Accessibility

Accessibility is everybody's business

Opinion: Accessibility is everybody’s business

Society benefits, and invariably prospers, when people everywhere can more easily share their experience, knowledge and culture and exercise their spending powers
Accessible public bathrooms show bad form

Accessible public bathrooms show bad form

Low-cost investments and practical adjustments to the configuration of fixtures could improve safety, convenience and assurance for people with disabilities.
Accessibility carries a simple business case

Accessibility carries a simple business case

Many commercial real estate operators are making the simple business case for buildings that are functional for all potential users. It’s a quest that can begin with simple investigations, simple low-cost measures and simple mindfulness.
accessibility momentum

Accessibility tracks sustainability trajectory

Market pressure and industry competitiveness could propel accessible commercial real estate in the coming decade, much the way those complementary forces have already bolstered energy efficiency and low-carbon footprints.
scrutiny of accessibility

Ontario aims to relax scrutiny of accessibility

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing says the underlying principle of improving accessibility will be maintained, and connects the revisions to the government's commitment to cut red tape that is slowing down the production of new housing.
people with disabilities

Homes not so sweet for people with disabilities

One third of survey respondents acknowledge that their homes could be problematic for residents or visitors with a disability, while more than one quarter of those who currently report a disability are planning to move.
accessibility

Accessible fire safety tips for property managers

Accessibility advocates see the built environment as a laggard when it comes to fire safety, especially for people with disabilities.
employment standards

How FMs can support employment standards

The latest phase of accessibility regulations in Ontario may concern employment standards, but facility managers have a role to play in compliance.
REMI

Accessibility, ergonomics and AODA compliance

As of 2015, anyone renovating or constructing a public space must meet new building code requirements. Here's how one company achieved AODA compliance.
Universal design

Expanding the frontiers of universal design

Universal design encompasses much more than physical accessibility, as three Interior Designers of Canada members recently explained in a panel discussion.

Tips for accessible, AODA-friendly buildings

Legislation regarding the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) can be an advantage for property managers and building owners, says Colin McCarthy, founder of

Compliance with AODA lessens liability risk

Many of Ontario’s building owners and managers are now struggling to decipher requirements for barrier-free access in the Ontario Building Code (OBC), under the Accessibility

Co-existing in mixed-use condominiums

Mixed-use condominiums, which include both a commercial and a residential component, provide commercial owners with potential on-site clientele and condominium owners with the convenience of having
FirstService Residential

Toronto eyes time limit for elevator repairs

Property owners and managers may eventually face not only frustrated residents and tenants when elevators have to be taken offline, but also a time limit
REMI

Barriers abound in existing built environment

Voluntary action will continue to be the predominant dismantler of barriers in Ontario’s built environment and landscapes ...

Gearing up for a new AODA round

Timelines to implement standards for integrated accessibility regulation (IAR), which encompass accessibility standards in three areas (information and communication, employment and transportation), have been set.