AODA compliance: Benefits of being ahead of the game

As many of you already know, the AODA Customer Service Standard was the first of five accessibility standards to be enacted by the Ontario government in order to increase and promote accessibility in Ontario. 

The Customer Service Standard applies to the provision of goods or services to “customers”, which includes the public or other third parties.

What are the requirements under the Customer Service Standard?

• To create policies, practices and procedures for the provision of goods and services to people with disabilities;
• To know how to communicate with persons with disabilities;
• To allow the use of the use of service animals and support persons on parts of your organization’s premises open to customers;
• To allow use of assistive devices by persons with disabilities;
• To provide notification of temporary disruption in facilities or services;
• To provide a feedback process;
• To train all employees and other third parties that interact with customers on your organization’s behalf.

What is next for AODA?

There are a number of AODA obligations under the Integrated Accessibility Standard that will need to be complied with in the next couple of years. More specifically, these include obligations under the Information and Communication Standard as well as the Employment Standard. Some of these deadlines are rapidly approaching, and will likely require significant modifications to current policies, practices and procedures.

Under the Employment Standard, for instance, organizations may need to make changes to policies and practices throughout the whole lifecycle of employment commencing with the hiring process. The 

Employment Standard includes requirements in the following areas:

• The recruitment process
• Accessible formats and communication supports
• Workplace emergency response information
• Individualized accommodation plans
• The return to work process
• Performance management
• Career development and advancement
• Redeployment

Current policies related to hiring, job posting, accommodation, and performance evaluation will need to be reviewed and modified as necessary and new policies may need to be created in order to be compliant.

Can you share any examples of compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standard?

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

Integrated Accessibility Standard

As well as compliance with the 13 requirements of the Customer Service Standard, the Integrated Accessibility Standard, published on June 7, 2011, requires all private and public companies to be in compliance with the 

Emergency Response and Planning for customers and employees with disabilities.  These pieces needed to be completed by January 1, 2012. 

The Integrated Accessibility Standard has specific compliance requirements in the areas of Information and Communication and Employment.  As well, this Standard requires all public and private companies to do the following:

• Develop an organizational statement of commitment to the values of accessibility. 
• Have a plan that covers how the company will prevent and remove barriers to accessibility (i.e., visible or invisible).  The plan has to be reviewed and updated at least once every five years
• Training in accessibility and disability as it relates to the Human Rights Code. 

When planning for compliance, it is important to develop key partnerships as more complex standards are implemented across the province.  I can support your company to meet accessibility compliancy requirements by making accessibility a natural part of your business.  In addition to providing subject matter expertise and/or consulting support, I can develop and deliver training on the Ontario Human Rights Code and accessibility policy development. 

As the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005)(AODA) is implemented throughout the province there is potential for future change.  To learn more about compliance and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities visit:  www.accessibilitycompliance.ca .  My goal in the next couple of months is to allow companies to discover and share some of the evidence that is required to ensure compliance with the many components of the Integrated Accessibility Standard.

Can you share any examples of compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standard?

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