Opening the road to accessibility

On June 3rd, the Ontario government introduced legislation that if passed, will allow Ontarian citizens to use an enhanced driver’s licence as proof of identification. 

This licence, known as the EDL, will be available to non-drivers and can be used as an alternative travel document at Ontario-United States land and sea border crossings, as well as other routine tasks that require official identification.  

As a blind citizen and long-time Ontario resident, I have experienced limited access to a government issued photo card to utilize as a form of identification when attempting everyday transactions.   The EDL offers additional security enhancements, such as the new radio frequency identification technology, (RFID), chip - which is intended to better protect cardholders.   This will undoubtedly provide a level of security against the threat of fraud and identity theft, which in the past, left blind, deafblind and partially sighted individuals at enormous risk.

Tourism Minister Peter Fonseca was quoted as saying it is “… good for Tourism” and Transportation Minister Jim Bradley was quoted as saying “… safe and efficient borders help keep our economy moving.”  I say, “Finally, a government photo identification program that is inclusive by design.  Bravo!”      

For many years, the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians, (AEBC), has been spearheading work on a non-driver’s driving licence for ID purposes, similar to that which is already available in at least seven other Canadian provinces and numerous US States.  John Rae, the First Vice President of AEBC, stated… “while a recognized method of identification has long been needed by those who do not drive, a driver’s licence is often asked for in stores, to open a bank account, to cash cheques, etc.  This need has become of even greater importance today, as more and more stringent regulations are put into effect to cross the Canada-US border.  

I look forward to sharing additional information about this new initiative on the road to accessibility as it becomes available.   In the meantime, the backgrounder and FAQ issued by the Ministry of Transportation provides more details on the anticipated EDL.