disabilities. “Disability” covers a broad range and degree of conditions, some visible and some not visible. A disability may have been present from birth, caused by an accident, or developed over time.
There are physical, mental and learning disabilities, hearing or vision disabilities, epilepsy, mental health disabilities and addictions, environmental sensitivities, and other conditions.
- People with disabilities are a diverse group, and experience disability, impairment and societal barriers in many different ways. Disabilities are often “invisible” and episodic, with people sometimes experiencing periods of wellness and periods of disability. All people with disabilities have the same rights to equal opportunities under the Code, whether their disabilities are visible or not.
Understand Accessibility laws that impact Our work
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AODA vs. OHRC: http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/learning/working-together-code-and-aoda
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Accessforward Training: https://accessforward.ca/
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building code interact with the committee
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There are accessibility requirements in the building code, and safety will triumph certain things.
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This is how building code will interact with the committee
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AccessForward mentions building code in certain training sessions
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https://www.ontario.ca/page/accessibility-ontarios-building-code
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Legal Framework
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Link to AODA Office at U of T,
Understanding Accessibility and Barriers
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Knowledge of barriers, how to identify and assess barriers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqUZ6gK9N9k
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Barrier removal at UTSC - who to contact - process
Auditing Campus space
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Navigating Disability and Space: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqUZ6gK9N9k
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Framework from EHS (occupational health and safety, Colleen is on the committee, framework or training on how to conduct audits)
Inclusive Language
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Identify resources on disability language
Ableism and Microaggressions
Universal Design Principles
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Universal Design: https://www.rickhansen.com/news-stories/blog/universal-design-101
How to work well in Teams
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Include information how to work as a committee member, expectations, behaviour (e.g., respectful)…
Resources
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How to comply with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation: https://docs.ontario.ca/documents/4845/guidelines-to-iasr-english.pdf (This is covered in trainings above, available for more information)