Purpose
The Stratford Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) recommends and advises City Council on matters to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities and to provide for involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to full participation in the community.
Role
- Advise City Council about the preparation, implementation and effectiveness of its accessibility plan. The accessibility plan shall address the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to persons with disabilities in the City's by-laws and in its policies, programs, practices and services;
- Advise City Council on the accessibility for persons with disabilities to a building, structure or premises, or part of a building, structure or premises;
- Advise on accessibility issues relating to identified buildings within the city;
- Monitor federal and provincial government directives and regulations;
- Conduct research on accessibility issues;
- Liaise with local stakeholder groups on accessibility issues.
Terms of Reference - Accessibility Advisory Committee
The term of appointment for the Accessibility Advisory Committee is two years. Applications for this committee are accepted annually in October. Application forms can be found on the Advisory Committee page.
Respect the Space
With its #RespectTheSpace campaign, the Accessibility Advisory Committee is highlighting the importance of leaving accessible parking spaces open for those who are legally entitled to use them.
Here is some information about the use of accessible parking spaces in Stratford:
| What are Accessible Parking Permits? |
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Permits are issued by Service Ontario to either a driver or a passenger with a disability or health condition. When people use mobility devices such as wheelchairs or walker, their disability is obvious. However, some health conditions are invisible, for example people with heart or lung conditions. Permits are issued to people, not vehicles, so that people living with a disability can use the permit in any vehicle. That person must be in the car for the permit to be valid. The province began issuing new accessible parking permits with enhanced security features in 2016. The features, which include machine-readable barcodes, raised markings and serial numbers, help to confirm that a permit is authentic. An Identification Number contains key information that describes the permit holder including first and last initials, gender and decade of birth. Permit abusers are easily identified. In the City of Stratford, if a person uses a permit not issued to them, it can result in a fine of $300, and the car may be towed and the permit may be seized.
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| What are some valid reasons for parking in an accessible space without a permit? |
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There is no good reason to park illegally in an accessible space, and none of these excuses will get you out of the $300 fine: I need to drop off a few heavy things |
| Can I park in the striped space beside an accessible parking space? |
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The short answer is NO. In addition to the accessible parking space, the striped access aisle next to the accessible parking space is needed by people using wheelchair lifts and/or assistive devices to get in and out of their vehicle. It is never okay to park in the access aisle, even if you have a permit.
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Respect the Space Posters
Please do the right thing. Accessible parking spaces help to reduce barriers for people living with disabilities. You can help remove these barriers. Respect the designated parking spaces and the people who need to use them.
Below are some #RespectTheSpace posters that can be printed and posted to share the message.
If you require a document in an alternate format, contact City Hall at 519-271-0250 ext 237 or e-mail the Clerk's Department.