According to Statistics Canada, in 2017, 22% of Canadians aged 15 years and over identified as having one or more disabilities and more than half (55.8%) reported having a physical disability. Among those with physical disabilities, 44.9% required at least one type of aid or assistive device, or an accessibility feature within their home, including ramps, a walk-in bath or shower, a lift device or elevator, lowered counters, or automatic doors.
In response, Canada’s top real estate development and accessibility leaders recently launched the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition (AAC), with the support of founding partners, including CivicAction.
To support home builders in prioritizing physical accessibility, Accessibility Toolbox was developed. The Toolbox highlights the work and best practices of participating coalition partners including standards, certifications, expert services, and connections to organizations representing people with disabilities.
Maayan Ziv, Founder and CEO, Access Now, says, “We hear far too often how Canadians with disabilities still face barriers to access safe, accessible, and affordable housing. Every person should have equitable access to basics of daily living. As a collective and as a country, we can and must do better to ensure disabled people are treated equitably, and with dignity.”
At CivicAction, we are committed to building an urban region that is more inclusive and prosperous for all. We are thrilled to support an initiative like the AAC that catalyzes action for the common purpose of creating a more inclusive and prosperous region where people of all ages and abilities can participate fully in society.