he Accessibility Directorate of Ontario – On the Move

Ministry of Community and Social Services Deputy Minister’s Office Hepburn Block Queen’s Park Toronto ON  M7A 1E9 Tel.: (416) 325-5225 Fax: (416) 325-5240

Ministère des Services sociaux et communautaires Bureau du sous-ministre Édifice Helpburn Queen’s Park Toronto ON  M7A 1E9 Tel.: (416) 325-5225 Téléc: (416) 325-5240

February 20, 2013

The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario – On the Move

Ontario is a world leader in ensuring a more accessible place for all, where every resident or visitor can participate fully. Ontario’s groundbreaking 2005 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act has resulted in new regulations and standards which are now in place to ensure all organizations take steps to both provide accessible customer service and build the accessibility needs of their employees into their human resources practices.

Since 2005, the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO) has been working with the disability, private and public sectors to develop and enforce accessibility standards, and promote greater accessibility awareness throughout the province.

The transfer of the ADO from our ministry to the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment announced in yesterday’s Throne Speech is the natural next step in the evolution of Ontario’s accessibility journey.

As partners in the collective effort to build a more inclusive Ontario, you are undoubtedly aware that in the next 20 years people with disabilities will represent 20 per cent of Ontario’s total population, and combined with an aging population, will represent 40 per cent of total income in Ontario — a major engine of Ontario’s future economy. A more accessible Ontario is good for our economy and our communities and will help generate $9.6 billion in new retail spending in the coming years, all of which will generate jobs and a contribute to a healthier economy.

The government is committed to a province which provides a level playing field for all, and has called on the private sector to increase the number of people with disabilities in the Ontario workforce. Aligning the ADO with Economic Development, Trade and Employment will ensure the employment potential of those living with a disability, and further advance the economic benefits for our businesses and communities. Having the vision and objectives of a more accessible Ontario fully linked with the province’s economic development and employment agenda represents an exciting and historical new phase for the ADO and the 1.85 million Ontarians who have a disability.

In the coming weeks and months, the plans for future actions and advances to realize that potential will become clearer, and the ADO will keep you informed of any changes or new developments associated with its transfer to a new home ministry.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services is very proud of the achievements and inroads which have been realized, and the leadership and commitment which the ADO and its staff have demonstrated while the Directorate has been with us. I am confident its commitment of partnership with you will continue as strong as ever as you continue your shared mission of achieving inclusion and employment opportunities for all Ontarians.

Should you have any additional questions in the coming days, I encourage you to connect with your usual contacts within the ADO.

Sincerely,

Marg Rappolt
Deputy Minister

La Clé d’la Baie Unveils Its New Logo!

Pour diffusion immédiate

Communiqué de presse

Penetanguishene, le 19 février 2013

C’est dans le cadre des festivités du carnaval d’hiver de Penetanguishene, devant plus de cinquante personnes, que le nouveau logo de La Clé d’la Baie a été dévoilé par le conseil d’administration et le personnel, samedi le 16 février 2013.

Depuis sa création en 1996, La Clé a diversifié et a augmenté ses services et ses programmes dans le comté de Simcoe, «nous voulions une image plus moderne, pertinente et représentative de l’organisme» a mentionné Madame Claudette Paquin, présidente du conseil d’administration de La Clé.

Quoique le nom légal de l’organisme ne change pas, «~La Clé~» sera maintenant le nom utilisé pour toutes activités promotionnelles et commerciales. La fleur du trille représente l'emblème de l'Ontario~; la fleur de lys verte la francophonie ontarienne~; la fleur de lys bleue la francophonie québécoise (par respect des nombreux Québécois qui vivent dans le comté) et la fleur de lys rouge la francophonie canadienne. D’autre part, les fleurs de lys pointant vers le centre, à l'intérieur du trille, signifient l'inclusion et représente la communauté francophone.  La vague, quant à elle, représente l’eau qui nous entoure.

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La Clé – organisme catalyseur travaillant à la promotion de la participation active des membres de la communauté, recherchant l’épanouissement et le développement harmonieux de la communauté, engagé à maintenir et à défendre les droits de la francophonie d’ici et d’ailleurs et à améliorer la qualité de vie et le mieux-être de la communauté francophone tout en lui permettant de vivre pleinement sa langue, sa culture, son identité et son héritage.

Renseignements~:

Claudette Paquin, présidente

La Clé d’la Baie en Huronie

claudettepaquin@yahoo.ca

      

 Press Release

La Clé d’la Baie Unveils Its New Logo!

