National AccessAbility Week

The Brantford Accessibility Advisory Committee (BAAC) has been supporting the City of Brantford in its commitment to accessibility and creating an inclusive community for many years. A significant part of this is bringing awareness to the importance of accessibility of facilities and services and how it can enhance the lives of residents and visitors. As part of this awareness BAAC has been encouraging Brantford’s participation in National AccessAbility Week since 2010.

National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), previously identified as Disability Awareness Week and then as National Access Awareness Week, was established in 1988. In response to Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion tour, NAAW was created to continue to the promotion of better community access for people with disabilities. NAAW is traditionally celebrated during the week that includes June 1st to mark the anniversary of the conclusion of Rick Hansen's Man in Motion world tour in 1987.

The primary goal of NAAW is to raise public awareness of existing barriers that prevent citizens with disabilities from full and equal participation in all aspects of their community and what may be done to correct these problems. Focus should also be given to examples of best practices and advancements made towards full inclusion for citizens with disabilities.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is an Ontario law since 2005 mandating that organizations must follow accessibility standards for people with disabilities. This act aims to make the province fully accessible by 2025, including all levels of government, private sectors, and non-profits.

Accessible Parking permits are issued to an individual or business, and not a vehicle. When the permit is displayed on the dashboard, that individual or business can access accessible parking spaces. Those with an accessible parking pass receive free parking in municipal parking lots and are exempt from the City’s re-park by-law. It’s important to leave these designated parking spots to those with an accessible parking pass who require them for mobility issues. The hatched lines next to an accessible parking lot serve a purpose of ensuring there is enough space for the person using an assistive device to access their vehicle.

The City is in the process of installing a series of tactile walking surface indicators in high traffic areas to provide important cues for people who are blind or who have low vision. These are intended to help warn people who are blind or visually impaired of the approaching street or other hazards such as stairs. These indicators are included in any new intersection, construction or rebuild/retrofit throughout the City.

Crossing Signals that include audio assist those with low or no vision. To activate the system, the tactile button must be held for at least three seconds before the system will chirp for East West or “cookoo” for North South to notify the pedestrian of which way to cross. The locator tone also assists pedestrians in finding the system. The City currently has 40 audible pedestrian crossing signals installed. To report a malfunctioning system, please call the City’s Contact Centre at 519-759-4150.

The City, in partnership with the CNIB foundation have installed beacons that work in tandem with BlindSquare, a free smartphone app, that provides navigational information about the layout of a space, such as the washrooms are located at three o'clock, have been installed at numerous City facilities. These include the Brantford Civic Centre, City Hall, Farmers Market, Sanderson Centre, Transit Terminal, and Wayne Gretzky Centre.

If you see one of the Blindsquare beacons at one of our facilities, please do not touch or move.

Brantford Transit and Brantford Lift provide accessible transit in the City. All of the City of Brantford transit services are fully accessible. In addition, Go Transit provides accessible bus service between Brantford and the Aldershot Go Station and Via Rail provides accessible train services to all Via Rail train stations.

You can request a document in another format by filling out the alternative format request form or by contacting accessibility@brantford.ca for other accommodations.

The best way to assist someone with a disability is to always ask “may I help” or “how can I help”, be respectful of service animals, and provide accommodations if requested. Speak directly to people and be aware of their personal space. Always ask for permission prior to touching, moving, or leaning on mobility aids.