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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-01Leading the Way CLARINGTON ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA DATE: March 1, 2011 TIME: 6:00 P.M. PLACE: Meeting Room 1A 1. INTRODUCTIONS (a) Election of Chair (b) Election of Vice -Chair (c) Appointment of Site Plan Review Sub -Committee Members 2. MINUTES (a) Minutes of Meeting of October 6, 2010 Page 1 3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (a) Sidewalk Sawcuts Page 5 4. NEW BUSINESS (a) Report PSD-007-04 — Protocol for Council -Appointed Advisory Page 6 Committees (b) Terms of Reference — Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Page 14 (c) Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay — Appointment of Representative Page 21 (d) Report CLD-002-11 — Accessibility Initiatives Undertaken for 2010 Page 25 Municipal Elections — For Information Purposes Only (c) Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 — Integrated Page 44 Accessibility Standards 5. OTHER BUSINESS 6. ADJOURNMENT Please advise the Municipal Clerk's Department by calling 905-623-3379, ext. 2109, if you are unable to attend the meeting. TERMS OF REFERENCE CLARINGTON ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE PREAMBLE It should be noted that the contents of this Terms of Reference may be modified at a later date due to the future release of Provincial Regulations of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001. Portions may also be impacted by the outcome of the recommendations of the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee. 2. DEFINITIONS Within this Terms of Reference the term: "barrier' means anything that prevents a person with a.disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of his/her disability, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, an information or communication barrier, a technological barrier, a policy or practice (obstacle) (examples are attached as Appendix "A" ). . disability" means: a) 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, physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal, reliance on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device; b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability; c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language; d) a mental disorder; or e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety .and Insurance Act, 1997. "Municipality" refers to the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington and may refer to any agency or board, to be determined subject to the upcoming release of the Provincial Regulations to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001. 11,17 Terms of Reference — Accessibility Advisory Committee 3. MANDATE Page 2 The Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee shall advise and assist the Municipality in developing and facilitating strategies toward a barrier -free Clarington for citizens with disabilities. This aim shall be achieved through the review of Municipal policies, programs and services and the identification, removal and prevention of barriers faced by persons with disabilities. 4. MUNICIPAL REQUIREMENTS The Municipality must develop an annual Accessibility Plan based on the advice received from the Committee which shall address the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to persons with disabilities. Specifically, the plan shall include the following: a) a report on the steps the Municipality has taken to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities; b) a description of the measures in place to ensure that the Municipality assesses its proposals for by-laws, policies, programs, practices and services for potential barriers; c) a list of by-laws, policies, programs, practices and services the Municipality will review in the coming yearto identify barriers; d) a description of the measures the Municipality intends to take in the coming year to identify barriers; and e) all other, information required by the regulations. The Municipality must secure the advice of the Committee for any building, structure or premises which is proposed for purchase, construction or significant renovation, or which is leased by the Municipality. The Municipality must also have regard for persons with disabilities in the purchase of goods or services for its own use, employees or the public. The Committee shall report to Council and shall be responsible for the following: a) participating in the preparation and implementation of an annual Accessibility Plan in accordance with the requirements set out in Section 4; Ii1.8 Terms of Reference — Accessibility Advisory Committee Page 3 b) advising on the implementation of the effectiveness of the annual Accessibility Plan to ensure that it addresses the identification, removal and prevention of, barriers to persons with disabilities within Municipal by-laws, policies and services; c) reviewing buildings, structures and premises which are purchased, constructed, significantly renovated or leased by the Municipality in terms of their access for persons with disabilities; d) selecting and reviewing, in a timely manner, the site plans and drawings for new development, described in Section 41 of the Planning Act; e) reviewing and monitoring existing and proposed procurement policies to ensure. that goods and services are accessible to persons with disabilities; f) providing a forum for persons with disabilities to raise issues and concerns; g) reviewing and monitoring existing and proposed policies such as public works policies and standards (eg. sidewalks, snow removal, etc.) to ensure respect for the accessibility of persons with disabilities; and h) co-ordinating the immediate and ongoing dissemination of information to the disabled community and the public at large regarding issues faced by persons with all types of disabilities and regarding the work undertaken by the Committee. Council may also wish to assign other roles and responsibilities to the Committee as local conditions warrant; however, Council must ensure that the committee does not take on so much other work that it cannot fulfill its statutory obligations. Some examples of additional services Council could delegate would be: monitoring federal and provincial government directives and regulations conducting research on accessibility issues liaising with other municipalities on accessibility issues providing public forum workshops on accessible communities undertaking public speaking and public education activities liaising with local stakeholder groups on accessibility issues. 1119 Terms of Reference — Accessibility Advisory Committee 5. COMMITTEE COMPOSITION Page 4 The Committee shall be comprised of seven (7) members of which four (4) members shall be persons with disabilities, one (1) member at large interested in issues related to persons with disabilities, one (1) member (parent) representing children with disabilities and one (1) member of Council to provide continuity between the Committee and Council. Persons serving as an attendant for a person(s) with a disability may'attend meetings of the Committee only for the purpose of providing assistance to the person(s) with a disability. Attendants shall not participate in discussions on their own nor shall they vote. 6. RESOURCE SUBCOMMITTEES The Committee may form subcommittees and working groups as may be necessary to address specific issues. These subcommittees may draw upon members from the Committee as well as outside resource members (such as Seniors Groups, Health Care etc.) as deemed necessary. The Chairperson of a subcommittee and/or working group shall be a voting member of the Committee. 7. STAFF SUPPORT The Committee will receive administrative support from the Municipal Clerk's Department. This will include the recording of minutes, the preparation of agendas, support necessary to convene a meeting and other support as may be required from time to time. A staff team to support the Committee and to assist in the preparation of the Accessibility Plan is necessary. Representation from each department will be necessary. 8. LENGTH OF TERM The- length of term for Committee members will. be three years, corresponding with the term of Council, or until their successors are appointed. A Committee member may have their membership renewed by Council for a further three year term but may not serve longer than six consecutive years. The length of term for the Inaugural Committee shall commence in 2003 and continue until December 2006. 1120 Terms of Reference —Accessibility Advisory Committee Page 5 9. CHAIRPERSON A Chairperson will be elected from Committee members on an annual basis at the first meeting of the new year to preside over meetings and committee business. The Council representative shall Chair the first meeting of the Committee. 10. FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS The Committee will meet once every two (2) months at the Municipal Administrative Centre, 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville. The meeting schedule shall be established by the Committee at its inaugural meeting. Additional meetings may be required based on the requirements to review site plans and complete an annual accessibility plan in a timely manner. All meetings of the Committee shall be open to the public. As a formal advisory committee to Council, the Committee is subject to the Municipality of Clarington Procedural By -Law. 11. QUORUM A quorum shall consist of not less than 50% + 1 of the voting members. Meetings can be held without a quorum present; however, a quorum will be required for voting purposes. 12. DELEGATIONS AT COMMITTEE MEETINGS Any person(s) wishing to appear before the Committee as a delegation must submit a .request to the Municipal Clerk's Department, advising of the topic or item to which they wish to speak: All requests for delegations must be received at least one week prior to the meeting to ensure that the delegation is included in the agenda. Any person wishing to address the Committee as a delegation; who has not previously arranged to do so, may be granted permission to do so only by Committee resolution. All delegations will be limited to 10 minutes. 13. MINUTES AND AGENDAS The minutes of each Committee meeting will be amended as necessary and approved at the following meeting. The unapproved minutes will be included in the next regularly scheduled Council Meeting. The Committee agendas will be prepared by the Municipal Clerk's Department, with input from the Committee Chair. 1121 Terms of Reference - Accessibility Advisory Committee 14. COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS Page 6 Recommendations are "carried" only if supported by a majority. Only recommendations as they appear in the adopted Minutes may be considered as officially representing the position of the Committee. 15. ABSENCES If a Committee member is absent for three consecutive meetings, they have forfeited their membership unless their absence is justifiable. 16. CONFLICT OF INTEREST A conflict of interest may arise for Committee members when their personal business interests clash with the duties and decisions of the Committee. Municipal conflict of interest requirements as defined by legislation will apply to the Committee members. 17. ANNUAL REPORTS AND WORK PLAN An annual report summarizing the activities completed in the previous year shall be prepared by the Committee. The annual report shall be presented to Council. An annual work plan with an estimate of the resources necessary and any suggested revisions to the Terms of Reference for the coming year shall also be prepared by the Committee for approval by Council. 18. COUNCIL ROLE Council may review the composition of the Committee to ensure that it is representative of persons with disabilities and is working effectively. Council can, with or without the advice of the Committee, make changes to membership composition to ensure the' Committee's effectiveness. 1122 Terms of Reference.— Accessibility Advisory Committee Appendix "A" Disability Barriers Page 7 Barrier Type Example Physical A door knob that cannot be operated by an elderly person with limited upper -body mobility and strength. Architectural A hallway or door that is too narrow for a wheelchair or scooter. Informational Typefaces that are too small to ready by a person with low vision. Communicational A professor who talks loudly when addressing a deaf student. Attitudinal A recreation swimming program which discourages people with developmental disabilities from participating. Technological Information on a municipal Web site which cannot be accessed by a person who is blind who has reading software for a computer. Policy/Practice A practice of announcing important messages over an intercom that people with hearing impairments cannot hear clearly. 112J ell] [h R-1...... LETTER FROM RICK HANSEN Rick Hansen Man In MOGion World Tour What a difference 25 years can make! It was a huge, impossible dream — to circle the globe in a wheelchair — and it began with a single turn of the wheel. When my team and I set out upon the Man In Motion World Tour, we embarked on a global journey of hope. A hope that we could inspire the world and realize the dream of raising millions of dollars for spinal cord injury (SCI) research, making communities more accessible and inclusive and changing the way we look. at the potential of people with disabilities. I hoped to inspire a generation to dream big, and live with purpose. This dream is closer to reality today, yet we still have a long road ahead. This is the focus that guides the Rick Hansen Foundation. The people, programs and partnerships that have been put in motion continue to move us closer to a cure for spinal cord injury, and a world that is accessible to everyone. As we celebrate the anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour and 25 years of progress, we enter a new phase of growth, discovery and engagement with great momentum and excitement. This is the time to reignite the enthusiasm we all saw in people and communities around the world. From December 2010 to May 2012, the Rick Hansen Foundation will engage in a variety of activities world wide to mark this anniversary. This journey will be measured not only by the number of kilometres we travel, but in how we are embraced around the world and across Canada, as we continue to strive to make positive differences in the lives of others. The Rick Hansen 251h Anniversary Relay One of the key events commemorating the 251h Anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour is a national Relay that will be held over a nine month period, commencing on August 24, 2011. Recreating the Canadian portion of the Man In Motion World Tour and visiting hundreds of communities from St. John's, Newfoundland to Vancouver, BC, the Relay will feature thousands of Relay Participants donning the 251h Anniversary Relay Medal, a powerful symbol of hope. While our route plans will respect the.original Man In Motion World Tour's dates and communities, highlighting the progress made over the past 25 years, one of our goals will be to tell the story of Canada and. Canadians — those everyday heroes who are making a difference in their communities, their country and the world. 