Dynamic Accessibility Support Team by https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79 en-us 2021-12-13 23:52:21 UTC 2023-05-25 06:31:36 UTC hello@padlet.com What is the social problem/need you have identified? luke_18 https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1945775340 The social issue that we have identified is inclusion and in particular the rights of individuals who are disabled.  One of the social problems associated with disability rights is discrimination in the workplace and the lack of accessibility for those with disabilities.]]> 2021-12-13 23:55:21 UTC https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1945775340 Why does this problem exist? luke_18 https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1945779002 This problem exists due to how people's disabilities have historically been treated in society. For many generations, society has treated individuals with disabilities as not whole and therefore not entitled to the same respect and privileges as the rest of society. It wasn’t that long ago that having a child with a disability brought shame on a family and in some cultures, it resulted in genocide. In modern times homes and institutions were built to house individuals with disabilities and that is still a practice to this date. Since society favours able-bodied and non-visible disabilities the discrimination towards disabled people was not unusual as there were no advocacy groups for the disabled. This led to workplace policies, culture and structures not addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. Many companies continue to ignore the needs of individuals with disabilities as they do not see these individuals as contributors to society and thus do not feel the need to spend capital to be inclusive. . As we become more educated and aware of how full inclusion helps a society prosper we also become aware of how change must be mandated. This also includes individuals and advocacy groups having a voice in the changes required to include individuals with disabilities. In an employment setting, in Canada, under the Criminal Code, employers have a legal duty to provide accommodations for people with disabilities if they need them during the hiring and employment process. Despite these laws, many employers have yet to fully embrace the changes needed. In some situations, it is a matter of finances and in others, it is simply they do not know where to begin with change and they do not have individuals who can guide the change through the lens of a disabled person.]]> 2021-12-13 23:59:27 UTC https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1945779002 What is a current solution that is not working? luke_18 https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948249537 A current solution that is not working is the building of ramps to enter and exit establishments.  Although the employer is saying individuals who may have mobility issues are welcomed often the employer has not addressed other disabilities such as visually impaired,  hearing impaired.  You may also find that the inside of the establishment has not been set up to include even those with mobility issues such as widening isles, not having bulk-outs in the middle of isles or providing a lower counter for transactions at the registers. ]]> 2021-12-15 00:11:22 UTC https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948249537 luke_18 https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948253570 The AODA’s regulations establish the accessibility standards. An accessibility standard ("the standard") applies only to a person or organization that does at least one of the following activities:

provides goods, services or facilities
employs people in Ontario
offers accommodation
owns or occupies a building, a structure or a premises
plays a part in a business or other activity that the regulations may identify.

The standard gives information about how to identify and remove barriers and a time schedule for meeting the standard [PART III, section 6].
]]> 2021-12-15 00:14:41 UTC https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948253570 luke_18 https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948255267 This article talks about housing however, the same view and mentality is applied everywhere

“The problem was it is extremely challenging to address accessibility issues after the building has been built. That is the reality of it. Retrofitting, renovating, making some of these changes afterwards is really costly. Some of the stuff we could do, but a lot of the things we said, ‘I’m sorry, we can’t do that,’” said Cohen, who is now Daniels’ Chief Operating Officer.]]> 2021-12-15 00:16:08 UTC https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948255267 luke_18 https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948374466 A second solution that is currently not working is the lack of accessibility aid offered to those who require it. While there is a government mandate saying that companies are required to ensure their properties are equipped with the necessary accessibility supports for both employees and clients the financial incentives are not substantial and in many cases do not cover the basic cost of renovations, nevermind the cost of rewriting policy and protocols.]]> 2021-12-15 01:38:47 UTC https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948374466 Ideas for Social Change: How will you respond to the social problem? luke_18 https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948377251 The idea for social change is to provide current and new establishments with the insight needed to create a fully inclusive environment. This is accomplished by hiring individuals who are hearing impaired, visually impaired, physically disabled and those with cognitive disabilities to inspect, audit and provide a written assessment of needed accommodations to companies. This service can also expand to reviewing policies and procedures to ensure language speaks to inclusivity.]]> 2021-12-15 01:40:44 UTC https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948377251 luke_18 https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948383049 By hiring a team of individuals to make recommendations that meet compliance with AODA regulations and standards as well as expanding beyond the regulations, companies are able to create a work plan with financial considerations and timelines to provide to their stakeholders.  This service provides insights into new standards that may otherwise be overlooked or interpreted incorrectly.  ]]> 2021-12-15 01:44:27 UTC https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948383049 luke_18 https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948383646 When hiring teams, a company also provides disabled individuals with meaningful employment that allows for their voice to be heard in positions of knowledge, support and expertise. These teams comprise of 1 to 4 individuals depending on the needs and want of the establishment. 
Companies will be able to show that they have participated in an audit that reviewed their level of inclusivity and has concrete recommendations to assist with the transition.
]]> 2021-12-15 01:44:50 UTC https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948383646 luke_18 https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948384650 There is an opportunity to expand the service to provide government-approved certification which can improve a companies social presence and value which will likely lead to an increase in profit and create an incentive for companies to use this service. ]]> 2021-12-15 01:45:28 UTC https://padlet.com/luke_18/i1psyzcs1yu6ee79/wish/1948384650