Words can often have differing interpretations. For this policy work, the City has adopted the following definitions to create a common understanding:
Accessibility — a concept integral to human rights that refers to the absence of barriers that prevent individuals and/or groups from fully participating in all social, economic, cultural, spiritual and political aspects of society. The term is often linked to people with disabilities and their rights to access. It also refers to universal design characteristics of products, devices, information, programs, services and infrastructure that enable independent use or support when required, and access by people with a variety of disabilities.
Disability — a physical, mental, intellectual, learning, communication or sensory impairment or functional limitation, whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equitable participation in society (proposed Accessible Canada Act, Government of Canada).