21 Gn R.nnlverEery Rick Hansel Man In Motion World Tour My Journey Becomes Our Journey Our entire team is extremely excited to invite your community to become an End of Day Community for your region during the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay. This celebration will help unite your community, recognize your community difference makers, engage youth, and encourage others to believe that anything is possible. While the team at the Rick Hansen .Foundation is responsible for organizing the Rick Hansen 251h Anniversary Relay, the success and scope of your community involvement will depend on teamwork and your vital support and assistance. This is an opportunity for you and your community to create your own experience — however big or small — and entirely of your choosing. Our team will supply you with suggestions and templates relating to the look of your event but it will require a degree of effort and passion from your civic professionals, community leaders and local volunteers. Next Steps In the coming weeks, a representative from the Rick Hansen 2511 Anniversary Team will contact you to discuss your potential involvement in more detail and to respond to any questions you might have. Our goal is to work with members of your community to create a memorable and exciting experience for your citizens. Community Planning Guide The information throughout this binder makes up the Community Planning Guide. Please use this resource should your community wish to take part as an End of Day Community. It is our hope that the following information, guidance and suggestions will facilitate a seamless planning process, and most of all, will inspire the enthusiastic involvement of your community in all the activities associated With the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay. I encourage you to dream extraordinary dreams, to focus attention on accessibility and to remind everyone within your community that when we remove barriers, anything is possible. Together, we can inspire Many in Motion — and change the world one good turn at a time. Thank you for your support. t Rick Hansen President & CEO, The Rick Hansen Foundation 22 300-3820 Cessna Drive t 604 295 8149 f 604 295 8159 Richmond BC Canada V7B OA2 BN 107659427-RR-0001 The RIC14 Hansen 25Gn Rnniwrsary overview ClGt, Rnnfversary Rick Hansen Man In Mouion World Tour 25 years ago Rick Hansen had a dream — to make the world more accessible and inclusive and to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Inspired by a deep-seated belief that anything is possible, Rick's 'big dream' took shape in the form of the Man In Motion World Tour (MIMWT). For 26 months he and his team wheeled over 40,000 km through 34 countries, raising awareness of the potential of people with disabilities. The completion of this epic Tour was a testament to willpower, physical prowess and the ability to lead a seemingly impossible campaign. It was the beginning of a life-long and selfless journey to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Following the Tour, Rick established the Rick.Hansen Foundation (RHF) to continue his quest .for an accessible and inclusive society and a cure for spinal cord injury (SCI). Under Rick's leadership the Foundation functions as a social innovator; finding collaborative solutions to challenges in the community and the resources necessary to implement those solutions. RHF has seen tremendous success having leveraged the original $26M raised during the Tour to over $245M to date. Twenty-five years of work has resulted in many accomplishments. Rick has become a catalyst for unprecedented change in society's attitudes, bringing leadership and relentless focus to improving the quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries and to building an accessible world. Extraordinary progress has been made in the last 25 years in the treatment, care and services for people with SCI in Canada. While Rick continues to pursue his dream, he also looks to the future to find new ways to make a difference in the world. The Journey Continues This year marks the beginning of the 25th Anniversary of the MIMWT, and provides an unprecedented opportunity to engage new and re-engage past audiences with the story of Rick Hansen globally. It will mark the turning point, where we move from one man in motion to many in motion — inspiring people globally to dream, to take action, to continue to change the world and to make a difference. To commemorate the 251h Anniversary, a number of national and international programs and activities will take place: • International Engagements and Events — Will take place from December 2010 to June 2011 with visits to Israel, Jordan, Australia, China and the United States. • International Difference Makers Awards — A unique and distinguished awards program recognizing individuals from around the world whose work has made a significant impact in accessibility, researchers who have advanced discoveries related to spinal cord injury, and those who have put service above self to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others. 23 • Global Accessibility Initiative (GAI) - This comprehensive rating system, assessment tool and guidelines will provide practical online information regarding the level of accessibility of buildings. Once assessed, buildings will display their accessibility ratings in full view and this information will be available online providing immediate, consistent information. • Interdependence 2012 —'May 15 to 18, 2012, at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC. Interdependence 2012 is a major global conference and exposition with a focus on creating accessible communities and advancing spinal cord injury (SCI) research for a cure. The accessibility agenda will provide a meaningful forum for difference makers in accessibility to share best practices, lessons learned, and to set the stage for international collaboration for the next 25 years; centering around three global themes — accessible tourism, accessible transportation and livable and accessible communities. The research agenda will focus on the engagement and collaboration of national and international partners with the ultimate goal of accelerating the translation of evidence -based treatments and best practices from "bench to bedside" and out into the community. Thousands of delegates from developed and developing countries are expected to attend this unique global event. • Gala Events — 25th Anniversary Galas will follow the Relay route and will occur in major markets and capital cities. Each gala will be a memorable experience featuring top local and cultural entertainment, speakers, local dignitaries, athletes, sponsors, donors and other notable Canadians. • The Rick Hansen Foundation Speaker Program — RHF Speakers talk to audiences about the courage it takes to overcome major life challenges through hard work and determination. They help raise awareness about the potential of people with disabilities and inspire others to make a difference in their communities. These speakers can play an integral role with Community Planning Teams (explained on page 5) and will make presentations at community celebrations, in schools and other community events along the Relay route. • Youth Engagement — Young people from schools, youth organizations and community groups from across the country will have the opportunity to witness and celebrate various events around the Rick Hansen 2511 Anniversary Relay. Youth engagement is an important part of the Foundation's efforts to ensure that Rick Hansen's story lives on in the hearts and minds of all Canadians. • Homecoming Celebration — A Homecoming Celebration will be held at the end of the Relay and marks the conclusion of the Rick Hansen Foundation 2511 Anniversary activities. The Homecoming Celebration will connect Canadians from coast to coast and target international communities who have been a part of Rick's journey over the past 25 years. ;.y-vr!t0 f` 17_y 'fin...._ � M 24 Disclaimer: This draft regulation is provided solely to facilitate public consultation under section 39 of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Should the decision be made to proceed with the proposal, the comments received during consultation will be considered during the final preparation of the regulation. The content, structure and wording of both language versions of the draft regulation are subject to change as a result of the consultation process and as a result of review, editing and correction by the Office of Legislative Counsel. ONTARIO REGULATION made under the ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2005 INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS Skip Table of Contents CONTENTS PART GENERAL 1. Purpose and application 2. Definitions 3. Establishment of accessibility policies 4. Accessibility plans 5. Procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities 6. Self-service kiosks 7. Training 8. Exemption from filing accessibility reports PART II INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS 9. Definitions and exceptions 10. Application 11. Feedback 12. Accessible formats and communication supports 13. Emergency procedure, plans or public safety information 14. Accessible websites and web content 15. Educational and training resources and materials, etc 16. Training to educators . 17. Producers of educational or training material 18. Libraries of educational and training institutions 19. Public libraries PART III EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS 20. Scope and interpretation 21. 'Schedule 22. Recruitment, general 23. Recruitment, assessment or selection process 24. Notice to successful applicants 44 • 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. Informing employees of supports Accessible formats and communication supports for employees Workplace emergency response information Documented individual accommodation plans Return to work process Performance management Career development and advancement Redeployment PART IV TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS DEFINITIONS AND EXCEPTION Definitions and exception CONVENTIONAL AND SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDERS_ GENERAL Availability of information on accessibility equipment etc. Non-functioning accessibility equipment Accessibility training Emergency preparedness and response policies Fares, support persons Transition, existing contracts Transition, existing vehicles CONVENTIONAL AND SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, ACCESSIBILTrY PLANS 41. Accessibility plans, conventional transportation services 42. Accessibility plans, specialized transportation services 43. Accessibility plans, conventional and specialized transportation services CONVENTIONAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, GENERAL 44. General responsibilities 45. Alternative accessible method of transportation _46. Fares 47. Transit stops 48. Storage of mobility aids etc. 49. Courtesy seating 50. Service disruptions 51. Pre -boarding announcements 52. On -board announcements CONVENTIONAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, TECHNICAL REoumEMENTS 53. Requirements re grab bars, etc. 54. Floors and carpeted surfaces 55. Allocated mobility aid spaces 56. Stop -requests and emergency response controls 57. Lighting features 58. Signage 59. Lifting devices, etc. 60. Steps 61. Indicators and alarms 62. Accessibility, rail cars Specialized Transportation Service Providers 63. Categories of eligibility 64. Eligibility application process 65. Emergency or compassionate grounds 66. Fare parity 67. Visitors 68. Origin to destination services _69. Coordinated service 70. Hours of service 71. Booking 72. Trip restrictions 73. Service delays 74. Companions and children OTHER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES 75. School transportation 76. Public sector organizations 77. Ferries DUTIES OF MUNICIPALITIES AND TAXICABS 78. Duties of municipalities, general 79. Duties of municipalities, taxicabs PART V 45 3 COMPLIANCE 80. Application 81. Definitions 82. Amount of administrative penalty _83. Review of order 84. Payment of penalty 85. Designation of tribunal 86. Commencement Schedule 1 Broader public sector Schedule 2 Administrative penalties for individuals or unincorporated organizations Schedule 3 Administrative penalties for corporations PART I GENERAL Purpose and application 1. (1) This Regulation establishes the accessibility standards for each of information and communications, employment and transportation. (2) The requirements in the standards set out in this Regulation are not a replacement or a substitution for the requirements established under the Human Rights Code nor do the standards limit any obligations owed to persons with disabilities under any other legislation. (3) Except as otherwise provided in this Regulation, this Regulation applies to the Government of Ontario, the Legislative Assembly, every designated public sector organization and to every other person or organization that provides goods, services or facilities to the public or other third parties and that has at least one employee in Ontario. Definitions - 2. In this Regulation, "accessible formats" may include, but are not limited to, large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille and other formats usable by persons with disabilities; ("French") "communication supports" may include, but are not limited to, captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications; "designated public sector organization" means every municipality and every person or organization listed in Column 1, of Table 1 to Ontario Regulation 146/10 (Public Bodies and. Commission Public Bodies — Definitions) made under the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 or described in Schedule 1 to this Regulation; "Government of Ontario" includes the executive of the government and operational branches, including every ministry of the Government of Ontario and the Office of the Premier; "large designated public sector organization" means a designated public sector organization with 50 or more employees; 46 0 "large organization" means an obligated organization with 50 or more employees in Ontario, other than the Government of Ontario, the Legislative Assembly or a designated public sector organization; "Legislative Assembly" includes the Office of the Assembly, the offices of members of the Assembly, .'including their constituency offices and the offices of persons appointed on the address of the Assembly; "obligated organization" means the Government of Ontario, the Legislative Assembly, a designated public sector organization, a large organization and a small organization to which the standards in this Regulation apply; "small designated public sector organization'.' means a designated public sector organization with at least one but fewer than 50 employees; "small organization" means.an obligated organization with at least one but fewer than 50 employees in Ontario, other than the Government of Ontario, the Legislative Assembly or a designated public sector organization. Establishment of accessibility policies 3. (1) Every obligated organization shall develop, implement and maintain policies governing how the organization achieves or will achieve accessibility through meeting its requirements under the accessibility standards referred to in this Regulation. (2) Obligated organizations, other than small organizations, shall include a statement of organizational commitment to meet the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner in their policies. (3) The Government of Ontario, the Legislative Assembly, every designated public sector organization and large organizations shall, (a) prepare one or more written documents describing its policies; and (b) make the documents publicly available, and shall provide them in an accessible format upon request. (4) Obligated organizations shall meet the requirements of this section according to the following schedule: 1. For the Government of Ontario and the Legislative Assembly, January 1,, 2012. 