Independent Living Centre Kingston
Promoting a new perspective on disability
Empowerment Education Support

Why Operate an Accessible Business

The Ontario government estimates that  20 per cent of the people living in the province will have a disability of some kind in the next 15 years. This equates to a disability population of 30,448 people in Kingston. There is information to indicate that Kingston has a higher than average percentage of people with disabilities. 29% of the population is over 55 and rising and it is estimated that half of have a disability.

For this population accessibility can be a deciding factor in choosing which business to deal with. The AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) will mandate new rules for accessible business, and many companies are recognizing the importance of accessibility.  

Strategic Benefit:

* increasing market with limitations due to an aging population
* accessiblity gives business access to an expanded workforce
* an accessible business increases the satisfaction of all customers

Commercial Benefit 

* strong stakeholder relationship
* enhanced reputation.

Societal Benefit

* improved social cohesion equals economic competitiveness.

Ethical Benefits

* disability is a rights issue not an issue for charity or doctors.

Professional Benefits

* development of leadership skills in people & change management.

Legal Benefit

* reduced legal risk as legislation develops.The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA) states that all businesses that serve the public will establish policies, practices and procedures governing accesibiltiy.