Accessibility technology expanded to community centre
Image
Vaughan installs Innovative Path System for people with vision loss
The City of Vaughan unveiled an Innovative Path System (IPS) at the Chancellor Community Centre that will help advance accessibility measures at the facility for people who are living with vision loss. The City was the first organization in Canada to implement the IPS, which launched at Vaughan City Hall in 2015. Designed and created by Italian-Canadian company TaLav Systems Inc., the IPS was first introduced to the City of Vaughan through an in-bound trade mission from Italy in 2013.
The IPS provides customized vocalized directional information to people with visual challenges through an electronic chip installed in the tiles of the system. The user is able to hear the messaging through a downloadable app and an electronic cane provided by the City. In recognition of International Day of People with Disabilities, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council showcased the new system today. Joined by Len Baker, CNIB Regional Vice President, Ontario and Quebec, and Meenu Sikand, Chair of Vaughan’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, a special event took place at Chancellor Community Centre.
This year, the City won the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) Accessibility Award for its installation of the IPS at Vaughan City Hall. The Municipal Accessibility award is a peer-nominated award to recognize a champion who, in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary, has displayed extraordinary leadership and made an exceptional contribution to the awareness of, activities associated with or programs advancing accessibility in their municipality.
QUOTE
“Our citizens understand the critical role they play in the economic, social and cultural development of our city. It is our goal to cultivate inclusiveness, respect and dignity at every opportunity. We take pride in the excellent quality of life our residents enjoy and truly believe that breaking down accessibility barriers is yet another way we can ensure that no one in our city is left behind. Expanding the installation of the state-of-the-art Innovative Path System solidifies the City’s steps towards achieving its goal of creating an unrestricted and accessible city.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
The City of Vaughan unveiled an Innovative Path System (IPS) at the Chancellor Community Centre that will help advance accessibility measures at the facility for people who are living with vision loss. The City was the first organization in Canada to implement the IPS, which launched at Vaughan City Hall in 2015. Designed and created by Italian-Canadian company TaLav Systems Inc., the IPS was first introduced to the City of Vaughan through an in-bound trade mission from Italy in 2013.
The IPS provides customized vocalized directional information to people with visual challenges through an electronic chip installed in the tiles of the system. The user is able to hear the messaging through a downloadable app and an electronic cane provided by the City. In recognition of International Day of People with Disabilities, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council showcased the new system today. Joined by Len Baker, CNIB Regional Vice President, Ontario and Quebec, and Meenu Sikand, Chair of Vaughan’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, a special event took place at Chancellor Community Centre.
This year, the City won the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) Accessibility Award for its installation of the IPS at Vaughan City Hall. The Municipal Accessibility award is a peer-nominated award to recognize a champion who, in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary, has displayed extraordinary leadership and made an exceptional contribution to the awareness of, activities associated with or programs advancing accessibility in their municipality.
QUOTE
“Our citizens understand the critical role they play in the economic, social and cultural development of our city. It is our goal to cultivate inclusiveness, respect and dignity at every opportunity. We take pride in the excellent quality of life our residents enjoy and truly believe that breaking down accessibility barriers is yet another way we can ensure that no one in our city is left behind. Expanding the installation of the state-of-the-art Innovative Path System solidifies the City’s steps towards achieving its goal of creating an unrestricted and accessible city.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- According to CNIB, approximately half a million Canadians are estimated to be living with significant sight loss that impacts their quality of life.
- According to CNIB, approximately 186,954 Ontarians are living with vision loss.
- The International Day of Persons with a Disability is an annual observance on Dec. 3 to promote an understanding of disability issues, and a day to raise awareness and promote the rights and perspectives of persons with disabilities around the world.
- The development of the Innovative Path System technology started with research done by architect Pino Bilotti, national member of Italian Union for Blind and Partially Sighted People (Unione Italiana dei Ciechi e degli Ipovedenti).
- City of Vaughan’s Accessibility Plan
- City of Vaughan’s Accessibility Policy
- City of Vaughan’s Accessibility webpage
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)
TaLav Systems president, Francesco Tallarico, demonstrates the Innovative Path System at the Chancellor Community Centre.