2. For large designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2013. 47 5 3. For small designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2014.. 4. For large organizations, January 1, 2014. 5. For small organizations, January 1, 2015. Accessibility plans 4. (1) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly, designated public sector organizations and large organizations shall, (a) establish, implement, maintain and document a multi -year accessibility plan, which outlines the organization's strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet its requirements under this Regulation; (b) post the accessibility plan on their website, if any, and provide the plan in an accessible format upon request; and (c) review and update the accessibility plan at least once every five years. (2) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector . organizations shall establish, review and update their accessibility plans in consultation with persons with disabilities and, if they have established an accessibility advisory committee, they shall consult with the committee. (3) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall, (a) prepare an annual status report on the progress of measures taken to implement the strategy referenced in clause (1) (a); and (b) post the status report on their website, if any, and provide the report in an accessible format upon request. (4) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly, designated public sector organizations and large organizations shall meet the requirements of this section according to the following schedule: I. For the Government of Ontario and the Legislative Assembly, January 1, 2012. 2. For large designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2013. 3. For small designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2014. 4. For large organizations, January 1, 2014. :' an Procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities S. (1) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities, except where it is not practicable to do so. . (2) If the Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly or a designated public sector organization determines that it is not practicable to incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities, it shall provide, upon request, an explanation. (3) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall meet the requirements of this section in accordance with the following schedule: 1. For the Government of Ontario. and the Legislative Assembly, January 1, 2012. 2. For large designated public sector organizations; January 1, 2013. 3. For small designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2014. Self-service kiosks 6. (1) Without limiting the generality of section 5, the Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall incorporate accessibility features when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks. (2) Large organizations and small organizations shall have regard to the accessibility for persons with disabilities when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks. (3) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall meet the requirements of this section in accordance with the schedule set out in subsection 5 (3). (4) Large organizations shall meet the requirements under subsection (2) as of January 1, 2014 and small organizations shall meet the requirements as of January 1, 2015. (5) In this section, "kiosk" means an interactive electronic terminal intended for public use that allows users to access one or more services or products or both.. Training 7. (1) Every obligated organization shall ensure that training is provided on the requirements of the accessibility standards referred to in this Regulation to, 49 %I (a) all employees, and volunteers; (b) all persons who participate in developing the organization's policies; and (c) all other persons who provide goods and services on behalf of the organization. (2) The training on the requirements of the accessibility standards shall be appropriate to the duties of the employees, volunteers and other persons. (3) Every person referred to in subsection (1) shall be trained as soon as practicable: (4) Every obligated organization shall provide training in respect of any changes to the policies described in section 3 on an ongoing basis. (5) The Government of Ontario, the Legislative Assembly, every designated public sector organization and every large organization shall keep a record of the training provided under this section, including the dates on which the training is provided and the number of individuals to whom it is provided. (6) Obligated organizations shall meet the requirements of this section in accordance with the following schedule: 1. For the Government of Ontario and the Legislative Assembly, January 1, 2013. 2. For large designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2014. 3. For small designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2015. 4. For large organizations, January 1, 2015. 5. For small organizations, January 1, 2016. Exemption from filing accessibility reports 8. (1) Small organizations are exempted from the requirement to file accessibility reports under section 14 of the Act with respect to the accessibility standards in this Regulation. (2) The following are the reasons for the exemption: 1. It is consistent with a phased approach to implementing the Act. 2. It allows the exempted obligated organizations to focus their efforts and resources on complying with the accessibility -standards. 50 PART II INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS Definitions and exceptions 9. (1) In this Part, "communications" means the interaction between two or more persons or entities, or any combination of them, where information is provided, sent or received; ("communications") _ "conversion ready" means an electronic or digital format that facilitates conversion into an accessible format; "information" includes data, facts and knowledge that exists in any format, including text, audio, digital or images, and that coveys meaning. (2) The information and communications standards do not apply to the following: 1. Products and product labels, except as specifically provided by this Part. 2. Unconvertible information or communications. 3. Information that the obligated organization does not control directly or indirectly through a contractual relationship, except as required under sections 15 and 18. (3) . If an obligated organization determines that information or communications are unconvertible, the organization shall provide the person requesting the information or communication with, (a) an explanation as to why the information or communications are unconvertible; and (b) a summary of the unconvertible information or communications. (4) For purposes of this Part, information or communications are unconvertible if, (a) it is not technically feasible to convert the information or communications; or (b) the "technology to convert the information or communications is not readily available. Application 10. Sections 9, 11, 12 and 13 apply to all. obligated organizations. 51 we Feedback.. 11. (1) Every obligated organization that has processes for receiving and responding to feedback shall ensure that the processes are accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for the provision of accessible formats and communications supports, upon request. (2) Nothing in this section detracts from the obligations imposed under section 7 of Ontario Regulation 429107 (Accessibility Standards for Customer Service) made under the Act. (3) Obligated organizations shall meet the requirements of this section in accordance with the following schedule: For the Government of Ontario and the Legislative Assembly, January 1, 2013. 2. For large designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2014 3. For small. designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2015. 4. For large organizations, January 1, 2015. 5. For.small organizations, January 1, 2016. Accessible formats and communication supports 12. (1) Except as otherwise provided, every obligated organization shall upon request provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities, (a) in a timely manner that takes into account the person's accessibility needs due to disability; and (b) .at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons. (2) The obligated organization shall consult with the person making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support, but the final. determination as to which accessible format or communication support shall be used -rests with the organization. (3) Every obligated organization shall notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports.. (4) Every obligated organization that is required to provide accessible formats or accessible formats and communication supports by section 3, 4, 11, 13, 19, 26, 28, 34, 37, 44 or 64 shall meet the requirements -of subsections (1) and (2) but shall do so in accordance with the schedule set out in the referenced section and shall'do so only to the extent that the requirements in subsections (1) and (2) are applicable to the requirements set out in the referenced section. 52 10 (5) Obligated organizations shall meet the requirements under this section in accordance with the following schedule: 1. 1 For the Government of Ontario and the Legislative Assembly, January 1, 2014.. 2. For large designated public sector organizations, January 1,-2015. 3. For small designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2016. 4. For large organizations, January 1, 2016. 5. For small organizations, January 1, 2017. Emergency procedure, plans or public safety information 13. (1) In addition to its obligations under section 12, if an obligated organization prepares emergency procedures, plans or public safety information and makes the information available to the public, the obligated organization shall provide the information in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, as soon as practicable, upon request. (2) Obligated organizations that prepare emergency procedures, plans or public safety information and make the information available to the public shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2012. Accessible websites and web content 14. (1) The Government of Ontario and the Legislative Assembly shall make their intemet and intranet websites and web content conform with the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, at Level AA, and shall do so in accordance with the schedule set out in this section. .'(2) Designated public sector organizations and large organizations shall make their internet websites and web content conform with the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, initially at Level A and increasing to Level AA, and shall do so. in accordance with the schedule set out in this section. (3) The Government of Ontario and the Legislative Assembly, for both their internet and intranet sites, shall meet the requirements in this section in accordance with the following schedule: L By January 1, 2012, new internet and intranet websites and web content on those sites must conform with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, other than, i. success criteria 1.2.4 Captions (Live), and 53 11 ii. success criteria 1.2.5 Audio Descriptions (Pre-recorded). 2. By January 1, 2016, all internet websites and web content must conform with WCAG 2.0 Level AA other than, i. success. criteria 1.2.4 Captions (Live), and ii. success criteria 1.2.5 Audio Descriptions (Pre-recorded). 3. By January 1, 2020, all internet and intranet websites and web content must conform with WCAG 2.0 Level AA. . , (4)' Designated public sector organizations and large organizations for their internet websites shall meet the requirements of this section in accordance with the following schedule: 1. By January l; 2014, new internet websites and web content on those sites must conform with WCAG 2.0 Level A. 2. By January 1, 2021, all internet websites and web content must conform with WCAG 2; 0 Level AA, other than, i. success criteria 1.2.4 Captions (Live), and ii. success criteria 1.2.5 Audio Descriptions (Pre-recorded). (5) Except where meeting the requirement is not practicable, this section applies, (a) to websites and web content, including web -based applications, that an organization controls directly or through a contractual relationship that allows for modification of the product; and (b) to web content published on a website after January 1, 2012. (6) In determining whether meeting the requirements of this section is not practicable, organizations referenced in subsections (1) and (2) may consider, among other things, (a) the availability of commercial software or tools or both; and (b) significant impact on an implementation timeline that is planned or initiated before January 1, 2012. (7) In this section, 54 12 "extranet website" means a controlled extension of the intranet, or internal network of an organization to outside users over the Internet; ("site Web extranet") "Internet website" means a collection of related web pages, images, videos or other digital assets that are addressed relative to a common Uniform Resource Locator (URL) and is accessible to the public; "intranet website" means an organization's internal website that is used to privately and securely share any part of the organization's information or operational systems within the organization and includes extranet websites; "new internet website" means either a website with a new domain name or a website with an existing domain name undergoing a significant refresh; "new intranet website" means either an intranet website with a new domain name or an intranet website with an existing domain name undergoing a significant refresh; "Web Content Accessibility Guidelines" means the World Wide Web Consortium Recommendation, dated December 2008, entitled "Web Content Accessibility Guidelines .(WCAG) 2.0"; "web page" means a non -embedded resource obtained from a single Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and any other resources that are used in the rendering or intended to be rendered together with it by a user agent. Educational and training resources and materials, etc. 15. (1) Every obligated organization that is. an educational or training institution shall do the following, if notification of need is given: Provide educational or training resources or materials in an accessible format that takes into account the accessibility needs due to a disability of the person with a disability to whom the material is to be provided by, i. procuring through purchase or. obtaining by other means an accessible or conversion ready electronic format of educational or training resources or materials, where available, or ii. arranging for the provision of a comparable resource in an accessible or conversion ready electronic format, if educational or training resources or materials cannot be procured, obtained by other means or converted into an accessible format. 