Slide2-9 Background

Canada's prosperity is built upon a demand economy based on democratic principles and fueled by capitalism.
However, social and economic prosperity is defined by the expression of family values and business morals that shape perceptions.
Organizations that create a business proposition based on the four Ontario growth principles will exceed customer expectations and return on investment.

Understanding the changing market expectations is the key to business success.

During the 19th century and earlier, people with disabilities depended upon charity from family, friends, and goodwill neighbours for basic needs. Mobility and printed information were barriers to the social economic development of blind persons.

In the 20th century modernization and medical advancements brought greater independence to people with disabilities. The medical model of disability created the perceptions that disabilities could be fixed, which would then provide greater social economic opportunities.

The 21st century cultural shift toward normalizing disabilities to an understanding of human limitations and social responsibilities, is shaping an era of greater social and economic integration. Digital information and artificial intelligence can create a society of full inclusion that permits sharing in the social and economic prosperity.

Recognizing the history of discrimination against persons with disabilities in Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was passed into law in 2005.
the purpose of this Act is to benefit all Ontarians by developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards in order to achieve equality for Ontarians with disabilities, with respect to goods, services, facilities, employment, buildings, structures and premises on or before January 1, 2025.
Yet, the 2023 fourth AODA review study shows that major barriers still exist, and the prosperity divide between disabled and able body Canadians is growing despite advocacy efforts.

Ontario is open for business.

Ontario is the most populous province of Canada, with a population of 15,443,520, with a disability population of 1,651,620 (15.4%) of which 331,930 (20.1%) have a visual disability in 2023.

Ontario is the largest economy in Canada, making up around 38% of Canadian gross domestic product (GDP), with $800.4 billion of which 74% of businesses have less than 10 employees and only 0.5% are owned by a person with a disability in 2023.

Ontario employed 4,924,712 people, with a unemployment rate of 6.0% for the general population, 22% for those with a disability, and 72% for those with vision loss.