Advancing accessibility in our facilities

Innovative wayfinding technology will help people who are blind or partially sighted navigate City facilities

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the City of Vaughan is proud to take another significant step forward in its commitment to advancing accessibility by launching an innovative pilot project that will make it easier for people who are blind or partially sighted to navigate their way independently around six City facilities. 

In partnership with CNIB Access Labs, the Wayfinding Pilot Project uses innovative technology to increase accessibility with the help of a free specialized app called GoodMaps: Indoor Navigation that helps accommodate people with vision-related disabilities and other diverse visitors, including people using wheelchairs or mobility devices.

After downloading the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, visitors can access precise turn-by-turn directions via guided audio or visual navigation. The app gives users real-time directions to bathrooms, information desks and more – all from the palm of their hand.

Use the app to navigate the following City facilities:

• Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.)
• Chancellor Community Centre and Ansley Grove Library (250 Ansley Grove Rd.)
• Civic Centre Resource Library (2191 Major Mackenzie Dr.)
• Dufferin Clark Community Centre and Dufferin Clark Library (1441 Clark Ave. W.)
• North Thornhill Community Centre and Pleasant Ridge Library (300 Pleasant Ridge Ave.)
• Pierre Berton Resource Library (4921 Rutherford Rd.)

You can watch this video to learn more about the program.

QUOTES

“One of the fundamental goals of the City of Vaughan is to ensure our community is vibrant, diverse, inclusive and equity-based for everyone, regardless of age or ability. As an organization, we are committed to treating everyone in a way that maintains their dignity and independence. That is why we are pleased to partner with CNIB Access Labs to launch a Wayfinding Pilot Project to improve navigation of six City facilities for people who are blind or partially sighted. It’s an important step forward to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing fair access for all residents, visitors and employees. We will continue to work together to ensure Vaughan is a place where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can thrive.”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca 

“As the Chair of the City of Vaughan’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, I am excited about the launch of the new Wayfinding Pilot Project on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This marks another step forward in our efforts to break down barriers and ensure people of all abilities can enjoy equal access to the resources and opportunities the City offers. Vaughan continues to be a city that leads with accessibility and inclusivity, where every individual has the chance to contribute to our city’s success and enjoy a fulfilling life.”

- Councillor Gila Martow, Chair, Accessibility Advisory Committee

QUICK FACTS

• The City of Vaughan, in partnership with CNIB Access Labs, has launched a Wayfinding Pilot Project to improve independent navigation of six City facilities for people who are blind or partially sighted. 

• The Wayfinding Pilot Project uses innovative technology to increase accessibility with the help of a specialized app called GoodMaps: Indoor Navigation, now available in select City facilities.

• As Vaughan continues to be a Smart City leader, this initiative sets a benchmark for other municipalities by using technology to foster inclusivity.

• The Wayfinding Pilot Project is one of the many ways the City is championing accessibility through the 2023 to 2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

• Since the implementation of the plan, many steps have been taken to advance accessibility at the City. One involved completing a Building Accessibility Assessment, including facility exteriors, interiors, washrooms, emergency systems and more, for the 76 buildings the City owns and operates. 

• Furthermore, the City has established Inclusive Design Standards (PDF). These allow staff to advocate for any new development in the community to be built in an inclusive and accessible way. These standards exceed the AODA and Ontario Building Code requirements, and outline examples to make buildings and other areas, like play spaces, washrooms, trails, service counters, offices and places of worship, as inclusive and accessible as possible.

• The City has an Accessibility Advisory Committee chaired by Ward 5 Councillor Gila Martow. The role of the committee is to provide advice to Council about the requirements and implementation of accessibility standards and the preparation, implementation and effectiveness of accessibility reports as required by the AODA.

LEARN MORE

• City of Vaughan's website
• City of Vaughan's Accessibility webpage
• City of Vaughan’s 2023 to 2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (PDF)
• City of Vaughan's Economic Development department’s website
• March 19, 2024 Committee of the Whole (2) Report: Enhancing independent indoor navigation for people with vision-related disabilities in City facilities