2. Provide student records and information on program requirements, availability and descriptions in an accessible format to persons with disabilities. 55 13 (2) For purposes of this section and sections 16, 17 and 18, an obligated organization is an educational or training institution if, (a) it is governed by the Education Act, the Post -Secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000, or the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005 or is a designated public sector organization described in paragraphs 3 and 4 of Schedule 1; or (b) it is a public or private organization that provides courses or programs or both that result in the acquisition by students of a diploma or certificate named by the Minister of Education under paragraph 1 of subsection 8 (1) of the Education Act. (3) Obligated organizations to which this section applies shall meet the requirements of this section in accordance with the following schedule: 1. For large designated public sector organizations, January. 1, 2013. 2. For small designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2015. 3. For large organizations, January 1, 2013. 4. For small organizations, January 1, 2015. Training to educators .16. (1) In addition to the requirements under section 7, *obligated organizations that are school boards or educational or training institutions shall provide educators with accessibility awareness training related to accessible program or course delivery and instruction. (2) Obligated organizations to which this section applies shall meet the requirements in this section in accordance with the following schedule: 1. For large designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2013. 2. For small designated public sector. organizations, January 1, 2015. 3. For large organizations, January 1., 2013. 4. For small organizations, January 1, 2015. (3) In this section, "educators" means employees who are involved in program or course design, delivery and instruction, including staff of school boards; 56 14 "school board" means a "board" as defined in subsection 1 (1) of the Education Act. Producers of educational or training material 17. (1) Every obligated organization that is a producer of education or training textbooks for educational or training institutions shall upon request, make accessible or conversion ready versions of the textbooks available to the institutions. (2) Every, obligated organization that is a producer of print -based educational or training supplementary learning resources for educational or training institutions shall upon request, make accessible or conversion ready versions of the printed materials available to the institutions. (3) Obligated organizations to which this section applies shall meet the requirements of this section in accordance with the following schedule: 1. In respect of accessible or conversion ready versions of textbooks, January 1, 2015. 2. In respect.of accessible or conversion ready versions of printed materials that are educational or training supplementary learning resources, January 1, 2020. Libraries of educational and training institutions 18. (1) Subject to subsection (2) and where available, the libraries of educational and training institutions that are obligated organizations shall provide, procure or acquire by other means an accessible or conversion ready format of print, digital or multimedia resources or . materials for a person with a disability, upon request. (2) Special collections, archival materials, rare books and donations are exempt from the requirements of subsection (1). (3) Obligated organizations to which this section applies shall meet the requirements under this section in accordance with the following schedule: 1. In respect of print -based resources or materials, January 1, 2015. 2. In respect of digital or multimedia resources or materials, January 1,.2020. Public libraries 19. (1) Every obligated organization that is a library board shall provide access to or arrange for the provision of access to accessible materials where they exist. (2) Obligated organizations that are library boards shall make information about the availability of accessible materials publicly available and shall provide the information in accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, upon request. 57 15 (3) Obligated organizations that are library boards may provide accessible formats for archival materials, special collections, rare books and donations. (4) Obligated organizations that are library boards shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2013. (5) For purposes of this section, "library board" means a board as defined in the Public Libraries Act, a public library service established under the Northern Service Boards Act or a county library establishedunder the County of Lambton Act, 1994, being chapter Pr. 31 of the Statutes of Ontario 1994, the County of Elgin Act, 1985, being chapter Pr. 16 of the Statutes of Ontario, 1985, or the County ofLennox and Addington Act, 1978, being chapter 126 of the Statutes of Ontario, 1978. PART III EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Scope and interpretation 20. (1) The standards set out in this Part apply to obligated organizations that are employers and, (a) apply in respect of employees; and (b) do not apply in respect of volunteers and other non -paid individuals. (2) In this Part, a reference to anemployer is a reference to an obligated organization as an employer unless the context determines otherwise. Schedule 21. Unless otherwise specified in a section, obligated organizations, as employers, shall meet the requirements set out in this Part in accordance with the following schedule: 1. For the Government of Ontario and the Legislative Assembly, January 1, 2013. 2. For large designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2014. 3. For small designated public sector organizations, January 1, 2015. 4. For large organizations, January 1, 2016. 5. " For small organizations, January 1, 2017. M lb Recruitment, general 22. Every employer shall notify its employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. Recruitment, assessment or selection process 23. (1) During a recruitment process, an employer shall notify job applicants, when they are individually selected to participate in an assessment or selection process, that accommodations are available upon request in relation to the materials or processes to be used. (2) If a selected applicant requests an accommodation, the employer shall consult with the applicant and provide or arrange for the provision of a suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant's accessibility needs due to disability.' (3) The decision as to which accommodation is to be provided rests with the employer. Notice to successful applicants 24. Every employer shall, when making offers of employment, notify the successful applicant of its policies for accommodating employees with disabilities. Informing employees of.supports 25. (1) Every employer shall inform its employees of its policies used to support its employees with disabilities, including, but not limited to; policies on the provision of job accommodations that take into account an employee's accessibility needs due to disability. (2) Employers shall provide the information required under this section to new employees as soon as practicable after they begin their employment. (3) Employers shall provide updated information to its employees whenever there is a change to existing policies on the provision of job accommodations that take into account an employee's accessibility needs due to disability. Accessible formats and communication supports for employees 26. (1) In addition to its obligations under section 12, where an employee with a disability so requests it, every employer shall consult with the employee to provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for, (a) information that is needed in order to perform the employee's job; and (b) information that is generally available to employees in the workplace. (2) The employer shall consult with the employee making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support, but the final determination as to which accessible format or communication support shall be used rests with the employer. 59 17 Workplace emergency response information 27. (1) Every employer shall provide individualized workplace emergency response information to employees who have a disability, if the disability is such that the individualized information is necessary and the employer is aware of the need for accommodation due to the employee's disability. (2) If an employee who receives individualized workplace emergency response information requires assistance and with the employee's consent, the employer shall provide the workplace emergency response information to the person designated by the employer to provide assistance to the employee. ' (3) Employers shall provide the information required under this section as soon as practicable after the employer becomes aware of the need for accommodation due to the. employee's disability. (4) .Every employer shall review the individualized workplace emergency response information, (a) when the employee moves to a different location in the organization; (b) when the employee's overall accommodations needs or plans are reviewed; and (c) when the employer reviews its general emergency response policies. (5) Every employer shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2012. Documented individual accommodation plans 28. (1) Employers, other than employers that are small organizations, shall develop and have in place a written process for the development of documented individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities. (2) The process for the development of documented individual accommodation plans shall include the following elements: The manner in which an employee requesting accommodation can participate in the development of the individual accommodation plan. 2. The means by which the employee is assessed on an individual basis. 3. The manner in which the employer can request an evaluation by an outside medical or other expert, at the employer's expense, to determine if and how accommodation can be achieved. Me 18 4. The manner in which the employee can request the participation of a representative from their bargaining agent, where the employee is represented by a bargaining agent, or other representative from the workplace, where the employee is not represented by a bargaining agent, in the development of the accommodation plan. 5. The steps taken to protect the privacy of the employee's personal information. 6. The frequency with which the individual accommodation plan will be reviewed and updated and the manner in which it will be done. 7. If an individual accommodation plan is denied, the manner in which the reasons for the denial will be provided to the employee. 8. The means of providing the individual accommodation plan in a format that takes into account the employee's accessibility needs due to disability. (3) Individual accommodation plans shall, (a) if requested, include any information regarding accessible formats and communications supports provided, as described in section 26; (b) if required, include individualized workplace emergency response information, as described in section 27; and (c) identify any other accommodation that is to be provided. Return to work process 29.. (1) Every employer, other than an employer that is a small organization, (a) shall develop and have in place a return to work process for its employees who have been absent from work due to a disability and require disability -related accommodations in order to return to work; and (b) shall document the process. (2) The return to work process shall, (a) outline the steps the employer will take to facilitate the return to work of employees who were absent because their disability required them to be away from work; and (b) use individual documented accommodation plans, as described in section 28, as part of the. process. 61 19 '(3) The return to work process referenced in this section does not replace or override any other return to work process created by or under any other statute. Performance management 30. (1) An employer that uses performance management in respect of its employees shall take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans, when using its performance management process in respect of employees with disabilities. (2) In this section,. "performance management" means activities related to assessing and improving employee performance, productivity and effectiveness, with the goal of facilitating employee success. Career development and advancement- 31. (1) An employer that provides career development and advancement to its employees shall take into account the accessibility needs of its' employees with disabilities as well as any individual accommodation plans, when providing career development and advancement to its employees with disabilities. (2) In this section, "career development and advancement" includes providing additional responsibilities within an employee's current position and the movement of an employee from one job to another in an organization that may be higher in pay, provide greater responsibility or be at a higher level in the organization or any combination of them and, for both additional responsibilities and employee movement, is usually based on merit or seniority, or a combination of them. Redeployment 32..(1) An employer that uses redeployment shall take into account the accessibility needs of its employees with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans, when redeploying employees with disabilities. (2) In this section, "redeployment" means the reassignment of employees to other departments or jobs within the organization as an alternative to layoff, when a particular job or department has been eliminated by the organization. 