Accessibility and inclusion in outdoor spaces matter. It ensures residents and visitors of all ages and abilities can feel a collective sense of barrier-free belonging when enjoying the amazing trails, parks, playgrounds and open spaces that Ajax has to offer.

To meet the needs of the Ajax Community, and ensure our parks and playgrounds are inclusive, the Town has installed three large communication boards at the following playground locations:

• Ward 1 – McLean Community Centre
• Ward 2 – Audley Recreation Centre
• Ward 3 – Rotary Park

This feature incorporates Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) to provide unique alternative/augmentative communication supports for limited or non-speaking persons.

Accessible pedestrian signals (APS) use sounds and vibrations to help communicate intersection signals if you are affected by any form of visual or hearing impairment.

APS are linked to “walk/don’t walk” lights. Two sounds are used to point out the direction of traffic and which light is on:

• A cuckoo sound tells you when the walk symbol is on and you have right-of-way going north or south.
• A Canadian melody sound tells you when you have right-of-way going east or west.
• A pedestrian clearing tone and the “don’t walk” light is turned on after these sounds end.

For more information on accessible pedestrian signals in Durham Region, including how to use APS, or how to request installation, please visit the Region of Durham’s Accessible Pedestrian Crossing web page.