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
Birth date: 18 March 1993
Birth date: 12 February 1990
Birth date: 4 April 1983
Birth date: 06 January 1981
Birth date: 10 April 1988
Birth date: 21 August 1992
Birth date: 24 February 1986
Birth date: 21 August 1983
Birth date: 31 October 1990
Birth date: 12 July 1989
Patricia was born in Toronto but raised in Portugal where she spent most of her life. Since diagnosed with celiac disease at 12 years old she was forced to understand every single ingredient going into her body. She later decided to take a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Porto in Portugal with one semester spent in Poland in between. Specialist in nutritional counselling and follow-up with patients under a weight loss program, Patricia looks to help our athletes and their families find a healthy diet with emphasis on the pleasure of eating well.
Alicia is an avid soccer player and former youth soccer coach, who has been playing in pickup games, leagues, and tournaments for decades. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Kinesiology/Exercise Sciences at McMaster University and the University of Toronto, and recently underwent a one year training certification to become a Functional Health Coach. In 2015, her passion for soccer as a tool for personal and community development led to her co-founding NUTMEG Soccer, a Toronto based not-for-profit soccer and life skills organization. Alicia is so excited to combine her love for soccer with her health coaching skill set to support players and their families in achieving their health, wellness, and mindset goals and flourishing as humans!
Chaitanya is a toy engineer at Spin Master, as well as a photography enthusiast since 2011. Growing up in Oakville, Chaitanya participated in many sports as a child, including soccer and baseball. During his final season of baseball, a father of his teammate acted as a volunteer photographer for the team. Sitting on the bench, Chaitanya found himself more fascinated by the equipment the photographer was using than the game he was supposed to be playing. Today, Chaitanya is a part time photographer covering sports and events. Chaitanya looks to build passion for soccer through his photography by capturing the spirit of the game in his images.
Jason King is an Australian born athlete, coach, mentor and talent scout. He was born into football – learning to play from his Grandfather who was a well-respected professional player in England. His goal is laser focused on developing and helping student athletes across Ontario get into College or University in Canada or America through athletic and academic scholarships. Jason is a huge advocate for these kids and wants them to realize their own capabilities and their potential on the football field and in the classroom. In his spare time, Jason will be seen in the kitchen or at the park with his kids, wife and two dogs. He is a huge believer that family always comes first. His favourite Football teams are Man Utd and Napoli, and all-time favourite player is Ryan Giggs.
Andrew was born and raised in Toronto, who has been playing competitive soccer and other sports recreationally for years. He’s currently enrolled at Ryerson University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Sport Media. Andrew has a profound love for sports and content creation, combining his two passions to create his own soccer-based podcast, Premier Talk. He has experience in video editing, graphic design, sports writing, and is working to one day be a part of the sport media landscape. Andrew has also worked with the indigenous youth of Attawapiskat, conducting soccer and media related programs in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Andrew is excited to channel his appreciation for the beautiful game of soccer, to create meaningful content for people to enjoy.