62' W PART IV TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS DEFINITIONS AND EXCEPTION Definitions and exception 33. (1) In this Part, "bus" means a motor vehicle designed for carrying ten or more passengers and used for the transportation of persons; ("autobus") "commuter rail" means a class of rail -based transportation, which is multi -unit, used for public passenger transportation purposes, operated between an urban area and its suburbs and is provided on designated lines between stations; "conventional transportation services" means public passenger transportation services on transit buses, motor coaches or rail -based transportation that operate solely within the Province of Ontario and that are provided by a designated public sector transportation organization described in paragraph 5 of Schedule 1, but does not include specialized transportation services; "conventional transportation service provider" means a designated public sector transportation organization described in paragraph 5 of Schedule 1 that provides conventional transportation services that operate solely within the Province of Ontario; "inter -city rail" means a class of rail -based transportation,. which is multi -unit, used for public passenger transportation purposes and is intended for express service covering long distances with routes connecting two or more distinct or major locations; "light rail" means a class of rail -based transportation, which is multi -unit, used for public passenger transportation purposes, provided on designated lines between stations and is intended for light loads and fast movement; "mobility aid" means a device used to facilitate the transport, in a seated posture, of a person with a disability; "mobility assistive device" means a cane, walker or similar aid; "motor coach" means a class of bus of monocoque design, designed to provide intercity, suburban or commuter passenger transportation service and equipped with baggage storage that is separate from the passenger cabin; "rail -based transportation" means any single or multi -unit passenger transportation vehicle operating exclusively on rail by a public transportation organization described in paragraph 5 63 21 of Schedule 1, and includes streetcars, light rail vehicles, subways, commuter rail and inter- city rail; "specialized transportation service provider" means a designated public sector transportation organization described in paragraph 5 of Schedule 1 that provides specialized transportation services that operate solely within the Province of Ontario; "specialized transportation services"' means public passenger transportation services that, (a) operate solely within the Province of Ontario, (b) are provided by a designated public sector transportation organization as described in paragraph 5 of Schedule 1, and (c) are designed to transport persons with disabilities; ("services de transport adapte") "streetcar" means a class of rail -based transportation designed to operate on a.highway, as defined in the Highway Traffic Act; "subway" means a class of rail -based transportation, which is multi -unit, designed to operate on a grade separated from highways, as defined in the Highway Traffic Act, and provides service on designated lines between stations; "support person" means, in relation to a person with a disability, another person who accompanies the person with a disability in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods or services; "taxicab" means a motor vehicle as defined. in the Highway Traffic Act, other than a car pool vehicle, having a seating capacity of not more than six persons, exclusive of the driver, hired for one specific. trip for the transportation exclusively of one person or group of persons, one fare or charge only being collected or made for the trip and that is licensed as a taxicab by a municipality; "transit bus" means a class of bus which, while operated on a highway, as defined in the Highway Traffic Act, ,is designed and intended to be used for passenger transportation. (2) The funicular railway travelling on the Falls Incline Railway operated by the Niagara Parks Commission is not rail -based transportation for purposes of this Regulation. 64 22� CONVENTIONAL AND SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, GENERAL Availability of information on accessibility equipment, etc. 34. (1) All conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall make available to the public current information on accessibility . equipment and features of their.vehicles, routes and services. (2) Conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall, upon request, provide the information described in subsection (1) in an accessible format. (3) Conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2012. Non-functioning accessibility equipment 35. (1) If the accessibility equipment on a vehicle is not functioning and equivalent service cannot be provided, conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall take reasonable steps to accommodate persons with disabilities who would otherwise use the equipment and the transportation service provider shall repair the equipment as soon as is practicable. (2) Conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by July 1, 2011. Accessibility training 36. (1) In addition to the training requirements set but in section 7, conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall conduct employee and volunteer accessibility training. (2) The accessibility training shall include training on, (a) the safe use of accessibility equipment and features; (b) acceptable modifications to procedures in situations where temporary barriers exist or accessibility equipment on a vehicle fails; and (c) emergency preparedness and response procedures that provide for. the safety of persons with disabilities. (3) Conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2014. 65 23 Emergency preparedness and response policies r 37. (1) In addition to any obligations that a conventional transportation service provider or a specialized transportation service provider has under section 13, conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall establish, implement, maintain and document. emergency preparedness and response policies that provide for the safety of persons with disabilities. (2) Conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall, upon request, provide the policies described in subsection (1) m an accessible format. (3) Conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2012. Fares, support persons 38. (1) No conventional transportation service provider and no specialized transportation service provider shall charge a fare to a support person who is accompanying a person with a disability where the person with a disability has a need for a support person. (2) It is the responsibility of a person with a disability to demonstrate the need for a support person to accompany them on the conventional or specialized transportation service and to ensure that the appropriate designation fora support person is in place. (3) Conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2014. Transition, existing contracts 39. Where a conventional transportation service provider has, on June 30, 2011, existing contractual obligations to purchase vehicles that do not meet the requirements of this Part, the transportation service provider may honour the existing contract. Transition, existing vehicles 40. (1) Conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers are not required to retrofit vehicles that are within their fleet as of July 1, 2011 in order to ensure that the vehicles meet the accessibility requirements of this Part. (2) If a conventional transportation service provider modifies. a portion of a vehicle to which subsection (1) applies in a way that affects or could affect accessibility on or after July 1, 2011, the transportation service provider shall ensure that the modified portion meets the requirements. of this Part. (3) Where subsection (2) applies and the modification is with respect to matters referred to in section 53, 55, 57 or 61 or subsection 62 (2), the conventional transportation service provider T. 24 does not have to meet the requirements of this Part if the modifications would impair the structural integrity of the vehicle or the mobility aid accessible rail car. CONVENTIONAL AND SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, ACCESSIBILITY PLANS Accessibility plans, conventional transportation services 41. (1) In addition to the accessibility plan requirements set out in section 4, in their accessibility plan conventional transportation service providers shall, (a) identify initiatives to encourage persons with disabilities who are, or were, eligible for specialized transportation services, to use convectional transportation services; and (b) identify the process for managing, evaluating and taking action on customer feedback. (2) Every conventional transportation service provider shall annually hold at least one public meeting involving persons with disabilities to ensure that they have an opportunity to participate in a review of the accessibility plan and that they are given_ the opportunity to provide feedback on the accessibility plan. (3) If the provider of conventional transportation services also provides specialized transportation services, the transportation service provider shall address both types of transportation services in its accessibility plan. (4) Transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2013. Accessibility plans, specialized transportation services 42. (1) Specialized transportation service providers shall, in their accessibility plans, identify the process for estimating the demand for specialized transportation services: (2) Specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2013. Accessibility plans, conventional and specialized transportation services 43. (1) Conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation services providers shall, in their accessibility plans, describe their procedures for dealing with accessibility equipment failures on their respective types of vehicles. (2) Transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2013. 67 25 CONVENTIONAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, GENERAL General responsibilities 44. (1) Conventional transportation service providers shall, (a) deploy lifting devices, ramps or portable bridge plates upon the request of a person with a disability; (b) ensure that adequate time is provided to persons with disabilities to safely board, be secured and deboard transportation vehicles and that assistance be provided, upon request, for these activities; (c) assist with safe and careful storage of mobility aids or mobility assistive devices used by persons with disabilities; and (d) allow a person with a disability to travel with a medical aid. (2) Conventional transportation service providers shall, upon request, make information on the matters referred to in subsection (1) available in an accessible format. (3) Conventional transportation service providers shall comply with the requirements of this section by January 1, 2012. (4) In this section, "medical aid" means an assistive device, including respirators and portable oxygen supplies. Alternative accessible method of transportation 45. (1) Except where not practicable to do so, a conventional transportation service provider that does not provide specialized transportation services shall ensure that any person with a disability who, because of his or her disability, is unable to use conventional. transportation services is provided with an alternative accessible method' of transportation. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply where specialized transportation services are provided by a specialized transportation service provider in the same jurisdiction where the conventional transportation service provider provides transportation services. (3) . Conventional transportation service providers shall comply with the requirements of this section by January 1, 2013. Fares 46. (1) No conventional transportation service provider shall charge a higher fare to a person with a disability than the fare that is charged to a person without a disability where the 26 person with a disability uses conventional transportation services, but a conventional transportation service provider may charge a lesser fare for a person with a disability. (2) Conventional transportation service providers that do not provide specialized transportation services shall make available alternative fare payment options to persons with disabilities who cannot, because of their disability, use a fare payment option.. (3) Conventional transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of subsection (1) by July 1, 2011 and the requirements of subsection (2) by January 1, 2013. Transit stops 47. (1) Conventional transportation service providers, in respect of transportation vehicles to which this section applies, shall ensure that persons with disabilities are able to board or debo.ard a transportation vehicle at the. closest available safe location, as. determined by the operator, that is not an official stop, if the official stop is not accessible and the safe location is along the same transit route. (2) In determining where a safe location may be situated for the purposes of subsection (1), the conventional transportation service provider shall give consideration to the preferences of the person with a disability. (3) Conventional transportation service providers shall ensure that operators of their transportation vehicles report to an appropriate authority where a transit stop is temporarily inaccessible or where a temporary barrier exists. (4) This section applies to the following: Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. (5) Conventional transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2012. Storage of mobility aids, etc. 48. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall, if safe storage is possible, ensure that mobility aids and mobility assistive devices are stored in the passenger compartments of its transportation vehicles within reach of the person with the disability who uses the aid or device. (2) If safe storage of mobility aids and mobility assistive devices is not possible within the passenger compartment and the vehicle is equipped with a baggage compartment, a 27 conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that mobility aids and mobility assistive devices are stored in the baggage compartment of the vehicle on which the person with the disability is travelling. (3) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that operators of its transportation vehicles secure and return mobility aids and mobility assistive devices in a manner that does not affect the safety of other passengers and does not cause damage to the aid or device, where the mobility aid or mobility assistive device is stored in the baggage compartment of the vehicle. (4) No conventional transportation service provider shall charge a fee for the storage of a mobility aid or a mobility assistive device. (5) This section applies in respect of the following: l . Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter -city rail. (6) Subject to subsection (7), conventional transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2012. (7) Conventional transportation service providers shall comply with subsection (4) by July 1, 2011. Courtesy seating 49. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that there is clearly marked courtesy seating for persons with disabilities on its transportation vehicles and that the courtesy seating meets the standards set out in this section. (2) The courtesy seating for persons with disabilities shall be located as close as practicable to the entrance door of the vehicle. 70 28 (3) The courtesy seating for persons with disabilities shall be signed to indicate that passengers; other than persons with disabilities, must vacate the courtesy seating if its use is required by a person with a disability. (4) This section applies in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter -city rail. (5) Conventional transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by July 1, 2011. Service disruptions 50. (1) Where a route or scheduled service is temporarily changed and the change is known in advance of the commencement of the trip, conventional transportation service providers shall, (a) make available alternate accessible arrangements to transfer persons with disabilities to their route destination'where alternate arrangements for persons without disabilities are inaccessible; and (b) ensure information on alternate arrangements is communicated in a manner that takes into account the person's disability. (2) This section applies in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 71 29 5.. Light rail. 