What you can do
You can make your business welcoming and fully compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) by following these practical steps. Every day, people with different kinds of disabilities, older adults, parents with strollers, and visitors with temporary injuries come into contact with Wrenford businesses. When your space, services and staff practices are accessible, you welcome more customers, encourage repeat visits and build a stronger local economy.
How to improve your premises and services
Start by looking at your business through the eyes of a customer who uses a wheelchair, has low vision, is deaf or hard of hearing, or has a cognitive or mental health disability. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have clearly marked accessible parking stalls that are wide enough for vehicle lifts and ramps?
- Are your main entrances equipped with automatic doors or easy-to-open hardware?
- Are your aisles and walkways wide enough for easy movement, and free of stored boxes or equipment?
- Do you provide seating areas where customers can rest while waiting or shopping?
- If you play background music, is it kept at a volume that does not drown out conversation or cause sensory overload?
- Do you maintain a scent-free environment to protect customers with respiratory or autoimmune conditions?
- Are your washrooms fully accessible, with enough turning space and secure grab bars?
- When snow or ice is cleared, does the work avoid blocking accessible parking or pathways?
- Are your staff trained on the spectrum of disabilities and on how to respond respectfully?
- Have you ever done a formal accessibility audit of your premises?
- Do you have a simple way for the disability community to share feedback about barriers they encounter?
Addressing even a few of these items can make a noticeable difference. If you are planning a renovation or lease renewal, involve an accessibility professional early in the process.
Designing accessible washrooms
Your washroom is a direct reflection of your customer care standards. A hard-to-use washroom can turn a customer away, while a thoughtfully designed one builds trust and loyalty. Accessible washrooms also reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls for everyone.
Follow these universal design tips when building or updating your washrooms:
- Go beyond the minimum Ontario Building Code requirements.
- Install doors that open outward to increase space inside the stall.
- Keep the accessible washroom completely clear of storage items.
- Mount grab bars, toilet paper dispensers, hand dryers and paper towel dispensers at the correct height and distance from the toilet.
- Use automatic flush sensors and faucets, but ensure they are not blocked by toilet seats or user positioning.
Universal design means the space works well for a wheelchair user, a parent with a child, and an older adult at the same time.
Support and next steps
The City of Wrenford supports local business owners through the Wrenford Accessibility Plan and our Accessibility Advisory Committee. The Accessibility Coordinator also runs a free monthly workshop series called the Business Accessibility Check-Up to help you meet your obligations and improve your customer experience.
For guidance on compliance, barrier removal and staff training resources, contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 519-555-0142 or [email protected].
Local business associations also offer workshops and networking events focused on inclusive operations. Visit the Downtown Wrenford BIA or the Wrenford Chamber of Commerce to see their upcoming small-business support programs.
For official policy details, visit Accessibility policy and plan or review the Accessibility at the City page to learn how the City is removing barriers in its own spaces.