EnAbling Change
2015 marked the 10th anniversary of the Accessibility For Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). To celebrate this milestone, 101 Ontarians received AODA 10th Anniversary Champion Awards to recognize their passion and commitment in promoting awareness of accessibility and inclusiveness in the community. The following is an example of an award winning project.
Project: Accessible Launch Dock
Location: Beaverton, ON
Award Winner: Donna Baydak
A simple and inexpensive solution that provides young seniors and other members of the community with mobility concerns a safer and easier way to get out of their kayaks and canoes, the Accessible Launch Dock is located in the Beaverton Public Harbor.
With a transfer bench that will allow paddlers who use wheelchairs to get in and out of their craft on their own, Donna, an avid kayaker herself, tells us that the new dock also benefits residents of all ages who want to launch without wading out into the water. Custom-created by Orillia’s On the Water Designs, the planning and execution of the dock build was a special community project funded by private donors, The Foster Hewitt Foundation, the Township of Brock, Ben Smith of Ben’s Pharmacy, Brock’s Big Bite Festival, and Fisher’s Independent Grocer.
For information regarding the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act visit www.ontario.ca/accessibility