Wednesday, June 21, 2017

NEW AODA COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS FOR SMALL EMPLOYERS



The start of the new year brought with it new compliance standards under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Requlation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”). As of January 1, 2017, small organizations will have to ensure that they comply with the applicable provisions of the Accessible Employment Standards, which focus on the recruitment and ongoing support of employees with disabilities.

 

Reporting Obligations

Small organizations need not file an accessibility report with respect to these compliance requirements. Small organizations with between twenty (20) and fifty (50) employees will still need to file accessibility compliance reports with respect to their obligations under the Customer Service Standards.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

An AODA Director may levy penalties against organizations of any size that fail to comply with their obligations under the AODA, including the Accessible Employment Standard. Penalties range from $200 – $2,000 for individuals and unincorporated organizations. Corporations may be assessed penalties between $500 and $15,000. A major contravention of AODA obligations may attract a daily penalty of $100,000 for corporations and $50,000 for individuals and unincorporated organizations where there the entity has a prior history of major contraventions.

What are some unique issues that small organization have to deal with in terms of accessibility?
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 orsandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca

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