Accessibility 

Persons with disabilities represent a significant and growing part of our population. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 1.9 million Ontarians are living with disabilities, this is 16% of the population. It is estimated that by 2025 20% of the population will be living with a disability. Enhancing the ability of persons with disabilities to live independently and contribute to the community will have positive effects on the future prosperity of Brantford and Ontario as a whole.

The City of Brantford has always taken a proactive role in enhancing accessibility in its many facilities and services offered. In working to increase accessibility all types of disabilities are considered.

Since 1991 the City of Brantford has been seeking the advice of outside agencies that specialize in assisting individuals with a variety of disabilities.  As well, citizens who know first hand the barriers that are involved in trying to access facilities and services while living with a disability have been consulted. In 2004 a formal advisory committee was created, and since that time it has played an active part in the completion of many projects.

In 2001, Brantford City Council adopted the Principles and Standards of Universal Design to be used in the construction of City buildings and renovations when deemed financially feasible. The Principles and Standards of Universal Design are a set of general guidelines that ensure all products and environments are serviceable, by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without need for adaptation or specialized design. A complete list of the Principles can be found in the City's Municipal Accessibility Plans. In 2009 Council adopted the Brantford Facility Accessibility Design Standards (FADS) to be used in conjunction with the Principles and Standards of Universal Design. The FADS are a set of standardized measurements that will allow the same level of accessibility for all individuals, regardless of level of ability, in all barrier free construction and renovations.

The City of Brantford is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and its associated legislation.

If you have any questions regarding accessibility within the City of Brantford, please contact the Coordinator of the Municipal Accessibility Plan:

Jenny Sawicki

Phone: 519-759-4150 ext. 2266   E-Mail: jsawicki@brantford.ca   Fax: 519-759-0561

100 Wellington Square, P.O. Box 818, Brantford, Ontario  N3T 5R7