ACCESSIBILITY: SMART BUSINESS FOR MEETINGS & EVENTS
By Alison de Groot, Senior Event Lead Elmhirst’s Resort
Way back in 2005, in a moment of rare unanimous agreement, the Ontario Legislature enacted the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) aiming to make Ontario accessible to people with disabilities by 2025. And now here we are with the Act coming into force this year.
The path to compliance for Ontario meeting and event venues was also an investment in market expansion.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in six people worldwide lives with a significant disability, which is approximately 1.3 billion people. An estimated 39 percent of business travellers say they have accessibility requirements that affect their experiences.
In Canada, 27 percent of Canadians aged 15 and over, or more than 8 million people, have at least one disability, according to Statistics Canada.
For the management team at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene, Ontario, coming into compliance with Ontario’s ADOA legislation as it applies to tourism businesses in the resort/hotel category wasn’t just about meeting requirements: it was a thoughtful process aimed at inclusivity for all guests and staff.
“Every renovation project and new training program we’ve undertaken in the past five years has included an accessibility lens,” says Greg Elmhirst, General Manager and Owner. “Beyond preparing for the coming-into-effect of the AODA legislation, it just makes business sense to ensure that you are available to the broadest possible market both in terms of guests and employees.”
The AODA has a comprehensive mandate that includes developing, implementing, and enforcing standards for goods, services, accommodation, employment, and buildings, applicable to all public and private sectors in Ontario, requiring businesses to:
- Understand and Implement Accessibility Standards
- Train and Educate Employees
- Review and Adapt Physical Spaces
- Enhance Digital Accessibility
- Establish Feedback Mechanisms
- Report and Monitor Compliance
The accessibility investments at Elmhirst’s have included the construction of two fully accessible cottages, including their docks; adding accessible options to all renovations where appropriate; a full upgrade of the website, online booking system and phone system; new employee training requirements; and the largest project, the renovation of the resort’s main building – The Landing – to include the installation of a lift accessing all three floors and an accessible, universal washroom as well as new, open concept office space with accessible furnishings.
The Landing renovation was made possible by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
“At Elmhirst’s Resort, we want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy our tranquil retreat. That’s why we embarked on comprehensive renovations and training updates,” says Elmhirst.
For Elmhirst’s Meeting & Events team, the changes have led to increased business opportunities for business conferences, weddings and family gatherings.
“We’re seeing more requests for proposals coming in that ask about accessibility as part of their protocol,” says Pamela Henderson, Group Sales Coordinator. “Having inclusive, accessible accommodations and event spaces is a definite advantage to booking new business and renewing existing clients.”
Henderson says the Resort’s reputation as a venue that embraces inclusivity and accessibility is a strong starting place for growing business. It shows the resort’s doors are open to a broader guest base, including people with disabilities, their families and friends.
There is, of course, the element of legal compliance and risk management, says Elmhirst, but more importantly, it shows the business’s commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices.
Elmhirst adds that an inclusive environment will make all guests feel safe, appreciated, and comfortable when booking and staying. The Elmhirst family and Resort team believe it is a key foundation in building long–term guest relationships.