Accessibility
Accessibility is premised on ensuring that practices, activities, functions and environments are meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible. It is about identifying and responding to conditions of in-access, about providing equitable opportunities and options, regardless of a person’s abilities or circumstances. In education, accessibility is a core component in being intentional about inclusion for persons with disabilities.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Education Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, and the Ontario Building Code are some of the laws in Ontario that are vital to KPR’s commitment to maximum accessibility for staff, students and other members of the KPR community.
The AODA seeks to ensure that all Ontarians have fair and equitable access to programs and services and to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities. It does this by setting accessibility standards that KPR must meet. By removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in their community lives, the ultimate goal of the AODA is to create a universally accessible and inclusive society.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
The government of Ontario passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in 2005 with the goal of making Ontario accessible by 2025. The AODA was created in response to a history of barriers and discrimination against people with disabilities in Ontario, and with the following purpose:
"To benefit all Ontarians by developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards in order to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises on or before January 1, 2025."
The AODA applies to all private and public sector organizations, including all school boards. The accessibility standards under the AODA, along with some general requirements, are collectively known as the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR).
Barriers to Accessibility
A barrier is anything that prevents a person with or who experiences a disability from participating in society. There are five main types of barriers to accessibility.
Attitudinal Barriers |
Attitudinal barriers are inaccurate beliefs and perceptions about people with disabilities based on assumptions and stereotypes. Attitudinal barriers are the most pervasive type of barrier.
Some examples of attitudinal barriers include:
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Physical Barriers |
Physical (or architectural) barriers are anything in the built environment or design of public spaces that prevent access to goods, services, and/or facilities. Some examples of physical barriers include:
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Communication Barriers |
Communication (or information) barriers prevent people from understanding or accessing information in a meaningful way. Some examples of communication barriers include:
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Systemic Barriers |
Systemic (or organizational) barriers are usually created through policies, procedures and practices that apply to everyone, but are unfair or inequitable to certain people. Examples of systemic barriers include:
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Technology Barriers |
Technology barriers are digital or virtual platforms that are not designed to be user-friendly or with consideration for people with disabilities. Technology barriers often relate to communication barriers. Some examples of technology barriers include:
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We invite you to complete the Report It! form to identify and communicate any barrier(s) to accessibility that prevents a person with a disability from accessing any services, facilities or opportunities at KPRDSB.
Requesting Accessible Formats
The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is committed to ensuring that all of our services meet the highest standards of accessibility for persons with disabilities. Please contact kpr_info@kprdsb.ca or 1 (877)741-4577 ext. 2001 to request publicly available KPR documents in accessible formats. Accessible documentation requests can be made for:
- Educational or training resources and materials;
- Student records and information related to program requirements, availability and descriptions;
- Emergency procedures, plans, and public safety information; and
- Board policies.
Making Feedback Accessible
The Board strives to ensure that feedback processes are made accessible to persons with disabilities. To request an alternative method of providing and receiving feedback, please contact:
kpr_info@kprdsb.ca or, 1 (877)741-4577 ext. 2001
Accessibility Information and Resources
- Accessibility at KPRDSB Brochure
- KPR's Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
- KPR's Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Status Report
- Accessibility Features of KPRDSB Buildings Information Sheet
Recommended Websites and Resources |
DISCLAIMER: Hyperlinks are provided above with the intent of assisting users in researching issues and topics. There may be websites linked from this site that are operated by organizations outside of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB). These organizations are solely responsible for the operation and information found on their sites. Linking from this site does not imply any endorsement of the organization or information found on the website. Any comments or inquiries regarding the linked websites should be directed to the organization operating the website. |
Strategies for School and Classroom |
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