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter -city rail. (3) Conventional transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by July 1, 2013. Pre -boarding announcements 51. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that there are, on request, a pre -boarding verbal announcements of the route, direction, destination or -next major stop. (2) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that there are electronic pre -boarding announcements of the route, direction, destination or next major stop on its transportation vehicles and that that these announcements•satisfy the requirements set out in section 58. (3) This section applies in respect of the.following: 1. Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter -city rail. (4) Conventional transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of subsection (1) by July 1, 2011 and the requirements of subsection (2) by January 1, 2017. On -board announcements 52. (1) Every conventional transportation. service provider shall ensure that there are verbal announcements of all destination points or stops on its transportation vehicles while the vehicle is on route or while the vehicle is being operated. 72 30 (2) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that all destination points or stops, (a) are announced through electronic means; and (b) are legibly and visually displayed through electronic means. (3) For purposes of clause (2) (b), visual displays of destination points or stop information shall satisfy the requirements set out in section 58. (4) This section applies in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter -city rail. (5) Conventional transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of subsection (1) by July 1, 2011. and the requirements of subsections (2) and (3) by January 1, 2017. CONVENTIONAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDERS, TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS Requirements re grab bars, etc. 53. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that all of its transportation vehicles to which this section applies that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2013 are equipped with grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions that are provided where appropriate at, (a) locations where passengers are required to pay fares; (b) each mobility aid securement position; (c) each courtesy seating area intended for use by persons with disabilities; and 73 31 (d) each side of any entrance or exit used by persons with disabilities. (2) With respect to all transportation vehicles to which this section applies, every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions located at an entrance or exit used by a person with a disability are accessible from ground level and are mounted so that they are inside the vehicle when the doors are closed. (3) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that all vehicles to which this section applies meet the following standards: 1. The location of grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions must be distributed, as appropriate to the vehicle's design, throughout the vehicle to support independent and safe boarding, on -board circulation, seating and standing assistance and deboarding for persons with disabilities. 2. Grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions must not interfere with the turning and manoeuvring space required for mobility aids to reach the allocated space from the entrance. Grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions must be high colour -contrasted with their background to assist with visual recognition. 4. Every grab bar, handhold, handrail or stanchion must, i. be sturdy, rounded and free of any sharp or abrasive element, ii. have an exterior diameter that permits easy grasping by the full range of passengers and sufficient clearance from the surface to which it is attached, iii. be designed to prevent catching or snagging of clothes or personal items, and iv. have a slip resistant surface. 5. Where grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions return to a wall or floor, they must do so in a smooth curve. 6. Brackets, clamps, screw heads or other fasteners used on grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions must be rounded or flush with the surface and free from burrs or rough edges. (4) This section applies in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses. 74 32 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter -city rail. .(5) Despite subsection (4), this section does not apply to vehicles regulated under Regulation 629 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Vehicles,for the Transportation of Physically Disabled Passengers) under the Highway Traffic Act. (6) Despite subsection (1), where a conventional transportation service provider enters into a contractual obligation to purchase new or used vehicles of a type referenced in subsection (4) on or after July 1, 2011, the transportation service provider shall ensure the vehicles meet the requirements of this section. (7) Subsection (6) does not apply if the installation of the grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions would impair the structural integrity of the vehicle. Floors and carpeted surfaces 54.. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that all of its transportation vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 2013 to which this section applies, (a) have floors that produce a minimal glare and are slip resistant; and (b) any carpeted surfaces have a low, firm and level pile or loop and are securely fastened. (2) This section applies in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. . 5. Light rail. 75 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter -city rail. -(3) Despite subsection (2), this section does not apply to vehicles regulated under. Regulation 629 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Vehicles for the Transportation of Physically Disabled Passengers) under the Highway Traffic Act. (4) Despite subsection (1), where a conventional transportation service provider enters into a contractual obligation to purchase new or used vehicles of a type referenced in subsection (2) on or after July 1, 2011, the transportation service provider shall ensure the vehicles meet the. requirements of this section. Allocated mobility aid spaces 55. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that all of its transportation vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 2013 to which this section applies, (a) have two or more allocated mobility aid spaces, with each space being a minimum of, (i) 1220 millimetres by 685 millimetres for vehicles designed to have a seating capacity of 24 passengers or less, and (ii) 1220 millimetres by 760 millimetres for vehicles. designed to have a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers; and (b) are equipped, as appropriate, with securement devices. (2) Spaces on transportation vehicles that are allocated as mobility aid spaces may be used for other passenger purposes, if not required for use by a person with a disability who uses a mobility aid. (3) This section applies in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. 76 34 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter -city rail. (4) Despite subsection (3), subsection (1) does not apply to vehicles that have two.or more allocated mobility aid spaces' and that are regulated under Regulation 629 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Vehicles for the Transportation of Physically Disabled Passengers) under the Highway Traffic Act. (5) Despite subsection (1), where a conventional transportation service provider enters into a contractual obligation to purchase new or used vehicles of a type referenced in subsection (3) on or after July 1, 2011, the transportation service provider shall ensure the vehicles meet the requirements of this section. (6) Subsection (5) does not apply if the installation of mobility aid spaces would impair the structural integrity of the vehicle. Stop -requests and emergency response controls 56. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that all of its transportation vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 2013 to which this section applies, are equipped with accessible stop -requests and emergency response controls that are located throughout the transportation vehicle, including places within reach of allocated mobility aid spaces and courtesy seating locations. (2) Accessible stop -requests and emergency response controls must meet the following standards: 1. They must provide auditory and visual indications that the request has been made. 2. They must be mounted no higher than 1220 'millimetres and no lower than 380 millimetres above the floor. 3. They must be operable with one hand and must not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. 4. They must be high colour -contrasted with the equipment to which the control is mounted. 5. They must provide tactile information on emergency response controls. (3) With respect to stop -requests, this section applies to the following: 1. Transit buses. 77 35 2.. Motor coaches. 3. Street cars. (4) With respect to emergency response'controls, this section applies to the following: 1. Subways. 2. Light rail. 3. Commuter rail. 4. Inter -city rail. (5) Despite subsection (1), where a conventional transportation service provider enters into a contractual obligation to purchase new or used vehicles of the type referenced in subsection (3) or (4) on or after July 1, 2011, the transportation service provider shall ensure the vehicles meet the requirements of this section. Lighting features 57. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that all of its transportation vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 2013 to which this section applies are equipped with lights above or beside each passenger access door that are constantly lit when the door is open and that illuminate the lifting device, ramp, portable bridge plate or step nosings, as the case may be. (2) The light above or beside each passenger access door must, (a) when the door is open, illuminate the ground surface for a distance of at least .9 metres perpendicular to the bottom step tread or lift outer edge; and (b) be shielded to protect the eyes of entering and exiting passengers. (3) This section applies in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. 36 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter -city rail. (4) Despite subsection (3), this section does not apply to vehicles regulated under Regulation 629 of the, Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Vehicles for the Transportation of Physically Disabled Passengers) under the Highway Traffic Act. (5) Despite subsection (1), where a conventional transportation service provider enters into a contractual obligation to purchase new or used vehicles of the type referenced in subsection (3) on or after July 1, 2011, the transportation service provider shall ensure the vehicles meet the requirements of this section. (6) Subsection (5) does not apply if the installation of the lights would impair the structural integrity of the vehicle. Signage 58. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that all of its transportation vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 2013 to which this section applies display the route or direction of the transportation vehicle or its destination or next major stop. (2) For purposes of subsection (1), the signage displaying the route or direction or destination or next stop may include pictograms or symbols, but the signage must, (a) be visible at the boarding point; (b) be consistently located; (c) have a glare -free surface; and (d) be positioned to avoid shadow areas and glare. (3) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that the signage displaying the route or direction or destination or next stop, (a) is consistently shaped, coloured and positioned, when used in the same type of transportation vehicle to give the same type of information; and (b) has text that; (i) is high colour -contrasted with its background, in order to assist with visual recognition, and 79 37 (ii) has the appearance of solid characters. (4) This section applies in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3.. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. 6. Commuter rail. 7: Inter -city rail. (5) Despite subsection'(1), where_a conventional transportation service provider enters into a contractual obligation to purchase new or used vehicles of the type referenced in subsection (4) on or after July 1, 2011, the transportation service provider shall ensure the vehicles meet the requirements of this section. Lifting devices, etc. 59. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that all of its transportation vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 2013 to which this section applies . are equipped with lifting devices, ramps or portable bridge plates and that each of them has, (a)' a colour strip that runs its full width marking the bottom edge and that is high colour contrasted with its background to assist with visual recognition; (b) a slip resistant platform surface; and (c) raised edges of sufficient height to prevent a mobility aid from rolling off the edge of the ramp during the boarding or deboarding of passengers. (2) This section applies in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. :1 38 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. 6. Commuter rail. . 7. Inter -city rail. (3) Despite subsection (2), this section does not apply to vehicles that are equipped with lifting devices, ramps or portable bridge plates and that are regulated under Regulation 629 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Vehicles for the Transportation of Physically Disabled Passengers) under the Highway Traffic Act. (4). Despite subsection (1), where a conventional transportation service provider enters into a contractual obligation to purchase new or used vehicles of the type referenced in subsection (2) on or after July 1, 2011, the transportation service provider shall ensure the vehicles meet the requirements of this section. Steps 60. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that where transportation vehicles are equipped with steps, the steps meet the following requirements: 1. The top outer edge of each step is marked by a colour strip that is high colour - contrasted with its background, to assist with visual recognition, that runs. the full width of the leading edge of the step, excluding any side edge mouldings, and can be viewed from both directions of travel. 2. The steps have surfaces that are slip resistant and that produce minimal glare. 3. The steps have uniform, closed riser heights and tread depths, subject to the structural limitations of the vehicle. (2) This section applies in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. a 39 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter -city rail. (3) Despite subsection (2), this section does not apply to vehicles regulated under Regulation 629 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Vehicles for the Transportation of Physically Disabled Passengers) under the Highway Traff c Act. (4) Conventional transportation service providers shall comply with the requirements of this section in respect of its vehicles to which this section applies that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2013. (5) Despite subsection (4), where a conventional transportation service provider enters into a contractual obligation to purchase new or used vehicles of the type referenced in subsection (2) on or after July 1, 2011, the transportation service provider shall ensure the vehicles meet the requirements of this section. Indicators and alarms 61. