Principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians for Disabilities Act

The Standards of the AODA and the Accessibility for Ontarians for Disabilities Act talk about principles of Accessibilities.  These principles are important for people with disabilities as they help achieve accessibility.  These principles as they move to practices that help with full inclusion.  These principles include dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.  We must start to discuss the meaning and practice of each principle to help form the practices of a barrier free Ontario. Organizations must create policies, practices and procedures that are guided by the principles. 

What does the principle of independence mean?

For many people, independence means freedom from control or influence of others.  This often happens naturally at certain points for many people.  For people with disabilities, independence is even more important.  Independence means the ability make your own choices and to do things their own way.  This may mean that all people have an opportunity to participate in a program or service because of this factor. 

In terms of Customer Service, it is important to listen and respond respectfully to the needs of individual customers.  This could mean speaking directly to the person and listening to their needs. 

Can you share any examples of how a good or service is designed to respect the principle of independence for people with disabilities?

If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca or visit www.accessibilitycompliance.ca 

Principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians for Disabilities Act

The Standards of the AODA and the Accessibility for Ontarians for Disabilities Act talk about principles of Accessibilities.  These principles are important for people with disabilities as they help achieve accessibility.  These principles as they move to practices that help with full inclusion.  These principles include dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.  We must start to discuss the meaning and practice of each principle to help form the practices of a barrier free Ontario. Organizations must create policies, practices and procedures that are guided by the principles. 

What does the principle of dignity mean?

Policies, procedures and practices that respect the dignity of a person with a disability are those that treat them as customers and clients who are as valued and as deserving of effective and full service as any other customer. They do not treat people with disabilities as an afterthought or force them to accept lesser service, quality or convenience. Service delivery needs to take into account how people with disabilities can effectively access and use services and show respect for these methods. By respecting the idea of dignity, the person with a disability is not being interfered. 

Can you share any examples of how a good or service is designed to respect the principle of dignity for people with disabilities?

If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-503-1035 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca or visit www.accessibilitycompliance.ca 

Communicating with Customers with Disabilities

The Accessibility Standard for Customer Service Standard states that all business must communicate with persons with disabilities in a manner that takes into account the person’s disability. Let’s discuss how take into account a person who are deaf-blind.

An person who is deaf-blind has a combined loss of vision and hearing. This makes it difficult for people to access information. Most people who are deaf-blind are accompanied by an intervenor, a professional who helps with communicating.

Here are some tips on how to interact with people who are deaf-blind:

• Don't assume what a person can or cannot do.
• A person who is deaf-blind will probably give you a card or a note explaining how to communicate with them.
• Speak directly to the person as you normally would, not to the intervenor.
• Don't touch or address service animals — they are working and have to pay attention at all times.
• Never touch a person who is deaf-blind suddenly or without permission unless it's an emergency.

What else can you do to help a customer with who is deaf-blind feel more welcomed and served?  Do you know someone who is deaf blind??  How can this help you when communicating with them?


If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca or visit www.accessibilitycompliance.ca 

Learning disabilities

Using words
Don't say	Say
learning disabled learning disordered dyslexic autistic	a person with a learning disability or people with learning disabilities a person with dyslexia a person with autism a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Learning disabilities are information processing disorders. They can affect how a person acquires, organizes, expresses, retains, understands or uses verbal or non-verbal information.

Here are some examples:

• dyslexia (problems in reading)
• dyscalculia (problems in mathematics)
• dysgraphia (problems in writing and fine motor skills).

People with learning difficulties may have problems communicating.

You may not know that a person has a learning 

disability unless you are told.

Tips on how to interact with people who have learning disabilities

• Patience and a willingness to find a way to communicate are your best tools.
• When you know that someone with a learning disability needs help, ask how you can best help.
• Speak normally and clearly, and directly to the person.
• Take some time — people with some kinds of learning disabilities may take a little longer to understand and respond.
• Try to find ways to provide information in a way that works best for them. For example, have a paper and pen handy.
• If you're dealing with a child, be patient, encouraging and supportive.
• Be courteous and patient. The person will let you know how to best provide service in a way that works for them.

Communicating with Customers with Disabilities

The Accessibility Standard for Customer Service Standard states that all business must communicate with persons with disabilities in a manner that takes into account the person’s disability. Let’s discuss how take into account a person with a Visual Disability.

Visual disabilities reduce a person's ability to see clearly.  There are many degrees of vision loss. Few people with vision loss are totally blind. Many have limited vision. People with vision loss may use a guide dog or a white cane. Others may not. You may not always be able to tell if a person has vision loss. As people age, some may lose their vision slowly.

Here are some tips on how to interact with people with a visual disability.

• Identify yourself when you approach the person and speak directly to them.
• Speak normally and clearly.
• Never touch the person without asking permission, unless it's an emergency.
• Offer your arm (the elbow) to guide the person and walk slowly.
• Don't touch or address service animals — they are working and have to pay attention at all times.
• If you're giving directions or verbal information, be precise and clear. For example, if you're approaching a door or an obstacle, say so.
• Identify landmarks or other details to orient the person to the environment around them.
• Don't walk away without saying good-bye.

What else can you do to help a customer with a visual disability feel more welcomed and served?  Do you know someone with a visual disability??  How can this help you when communicating with them?

If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca or visit www.accessibilitycompliance.ca