Access Orangeville Committee (under subsection [5] of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) provides the Town of Orangeville with recommendations relating to accessibility issues.

Review the programs and services championed by Access Orangeville to make our community accessible.

Check out local organizations supporting inclusion in Orangeville:

Branching Out Support Services

Community Living Dufferin

2026 Accessibility Champion Awards

Nominations are open until April 10, 2026

The Accessibility Champion awards recognize individuals, local businesses or a community group who have demonstrated a passion for making the community more accessible and inclusive by continually going above and beyond to achieve this goal.

Nomination process

The awards are presented annually, with nominations accepted online or in person at Town Hall during a set nomination period. Nominations are reviewed by Access Orangeville and recipients are selected to receive the awards during National Accessibility Week. 

Criteria

The following information must be included in the nomination:

  • nominees must be Orangeville residents, a business located in Orangeville or a community group serving Orangeville
  • recipients are only eligible once per term of council
  • the name, email address and phone number of the individual submitting the nomination
  • the name, email address, phone number and address of the nominee
  • the reason for nomination, including what the nominee has done to make the community more accessible and inclusive

Please note: members of Access Orangeville and Town of Orangeville staff are not eligible for nomination.

Submit a nomination

Awards categories

There are three categories for the awards. Up to three candidates may be selected across the following:

Individual/volunteer 
Honours exceptional efforts of individuals and/or volunteers who use their time and skills to enhance accessibility and inclusivity within the community. It recognizes those who, through personal dedication and passion, initiate or lead projects, provide valuable support and inspire others to prioritize accessibility. 
Commercial business 
Recognizes businesses that have shown exceptional commitment to improving community accessibility. It acknowledges businesses that incorporate inclusive practices into their core operations, promote accessibility beyond compliance requirements and drive initiatives that significantly enhance equal access for all. 
Commercial group/organization 
Recognizes community groups and organizations that excel in ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. These organizations integrate accessible practices into service delivery, interactions, and within their physical or digital spaces. They demonstrate a strong commitment to removing barriers and enhancing experiences for all participants. Their efforts also inspire other organizations to adopt inclusive practices, contributing to a more accessible community. 

Meetings, minutes and agendas

Once committee appointments have been made, view the committee calendar for upcoming meetings and agendas as well as past meeting minutes. The Access Orangeville Committee meets monthly.

Request to present

If you wish to make a presentation to the Committee, you may submit your request online. A printable version of the form is also available through the link below.

Request to present to an advisory committee

Join the committee

Learn how to apply for a committee position. 

Mandate

Pursuant to the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Access Orangeville Committee shall,

 

Duties of the Committee (Section 29 (4))

  • advise Council about the requirements and implementation of accessibility standards and the preparation of accessibility reports and such other matters for which Council may seek its advice under subsection (5) of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act;
  • review in a timely manner the site plans and drawings described in section 41 of the Planning Act that the committee selects; and
  • perform all other functions that are specified in the regulations.

Goals and objectives
The Goals of the Access Orangeville Committee are to encourage and facilitate accessibility on behalf of all persons by:

 

Soliciting feedback from the community on issues relating to people with disabilities and other citizens with access issues, and bring to Council matters identified by the Committee as requiring action by the municipality.

Working with Council for the preparation, implementation and effectiveness of its accessibility plan.

Working cooperatively with municipal Departments, Boards, Commissions and Committees whose activities affect access issues, including to:

  • provide advice and information on directions for future planning of municipal services, programs and facilities; and
  • monitor municipal services, programs and facilities to ensure full participation of all citizens; and
  • evaluate the progress of accessibility activities.

To inform citizens of the existence and mission of this Committee and to work with them to identify existing social and physical barriers to access and participation.

To work with Council and staff to increase public awareness of the issues of accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and all citizens.

To work with local government to change policies, as required, as they pertain to people with disabilities.
 Composition and skills

As required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, a majority of the members of the committee shall be persons with disabilities.

  1. 1 Council member 
  2. Up to 6 members of the public
  3. The Committee membership shall be a combination of persons with disabilities,  service providers familiar with accessibility issues and members of the general public.

 

Skills requested:

  • passion for accessibility/barrier free community
  • background in one or more areas of focus, including persons with disabilities, barrier free access and or inclusive communities.
Terms of reference
Access Orangeville Committee