A recent study conducted by Ontario March of Dimes shows that the majority of Ontario’s universities and colleges are complying with government legislation to make postsecondary institutions accessible to students with disabilities.

As part of a submission to the Postsecondary Education Review of the Ontario Government, Ontario March of Dimes collected the Accessibility Plans for each college and university in Ontario. Each individual plan was given a pass, conditional pass or fail, based on the general criteria established in the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA).

The study found that out of the 44 provincially chartered post secondary institutions in Ontario only two failed to prepare accessibility plans – as required by law.

“It is very encouraging that after the introduction of the ODA in 2001, most colleges and universities fulfilled their legal requirement to prepare accessibility plans,” says Andria Spindel, President and CEO of Ontario March of Dimes.

“In order to create inclusive campuses, all Ontario colleges and universities must eliminate the physical and attitudinal barriers that prevent people with disabilities from attending post secondary institutions both as students and as faculty,” says Spindel.

All Accessibility Plans were to be made available to the public no later than September 30, 2003. Ontario March of Dimes conducted this research in the fall of 2004. The two educational institutions that did not comply with the legislation have since developed plans.

The results from the Ontario March of Dimes study were presented to the Postsecondary Education Review committee, along with recommendations on how to further advance accessibility at Ontario’s colleges and universities.

“Accessibility is one of the most important features of any education system,” adds Spindel. “Some of the transformation has begun, but much more work is needed to create inclusive institutions.”

Read the formal:
Submission of Ontario March of Dimes to the Postsecondary Review
(200 KB file)