Quote:Despite the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requiring municipalities to consult and act with the guidance of their AACs, the reality is that these committees are often used as window dressing. They are touted for their existence but ignored in their function.

In Cambridge, our committee spent months providing feedback on key issues such as accessible washrooms, public events, and transportation. We were told our questions should be submitted in advance. Then we were told those questions would not be answered. We gave our time and our lived experience, and in return we were sidelined, dismissed, and shut out of the processes that most affect our community.

We were prevented from bringing recommendations to council. Staff controlled agendas and diluted every opportunity for meaningful consultation. When we tried to push back, we were met with silence or vague promises that change was coming. It never did.