Accessibility

• 2020 Accessibility Annual Status Update (PDF)
• 2019 Accessibility Annual Status Update (PDF)
• 2018 Accessibility Annual Status Update (PDF)
• 2017 Accessibility Annual Status Update (PDF)
• 2016 Accessibility Annual Status Update (PDF)
• 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update (PDF)
• 2014 Accessibility Annual Status Update (PDF)

Clarington's Accessibility Advisory Committee is made up of community members to help identify and remove any accessibility barriers.

• Accessible Employment Policy (PDF)
• Accessible Public Spaces (PDF)
• Accessible Information and Communications (PDF)
• Customer Service policy

Clarington offers inclusive customer services in over 240 languages.

To ensure we can provide inclusive customer service to all Clarington residents, Clarington has implemented a language translation system, which supports American Sign Language (ASL). The system provides Clarington with translation in more than 240 languages. Staff can access this translation service using a toll-free number and a video-on-demand app, which supports ASL translation, for in-person customer service. Staff will also be able to use a conferencing feature during phone inquiries to get a translator on the line to help facilitate the conversation. 

Clarington has partnered with the GoHere Washroom Access Program to help people find public washrooms on the go. Users can download the GoHere app to help plan their route or find a nearby washroom.

The GoHere program focuses on helping individuals who face incontinence challenges – including those with Crohn’s and colitis as well as others. 

The app will include Clarington facilities with publicly accessible washrooms, including:

• Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre
• Courtice Community Complex
• Diane Hamre Recreation Complex
• Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex
• South Courtice Arena
• Municipal Administrative Centre (Town Hall)
• Clarington Library, Museums and Archives
  • Bowmanville Branch
  • Courtice Branch
  • Newcastle Branch
  • Orono Branch
  • Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre

The app is free and available for iPhone and Android devices.

Treat Accessibly is a grassroots initiative created by a family in Oakville. It provides tips on how to make trick-or-treating more accessible to everyone.

Tips include:

• Setting up your trick-or-treating station at the end of your driveway or in your garage
• Clearing your driveway and pathways of any obstacles
• Not everyone can eat candy, so consider stocking some non-edible treats in a separate bowl
• Not everyone communicates in the same way; be patient and understanding
• You may see trick-or-treaters that appear older, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t excited about your treats!
• Avoid using strobe lights and high-pitched noises

In partnership with Clarington Library, Museums and Archives, residents can pick up a lawn sign indicating an accessible trick-or-treating at any Clarington Library branch from October 21 to October 31 while supplies last.

Learn more on the Treat Accessibly website.

Read the children’s book Atticus Goes Trick-or-Treating to learn how the program got started.

As mandated by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the 2026 Municipal Elections includes a variety of accessibility measures to ensure they are inclusive. The 2026 Municipal Elections Accessibility Report outlines those measures.

Diverse Roles of Service Animals

In Ontario, a service animal is defined as any animal individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, helping them with disability-related needs. This includes, but is not limited to, guide dogs for individuals with visual impairments, and animals that assist with mobility, hearing, or mental health conditions. The animal's role is to mitigate the effects of the individual's disability and provide direct support. 

Service animals assist individuals with a wide range of disabilities and tasks, such as:

• Providing navigation and orientation for individuals who are blind
• Preventing individuals with Autism from eloping
• Retrieving items for people with limited mobility
• Detecting seizures or low blood sugar
• Calming anxiety
• Supporting mobility and balance for Parkinson’s disease
• Alerting to muscle spasms  

How to Identify a Service Animal

• Look for a harness or vest, though not all service animals wear them.
• Observe the animal’s behaviour. Service animals are typically well-behaved, focused on their handler, and not easily distracted. They should not be disruptive, aggressive, or exhibit behaviours typically associated with untrained pets.
• Handler may be asked to present documentation from a verified medical professional stating the need for the service animal if it is not readily apparent that the animal is a service animal.

Dos ✅

• Focus on the customer, not the animal
• Treat the customer and their service animal as a working team
• Provide equitable service
• If the animal must be removed, offer alternative supports like guides or staff assistance
• Be aware of nearby animal relief areas and water dish locations
• If unsure if this is a service animal, if necessary, ask respectfully if the owner has documentation without inquiring about the person’s disability
• Support conflict resolution. For allergies or phobias, explain the role of service animals and help both parties access services equitably by maintaining distance 

Don’ts ❌

• Don’t interact with the animal: No petting, talking, eye contact, or attempts to get its attention
• Don’t ask about the person’s disability or why they have a service animal. This is private and protected information
• Don’t assume misbehaviour means removal. First, ask the handler to regain control. 
• Only remove a service animal for legal or safety reasons—and always ensure the customer still receives service
• Don’t assume all service animals wear vests or harnesses. Some may not, and some disabilities are invisible
• Don’t separate the service animal from its handler

Legal guidelines

• Ontario Regulation 191/11 allows service animals in public areas unless excluded by law. Service animals are allowed in the same spaces as their owners, with a few exceptions, such as food preparation areas and swimming pools, due to health and safety laws.
• Blind Persons’ Rights Act
• Ontario Human Rights Code

Responsibilities of the User/Owner: 

• Maintain full care and control of the animal at all times
• Prevent the animal from engaging in aggressive or disruptive behaviour 
• Ensure the animal is well-groomed