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that where its transportation vehicles have a ramp, lifting device or a kneeling function, each of them is equipped with a visual warning lamp indicator mounted on the exterior near the mobility aid accessible door and with an audible warning alarm. (2) The visual warning lamp indicator and the audible warning alarm must function when the kneeling function, ramp or lifting device is in motion. (3) If a ramp or lifting device is being manually operated, no warning lamp indicator or warning alarm is required. (4) This section applies, in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. . 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter -city rail. 82 M (5) Despite subsection (4),. this section does not apply to vehicles regulated under Regulation 629 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Vehicles for the Transportation of Physically Disabled Passengers) under the Highway Traffic Act. (6) Conventional transportation service providers shall comply with the requirements of this section in respect of its vehicle to which the section applies that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2013. (7) Despite subsection (6), where a conventional transportation service provider enters into a contractual obligation to purchase new or used vehicles of the type referenced in subsection (4) on or after July 1, 2011, the transportation service provider shall ensure the vehicles meet the requirements of this section. (8) Subsection (7) does not apply if the installation of the warning lamp indicator or warning alarm would impair the structural integrity of the vehicle. Accessibility, rail cars 62. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider whose transportation services include light rail, commuter rail or inter -city rail shall ensure that at least one rail car per train is accessible to persons with disabilities who use mobility aids. (2) Every conventional transportation service provider whose transportation services include light rail, commuter rail or inter -city rail shall ensure that where washrooms are provided on the rail cars there is at least one mobility aid accessible washroom on the mobility aid accessible rail car. (3) Conventional transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of subsection (1) by July 1, 2011. (4) Conventional transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of subsection (2) by January 1, 2013 with respect to trains that are using rail cars manufactured on or after January 1, 2013. (5) Despite subsection (4), where a conventional transportation service provider enters into a contractual obligation to purchase new or used rail cars on or after July 1, 2011, it shall ensure that trains that are using such rail cars meet the requirements of subsection (2). (6) Subsection (5) does not apply if the installation of the mobility aid accessible washroom would impair the structural integrity of the mobility aid accessible rail car. 41 SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDERS Categories of eligibility 63. (1) Every specialized transportation service provider shall have three categories of eligibility to qualify for specialized transportation services, (a) unconditional eligibility; (b) temporary eligibility; and (c) conditional eligibility. (2) For purposes of eligibility for specialized transportation services, specialized transportation service providers shall categorize persons with disabilities as follows: 1. A person with a disability that prevents them from using conventional transportation services shall be categorized as having unconditional eligibility_ 2. A person with a temporary disability that prevents them from using conventional transportation services shall be categorized as having temporary eligibility. 3. A person with a disability where environmental or physical barriers. limit their ability to consistently use conventional transportation services shall be categorized as having conditional eligibility. (3) A specialized transportation service provider may deny requests for specialized transportation services to persons who are categorized as having temporary eligibility or conditional eligibility if the conventional transportation service is accessible to the person and the person has the ability to use it. (4) Specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2017. Eligibility application process - 64. (1) If a person has completed an application for eligibility for specialized transportation services and the person's eligibility has not been determined within 14 calendar days after the completed application is received by the specialized transportation service provider, the person shall .be considered to have temporary eligibility for specialized transportation services until a decision on his or her eligibility is made. (2) A specialized transportation service provider shall not charge a fee to persons with disabilities who apply or who are considered eligible for specialized transportation services. 42 (3) A specialized transportation service provider may require a reassessment of the eligibility of temporarily eligible registrants at reasonable intervals. (4) A specialized transportation service provider shall, upon the request of the person requesting specialized transportation services, make available to the requester all of his or her specialized transportation services eligibility application and decision information in accessible formats. (5) A specialized transportation service provider shall establish anindependent appeal process to review decisions respecting eligibility. (6) An applicant may only appeal a decision with respect to their eligibility for specialized transportation services, if the applicant has new information that was not presented with the original application. (7) A specialized transportation service provider shall make a decision on an appeal with respect to eligibility within 30 calendar days after receiving the complete appeal application, but if a final decision is not made within the 30 days, the applicant shall be granted temporary eligibility until a final decision is made. (8) Specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2014. (9) A specialized transportation service provider shall have policies respecting the collection, use and disclosure of personal information collected for purposes of determining eligibility under this section. (10) In this section, "personal information" means personal information within the meaning of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Emergency or compassionate grounds 65. (1) Specialized transportation service providers shall develop procedures respecting the provision of temporary specialized transportation services earlier than in the 14 calendar days referred to in subsection 64 (1), (a) where the services are required because of an emergency or on compassionate grounds; and (b) there are no other accessible transportation services to meet the person's needs. (2) A person shall apply for the services described in subsection (1) in the manner determined by the specialized transportation service provider. M. 43 (3) Specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2014. Fare parity 66. (1) Where conventional transportation services and specialized transportation services are provided by separate transportation service providers in the same jurisdiction, the specialized transportation service provider shall not charge more than the highest fare charged for conventional transportation services in the same jurisdiction. (2) Specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of subsection (1) by January 1, 2017. (3) Where a transportation service provider provides both conventional transportation services and specialized transportation services, the transportation service. provider shall ensure that there is fare parity between conventional transportation services and specialized transportation services. (4) Transportation service providers to which subsection (3) applies shall meet the requirements of that subsection by January 1, 2013. (5) Where a transportation service provider provides both conventional transportation services and specialized transportation services, the transportation service provider shall ensure that the same fare structure is applied to conventional transportation services and specialized transportation services. (6) Where a transportation service provider provides both conventional transportation services and specialized transportation services, the 'transportation service provider shall ensure that the same fare payment options are available for all transportation services, but alternative options shall be made available to persons with disabilities who cannot because of their disability use a fare payment option. (7) Conventional transportation service providers and specialized transportation service providers shall meet.the requirements of subsections (5) and (7) by January 1, 2013. (8) In this section, "fare structure's means the fare price determined by fare media such as cash, tickets and bulk quantity discounts and by fare category such as adults, seniors and students and bulk quantity discounts., but does not include promotional fares that a transportation service provider may employ from time to time. : 44 I- Visitors 67. (1) Every specialized transportation service provider shall, (a) make specialized, transportation services available to visitors; and (b) consider as eligible, (i) visitors who provide confirmation that they are eligible for specialized transportation services in the jurisdiction in which they reside, or (ii) visitors who meet the specialized transportation services eligibility requirements of the specialized transportation service provider. (2) Every specialized transportation service provider shall develop criteria to determine who falls into the category of visitor for purposes of this section. (3) Specialized transportation services providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2013. (4) A specialized transportation service provider shall have policies respecting the collection, use and disclosure of personal information collected for purposes of determining eligibility under this section. (5) In this section, "personal information" means personal information within the meaning of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Origin to destination services 68. (1) Every specialized transportation service provider shall provide origin to destination services within its service area that takes into account the abilities of its passengers and that accommodates their abilities. (2) Origin to destination services may include. services on any accessible conventional transportation services. (3) For purposes of this section, origin to destination services refers to the overall package of transportation services that allows a specialized transportation service provider to provide, in a flexible way, transportation services in a manner that best meets the needs of persons with disabilities and includes door-to-door service, if required. (4) Specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by July 1, 2011. MM 45 Co-ordinated service 69. (1) Where specialized transportation services are provided in adjacent municipalities within contiguous urban areas, the specialized transportation service providers shall facilitate connections between their respective services. (2) Specialized transportation service providers to which subsection (1) applies shall determine the accessible stops and drop off locations in the contiguous urban areas that has specialized transportation services. (3) Specialized transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2013. Hours of service 70. (1) Where conventional transportation services and specialized transportation services are provided by separate transportation service providers in the same jurisdiction, the specialized transportation service provider shall ensure that it has, at a minimum, the same hours and days of service as any one of the conventional transportation service providers. (2) Where a transportation service provider provides both conventional transportation services and specialized transportation services, it shall ensure that the specialized transportation services has, at a minimum, the same hours and days of service as the conventional transportation services. (3) Specialized transportation service providers to which subsection (1) applies shall meet the requirements of subsection (1) by January 1, 2017 and transportation service providers to which subsection (2) applies shall meet the requirements of subsection (2) by January 1, 2013. Booking 71. (1) Every specialized transportation service provider shall, where the specialized transportation services require reservations, (a) provide same day service to the extent that it is available; and (b) where same day service is not available, accept booking requests up to three hours before the published end of the service period on the day before the intended day of travel. (2) A specialized transportation service provider to whom subsection (1) applies shall provide accessible means to accept reservations. (3) Specialized transportation services providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2014. 