As part of its commitment to break down barriers for people with disabilities, Ontario is celebrating the launch of National Access Awareness Week, May 26 - June 1, 2008.

People with disabilities face daily barriers that prevent them from working, enjoying and participating in their communities. Each year, National Access Awareness Week encourages Canadians to think about the barriers people with disabilities face, and to find ways to break them down.

Under its landmark accessibility legislation, Ontario is making progress toward its goal of becoming an accessible province for people with disabilities by 2025. Ontario's first accessibility standard - for customer service - is already in force, and new standards are in development for:

• Transportation
• Information and communication
• Employment
• Buildings and other structures.

Across Ontario, businesses and communities are already finding ways to make themselves more accessible to people with disabilities. For example, the Royal Bank of Canada has made accessibility a priority by tailoring its services to meet the individual needs of customers with disabilities. Accessibility is also built into all new branches, with barrier-free access, lighting and teller desks.