Penetanguishene, February 19, 2013

During the Penetanguishene Winterama celebrations, on Saturday February 16, 2013, the new logo of La Clé d’la Baie was unveiled in front of a group of over 50 people by the Board of Directors and staff.

Since its inception in 1996, La Clé has diversified and expanded its programs and services throughout Simcoe County, “so we desired a modern and relevant image that is representative of our organisation” stated Madame Claudette Paquin, President of the Board of Directors of La Clé.

While the corporate legal name is unchanged,~“La Clé”~will now be the trade name for all promotional and commercial activities. The Trillium emblem represents Ontario; the green Fleur-de-lys represents the francophones of Ontario; the blue Fleur-de-lys represents Quebec francophones (recognising the numerous Quebecois who live in the county) and the red Fleur-de-lys is for Canadian francophones. In addition, the three Fleurs-de-lis point to the centre of the Trillium, which signifies inclusiveness and is representative of the francophone community.  Finally, representing the waters that surround us, the wave.

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La  Clé – a  catalyst organization working to promote active participation from community members, to seek balanced growth and development of the community, to commit to preserving and defending Francophone rights locally and elsewhere, and to enhance quality of life and well-being in the Francophone community while allowing it to fully live its language, its culture, its identity, and its heritage.

Information:

Claudette Paquin, Chair of the Board

La Clé d’la Baie en Huronie

claudettepaquin@yahoo.ca

Used Assistive Devices get new life!

 January 9, 2012

Used Assistive Devices get new life!

Independent Living Services of Simcoe County and Area (ILS) is a local, not-for-profit, charitable organization, founded in 1976 that exists to provide support and services to adults with physical disabilities or limitations to assist them to lead dignified, productive and independent lives. 

In 2008, the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integrated Network (NSM LHIN) supported the creation of the Accessibility Resource Centre (ARC) to guide mature adults through health transitions requiring assistive devices and other accessibility needs to continue to live safely at home.  Since its inception, ARC has assisted hundreds of seniors in obtaining financial support, through government and community sources, to purchase assistive devices which enable them to live safely and independently within the community. 

There is a growing demand for assistive devices and an increased need for financial assistance to purchase those devices. Many pieces of equipment are no longer being used. These assistive devices are often stored in basements and garages gathering dust, and cluttering homes, or they are dumped in local landfills. ARC is excited to announce a brand new service to address this issue.

The Assistive Device Exchange is a website, developed with the generous support of Community Connections and United Way of Greater Simcoe County, which allows used equipment to be re-used.  People with equipment, they no longer need, may list the equipment either for sale, or offer it for free. People who need equipment can search the website to obtain equipment at reduced or no cost.  

Re-use of equipment helps everyone:  De-clutter homes! Save money! Reduce waste!

Find, sell or give away equipment on the Assistive Device Exchange website today at www.assistivedeviceexchange.ca

Quotes:

Alison Pickard, CEO of United Way of Greater Simcoe County:

“This program is exactly what we mean when we talk about Community Impact.  It neatly fits the definition - identify a problem that impacts people’s safety, health , lack of finances and independence (one or two would work but especially when they ALL do) , grab it, research it , think creatively in  finding a solution – embrace partners along the way and be courageous in finding a unique solution. When the solution involves the environment as well - reduce, recycle and reuse - even more value is added.” 

Jill Tettmann, CEO NSM LHINLHIN:

“Finding ways to help North Simcoe Muskoka residents receive the support they need in order to stay in their homes is what community care is all about.  We believe the Exchange will enable everyone to come together with that common goal, and we applaud the initiative and innovation that brought this about.”

Dan McGale, E.D. Independent Living Services of Simcoe County

“The ability to use the support of various funders has assisted in developing a local solution to address this community problem.  The cooperation and partnership with community groups, and service clubs, has been essential in pulling this project together.  We look forward to its continued operations in Simcoe Muskoka.”

Quick facts:

Close to 2 million Ontarians have a disability – the majority involve mobility and require assistive devices.   - Stats Canada 2006

The number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to more than double from 1.9 million, or 14.2 per cent of population in 2011, to 4.2 million, or 23.6 per cent, by 2036.  By 2017, for the first time, seniors will account for a larger share of population than children aged 0–14. - Ontario Population Projections Spring 2012

The government will help 90,000 more seniors to receive care at home and fund an additional three million Personal Support Worker hours over the next three years.  – Ontario’s Action Plan for Healthcare

For further information on Independent Living Services, and the Assistive Device Resource Centre, please visit www.ilssimcoe.ca or mtizzard@ilssimcoe.ca at 705-737-3263.