Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

 

The Issues

  • Lack of awareness and appreciation amongst the general community of the diversity and complexity of Aboriginal cultures such as:
    • Limited understanding of Aboriginal values
    • Culture protocols
    • Kinship and extended family structures and relationships
    • The importance of family obligations
    • Respect for elders, culture, land and environment.
  • Aboriginal people are a minority. 190,000 of the Ontarian population consider   themselves aboriginal which is  approximately 1% of the total population
  • Limited access to soccer in general including suitable equipment, facilities, support structures and information
  • Social isolation can be an issue whether in rural, regional or urban areas. This solation of aboriginal people from soccer may occur due to:
    • lack of support networks within the club
    • stereotypical views of Indigenous people
    • lack of information or knowledge of soccer
    • Direct and indirect racial discrimination or exclusion.
  • Opportunities to interact with the broader community are often limited.

Strategies for Overcoming Barriers

  • Club members should have an understanding of Indigenous culture and issues
  • Ensure there is an awareness of cultural sensitivities and beliefs
  • Market activities through culturally relevant networks
  • Promote all aspects of your Club to aboriginal communities (admin., officiating, playing etc.)
  • Allow time for Indigenous community representatives to consult with other key stakeholders in the community before decisions are made

Helpful Contacts:

Union of Ontario Indians Chiefs of Ontario

www.anishinabak.ca www.chiefs-of-ontario.org

1-877-702-5200 1-877-517-6527

 

Accessibilities for Ontarian’s with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)
More than 15% of Ontarians have a disability – that’s more than 1 in every 7 people living in Ontario. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) seeks to remove barriers and achieve accessibility for persons with disabilities in a number of key areas.

Under the AODA, the Province of Ontario will implement five accessibility standards:

1. Customer Service
2. Transportation
3. Information and Communication
4. Employment
5. Built Environment

The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, requires organizations in Ontario to meet certain requirements by January 1, 2012. (The other standards: Transportation, Information and Communication, Employment and Built Environment are in various stages of development and will be enacted into law with a phase-in approach)

The Ontario Soccer Association’s commitment to Accessibility
The Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) encourages the inclusion of all participants in soccer as players, coaches, referees and administrators. The growth at the grassroots is exciting and we continue to collaborate on an ongoing basis with Clubs, District Associations and the National Association. The OSA is committed to achieving barrier free accessibility for all persons with disabilities that seek services or products of soccer in Ontario. The expectations of the Customer Service standard are consistent with providing the best soccer experience and the best experience for all who seek services within soccer organizations.

The OSA aims to provide all members with information about accessibility related resources as well as inform all customers of The OSA’s policies and procedures. By law, all organizations with at least 1 staff, contractors, and volunteers are required to complete accessibility training.

For more information please visit the OSA Accessibility Act webpage:

http://ontariosoccer.net/TheGame/DisabilitySoccer/AccessibilityAct.aspx

Helpful Contacts:

Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/accessibility/index.aspx