The Draft Built Environment Standard Published

The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services has just published its revised Draft Built Environment Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the “AODA”).

The Draft Built Environment Standard will apply only to new construction and planned redevelopment, and will address:

• Recreational trails and beach access routes;

• Outdoor public use eating areas;

• Outdoor play spaces;

• Exterior paths of travel;

• Accessible parking; and

• Service counters, fixed queuing guides and waiting areas.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services will welcome comments on the Draft Built Environment Standard up to October 1, 2012.

This is the fifth and final accessibility standard under the AODA. The other accessibility standards are the Customer Service Standard, the Information and Communication Standard, the Employment Standard and the Transportation Standard.