46 Trip restrictions 72. (1) No specialized transportation service provider shall limit the availability of specialized transportation services to persons with disabilities by, (a) restricting the number of trips a person with a disability is able to request; or (b) implementing any policy or operational practice that unreasonably limits the availability of specialized transportation services. (2) Specialized transportation services providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2014. Service delays 73. (1) Every specialized transportation service provider, where the specialized transportation services require reservations, shall provide information on the duration of service delays to affected passengers by a method agreed to by the specialized transportation service provider and passenger. (2) For purposes of this section, a service delay is a delay of 30 minutes or more after the scheduled pick-up time. (3) This section does not apply in respect of delays in service that arise during the trip. (4) Specialized transportation services. providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2013. Companions and children 74. (1) Every specialized transportation service provider shall allow companions to travel with persons with disabilities if space is available and will not result in the denial of service to other persons with disabilities. (2) Every specialized transportation service provider shall allow dependants to travel with a person with a disability who is the parent or guardian of the dependant if appropriate child restraint securement systems and equipment are, if required, available. (3) Specialized transportation services providers shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2012 OTHER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES School transportation 75. (1) This section applies to every school board that provides transportation services for its students. MO N EVA (2) School boards to which this section applies shall, (a) ensure that integrated accessible school transportation services are provided for their students; or (b) ensure that appropriate alternative accessible transportation services are provided for students with disabilities, where in the opinion of the board integrated accessible school transportation services are not possible or not the best option for a student with a disability because of the nature of the disability or safety concerns. (3) School boards to which this section applies shall, in consultation with parents or guardians of students with disabilities, (a) identify students with disabilities before the commencement of each school year or during the school year, based on the needs of the student with a disability; (b) develop'individual school transportation plans for each student with a disability that, (i) detail student assistance needs for each student with a disability, and (ii) include plans for individual student boarding, securement and deboarding; and (c) identify and communicate to the appropriate parties the roles and responsibilities of the transportation provider, the parents or guardians of the student with the disability, the operator of the vehicle used to transport the student, appropriate school staff and the student with the disability. (4) School boards to which this section applies shall meet, (a) the requirements of subsection (2) by July 1, 2011; and (b) the requirements of subsection (3) by January 1, 2014 (5) In this section, "school board" means a "board" as defined in subsection 1 (1) of the Education Act; "transportation services" means transportation that a board provides under section 190 of the Education Act. 41 Public sector organizations 76. (1) Designated public sector organizations described in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 1 that are not primarily in the business of transportation, but that provide transportation services; shall provide accessible vehicles or equivalent services upon request. (2) Designated public sector organizations referred to in subsection (1) shall meet the requirements of this section by July 1, 2011. Ferries 77. (1) Designated public sector organizations that operate ferries that are under provincial jurisdiction shall do so in accordance with the Code of Practice entitled "Ferry Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities" ("the Code"). (2) Designated public sector. organizations that operate ferries to which this section applies shall meet the requirements of sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13 and 3 of the Code by July 1, 2011. (3) Designated public sector organizations that operate ferries to which this section applies shall ensure that its ferries that -are manufactured on or after July 1, 2013 meet the requirements of sections 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18 and 2.19 of the Code. (4) The following sections apply, as of the date set out in the sections, with necessary modifications, to ferries to which this section applies: 1. Section 34, (Availability. of information on accessibility equipment, etc.)). 2. Section 36 (Accessibility training). 3. Section 37 (Emergency preparedness and response policies). 4. Section 38 (Fares, support persons). 5. Section 44 (General responsibilities). 6. Section 46 (Fares). 7. Section 48 (Storage of mobility aids, etc.) 8. Section 50 (Service disruptions). (5) In this section, 91 "ferry" means a vessel providing passenger transportation services solely within the province of Ontario, transporting passengers only or passengers and motor vehicles, that may be used by the general public and that weighs 1000 gross tonnes or more; "Ferry Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities" means the document referred to as a Code of Practice entitled "Ferry Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities", published by the Canadian Transportation Agency and dated 1999! . DUTIES OF MUNICIPALITIES AND TAXICABS Duties of municipalities, general 78. (1) The council of every municipality described in subsection 29 (1) of the Act shall consult with its municipal accessibility advisory committee, the public and persons with disabilities in the development of accessible design criteria to be considered in the construction Or replacement of bus stops and shelters. (2) The council of every municipality described in subsection 29 (1) of the Act shall identify planning for accessible bus stops and shelters in its accessibility plan required under Part I. (3) The council of every municipality described in subsection 29 (1) of the Act shall consult with its municipal accessibility advisory committee, the public and persons with disabilities to determine the proportion of on -demand accessible taxicabs required in the community. (4) The council of every municipality described in subsection 29 (1) of the Act shall identify progress made toward meeting the need for accessible taxicabs in its accessibility plan required under Part I. (5) Municipalities described in subsection 29 (1) of the Act shall meet the requirements of this section by January 1, 2013. (6) In this section, "accessible taxicab" means an accessible taxicab as defined in section 1-of Regulation 629 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Vehicles for the Transportation of Physically Disabled Persons) made under the Highway Traffic Act. Duties of municipalities, taxicabs 79. (1) Any municipality that licences taxicabs shall ensure that owners and operators of taxicabs are prohibited, (a) from charging a higher fare or an additional fee for persons with disabilities than for persons without disabilities for the same trip; and (b) from charging a fee for the storage of mobility aids or mobility assistive devices. 92 50 . (2) Any municipality that licences taxicabs shall ensure that owners and operators of taxicabs shall place vehicle registration and identification information on the rear bumper of the taxicab. (3) The information in subsection (2) shall meet the requirements of subsection58 (3). (4) Municipalities described in this section shall meet the requirements in this section, (a) by July 1, 2011, in respect of subsection (1); and (b) by January 1, 2012, in respect of subsection (2). PART V COMPLIANCE Application 80. This Part applies in respect to this Regulation and Ontario Regulation 429/07 (Accessibility Standards for Customer Service) made under the Act. Definition 81. In this Part, "corporation" means any corporation with or without share capital wherever or however incorporated and. includes a corporation with or without share capital that is incorporated or continued otherwise than by or under the authority of an Act of the Legislature. Amount of administrative penalty 82. (1) For purposes of paragraph 3 of subsection 21 (3), paragraph 2 of subsection 21 (4), subsection 21 (5) and paragraph 2 of subsection 33 (8) of the Act, a director shall determine the amount of the administrative penalty according to the following rules: The director shall determine whether, in his or her opinion, the severity of the impact of the contravention is of a minor, moderate or major nature. 2. The director shall determine the contravention history of the person or organization over the current two reporting cycles period. 3. The director shall determine whether the person or organization is a corporation or an individual or unincorporated organization. 93 4. Based on the determinations made in accordance with paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, and subject to paragraph 5, the director shall determine the amount of administrative penalty using Schedule 2, in the case of an individual or unincorporated organization, or Schedule 3, in the case of a corporation. 5. In cases where the impact of the contravention is determined to be major and the contravention history of the person or organization is determined to be major, the director may treat the penalty determined in accordance with Schedule 2 or 3 as a daily penalty to a maximum of, i. $100,000, in the case of a corporation, and ii. $50,000, in the case of an individual or unincorporated organization. (2) For purposes. of paragraph 1 of subsection (1), the severity of the impact of the contravention shall be determined by ranking the contravention as minor, moderate or major in the following manner: 1. A contravention is minor where it involves the contravention of an administrative requirement. 2. A contravention is moderate where it involves the contravention of a requirement for organizational _preparedness. 3. A contravention is major where it involves the contravention • of a priority requirement that includes, but is not limited to, a contravention that may pose a health or safety risk to persons with disabilities. (3) For purposes of paragraph 2 of subsection (1), the contravention history of the person or organization shall be determined by ranking it as minor, moderate or major in the following manner: 1. A contravention history is minor where there has been no more than one previous contravention within the current two reporting cycles period. 2. A contravention history is moderate where there has been between two and five previous contraventions within the current two reporting cycles period. 3. A contravention history is major where there has been six or more previous contraventions within the current two reporting cycles period. (4) For purposes of this section and subject to subsection (7), the current two reporting cycles period is determined as follows: 94 52 ' 1. A reporting cycle corresponds to the cycle within which a person or organization must file an accessibility report under subsection 14 (1) of the Act and begins on the first day the person or organization must file the report and ends on the last day before the next report must be filed. 2. Subject to paragraph 3, the current two reporting cycles period refers to the period that begins on the first day of a reporting cycle ("the first reporting cycle") and ends on the last day of the next reporting cycle ("the second reporting cycle"). 3. The first reporting cycle in a current.two reporting cycles period commences as an odd reporting cycle, as in the first reporting cycle, the third reporting cycle and the fifth reporting cycle, and the second reporting cycle in a current two reporting cycles period commences as an even reporting cycle. (5) For purposes of determining contravention history in the current two reporting cycles period, on the first day of the first reporting cycle the contravention history of the person or organization is deemed to be zero and on the first day of every odd reporting cycle after that the contravention history of the person or organization is deemed to be zero. (6) If a person or organization filed an accessibility report before July 1, 2011, the two reporting cycles period is calculated from the first day that the person or organization was required to file an accessibility report. (7) For persons or organizations that are exempted from the reporting requirements of subsection 14 (1) of the Act, the two reporting cycles period consists of the 12-month period that begins at the earliest of the following and ends at the end of each 12-month period: 1. The first day that a director requests reports or information from the person or organization under section 17 of the Act. 2. The first day that an inspector requires a person or organization to produce a document, record or thing under subsection 19 (5) of the Act. 3. The first day that the person or organization receives or is deemed to have received a notice of order under subsection 22 (1) of the Act. (8) For persons or organizations to which subsection (7) applies, their contravention history is deemed to be zero at the end of each 12-month period. Review of order 83. For purposes of the review of an order under section 25 of the Act, the following apply: 95 w 53 The person or organization seeking the review must provide a written submission requesting the review, including an explanation as to why the review is sought, within 30 days after theorder was made. 2. The director who reviews the order must be a director other than the director who made the order. 3. If the director reviewing the order decides to vary it, the director may reduce the amount of the administrative penalty but shall not increase the amount of the penalty. Payment of penalty 84: (1) The person or organization that has been ordered to pay an administrative penalty shall pay the penalty within 30 days after the order was made, unless a longer period is specified in the order. (2) Where a person or organization that has been ordered to pay an administrative penalty seeks a review of the order under section 25 of the Act or appeals the order under section 27 of the Act, the person or organization shall pay the penalty within 30 days after the order is dealt with in the review or appeal, unless a different period is specified in the order after the review or appeal. (3) For purposes of subsection (2), where a person or organization both seeks a review of the order and appeals the order, the administrative penalty shall be paid within 30 days after the order of the Tribunal, unless the order of the Tribunal specifies a different period. Designation of tribunal 85. The Licence Appeal Tribunal is designated as the tribunal for purposes of section 26 of the Act. Commencement 86. This Regulation comes into force on the later of July 1, 2011 and the day it is filed. SCHBDULEI BROADER PUBLIC SECTOR 1., Every district school board as defined in section 1 of the Education Act. 2. Every hospital as defined in section 1 of the Public Hospitals Act. 3. Every college of applied arts and technology established under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002. 4. Every university in Ontario, including its affiliated and federated colleges, that receives operating grants from the Government of Ontario. 54 5. Every public transportation organization in Ontario, including any municipally operated transportation services for persons with disabilities, that provides services for which a fare is charged for transporting the public by vehicles that are operated, i. - by, for or on behalf of the Government of Ontario, a municipality, a local board of a municipality or a transit or transportation commission or authority, ii. under an agreement between the Government of Ontario and a person, firm, corporation, or transit or transportation commission or authority, or r iii. under an agreement between a municipality and a person, firm, corporation or transit or transportation commission or authority. S CIIEDULE 2 ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR UNINCORPORATED ORGANIZATIONS Impact of Contravention: Major Moderate Minor Contravention History: Major $2,000 $1 000 $500 Moderate $1,000 $500 $250 Minor $500 $250 $200 , SCHEDULE 3 ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES FOR CORPORATIONS Impact of Contravention: I Major I Moderate I Minor Contravention History: Major $15,0001 $10,0001 $5 000 Moderate $10,000 j $5,0001. $2,500 Minor $2,000 $1000 $500 97