Daniels Corp.'s accessibility program reduces barriers

The Daniels Corp. on Oct. 3 announced a new program offering condominium suites specifically designed for buyers who use wheelchairs. These units offer standard features such as roll-out/low threshold balconies with a swing door and large roll-in showers with mosaic tile flooring at no extra cost.

Called the Accessibility Designed Program (ADP), the initiative exceeds the Ontario Building Code (OBE) that requires builders to provide at least 15 per cent of a development’s units designed as barrier-free. It is also in line with the four principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act: Independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity. More than 15 per cent of Ontario’s population, or one in seven, has a disability, including more than 40 per cent of people over the age of 65.

Aside from offering adapted suites, Daniels’ ADP also incorporates mobility aids in the amenities, common areas and building entrances. Examples of these would include a lowered concierge desk, accessible kitchens in the party rooms, larger turning radii and waste chutes with automatic door openers.

“Until now, there has been a significant lack of new residences designed for people with mobility needs,” says Jake Cohen, vice-president of Project Implementation at Daniels. “Daniels is committed to creating vibrant and inclusive communities that offer homes to the broad spectrum of the market, including people who find mobility difficult in traditional layouts. These buyers should be able to choose from designs that are both functional and contemporary, with the most up-to-date finishes.”

Over and above the standard ADP suite designs, buyers will be able to customize their suite to meet their individual needs.

The ADP is being launched at two Daniels’ locations: DuEast Condominiums, the newest residential offering within the 69-acre Regent Park revitalization, and Wesley Tower at Daniels’ City Centre in a 23-acre master-planned community in Mississauga’s City Centre. ADP buyers can select from one,- two,- and three-bedroom layouts, many located on the ground floor.

Daniels’ design team worked with Accessibility Advantage, one of Ontario’s leading accessibility consultants, Quadrangle Architects, a leader in universal accessibility design, and Luke Anderson, notable universal design advocate and founder of the StopGap Foundation, a charitable organization that designs and distributes ramps to stores with stepped entrances.

“It’s not us that have disabilities, but it’s the places that we live, work and play in that are disabling,” says Anderson. “Daniels ADP initiative is a milestone in working toward a totally inclusive society.”