IDPWD2024 Panel

Introduction to Event
- Host: Nikki Sassa Mitchell, Coordinator for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization at King's University College.
- Focus: Panel discussion on accessibility and the future of a fully accessible Ontario post-AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act).
Land Acknowledgment
- Presented by Angela Koehr: Acknowledgment of the traditional lands occupied by indigenous peoples (Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Lenapequa).
- Importance of recognizing colonization's impact on indigenous and disabled communities in Canada, alongside a commitment to equity and accessibility.
Panelists Introduction
- Patrick Case: Former Assistant Deputy Minister in Education; expert on human rights.
- Tracy McCharles: Former Ontario MPP, Minister responsible for accessibility.
- Frances Elizabeth Moore: Anishinaabe Kwe from Temiscaming First Nations; advocate for indigenous issues and accessibility.
- Melanie Stone: Accessibility and Inclusion Adviser for the City of London; instructor in disability studies.
- Nicole Turner: Operational Specialist at London Health Sciences Centre; experience in pediatric healthcare.
- Moderator: Dr. Jeff Preston, Associate Professor and Chair of Disability Studies.

Historical Context
- Reference to AODA's promise for Ontario to be fully accessible by 2020 and the reality of gaps in accessibility by 2025.
AODA Reflection
- Nicole shares experiences in healthcare regarding AODA compliance audits and limitations in enforcement. Highlights the need for a more robust and accountable AODA framework.
- Frances emphasizes community-based organizing over institutional processes, noting grassroots efforts have led to better inclusivity compared to larger organizations and nonprofits.
- Melanie discusses how the municipal sector interprets and implements AODA, detailing challenges and innovations in achieving accessibility in public services.

Different Perspectives on AODA
- Tracy reflects on community engagement and advocacy for inclusion within legislative processes.
- Patrick critiques past special education policies that failed to integrate disability rights and education needs adequately.
- Collective acknowledgment that AODA is beneficial yet insufficient in addressing systemic barriers and achieving representation.

Moving Forward
- Consensus on the necessity of leadership, representation, and inclusion of disabled voices in legislative efforts.
- Discussion on the importance of community accountability, representation in government roles, and enhancing education on disability rights.

Advocacy and Awareness
- Acknowledging efforts to create a dialogue on inclusion and accessibility within communities.
- Emphasis on the importance of education and community organization in advocating for systemic change.

Legislative Recommendations
- Tracy suggests creating a full-time ministerial role focused on accessibility, emphasizing not just compliance but the necessity for leadership.
- Patrick views specialized agency roles within ministries as essential to ensure accountability and effective change.
- Melanie promotes the idea that legislative frameworks need to be supplemented by community initiatives for accessibility and inclusion.

Market Forces & Accessibility
- A discussion about how businesses perceive accessibility as a financial burden versus a communal benefit.
- Importance of developing frameworks that encourage businesses, especially small ones, to engage with accessibility, alongside systemic support from governments.

Call to Action
- Acknowledgment that while government plays a role in legislation, real change must come from community engagement and individual responsibility.
- Reminder of the need for collective effort in dismantling barriers faced by people with disabilities and fostering inclusivity in all spaces.