Shane P. Holten established SPH Planning & Consulting Ltd. in 1999 after completing his Master's degree at York University and his thesis, a policy report on accessibility planning and barrier identification in the City of Toronto. SPH is an urban planning and design firm specializing in research, policy development, building auditing and site planning focused on achieving barrier free and universally accessible solutions for developing the built environment, landscapes, policies, programs and services.
SPH will conduct focused research related to the development of inclusive standards, policies, design guidelines and strategic action plans to ensure equal access for all, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. Our way of thinking incorporates a high level of social awareness as well as an obligation to respond to the needs of all people from childhood to old age. SPH will work with municipal staff, community organizations, businesses, councils, boards, advisory committees and all public/private sector clients to develop formal disability action plans or policies that identify, remove and prevent barriers faced by persons with disabilities. SPH strives to attain universal design solutions when planning for all public and private sector facilities, services, policies, housing, recreational environments and transportation infrastructure across the Greater Toronto Area and Canada.
In 2002, SPH expanded services to include the development of strategic Action Plans, as mandated under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA). In 2005, services were expanded further to address client's needs related to meeting requirements of the Accessibility For Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). SPH is committed to working with all municipalities and their staff (across all departments and policy areas) in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers faced by persons with disabilities through the creation of comprehensive and strategic Action Plans.