FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2010
WELLINGTON COUNTY- As of January 1, 2010, all public sector organizations must begin implementing
the province’s first accessibility standard for customer service.
The Government of Ontario’s ministries, hospitals, schools, municipalities and other public sector organizations
must make sure their services are accessible by meeting requirements such as:
• training staff about meeting the needs of customers with a variety of disabilities
• communicating with a person in a manner that takes into account their disability
• permitting customers to bring their service animals, such as guide dogs, onto their premises.
The customer service standard is part of Ontario’s plan to make the province accessible for people with disabilities by 2025.
“The County of Wellington is committed to being responsive to the needs of all its residents,” said Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj. “The County recognizes diverse needs, and strives to provide services and facilities that are accessible to all. As an employer, and a provider of services, the County of Wellington is committed to ensuring its services are provided in an accessible manner.”
“The County of Wellington will promote accessibility through the development of policies, procedures and practices and by ensuring they consider people with disabilities,” commented Jennifer Cowan, County Accessibility Clerk. “To do this we must ensure the policies, procedures and practices address integration,
independence, dignity and equal opportunity.”
The province’s private sector will need to meet these requirements by 2012.
For more information, please contact:
Andrea Ravensdale, County Communications Officer
(519) 837-2600 ext. 2320
andrear@wellington.ca
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