The Integrated Accessibility Standard

Requirement:

The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall establish, review and update their accessibility plans in consultation with persons with disabilities and if they have established an accessibility advisory committee, they shall consult with the committee.

(3) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall,

       (a) prepare an annual status report on the progress of measures taken to implement the strategy referenced in clause (1) (a); and

       (b) post the status report on their website, if any, and provide the report in an accessible format upon request.

What does compliance look like for this requirement??

While this requirement is geared toward the public sector, it can be used by private sector organizations for best practices. 

It is important for all organizations to review and update your accessibility policy and plan regularly (at the very least, every 5 years). 

The establishment of an accessibility advisory committee is an important first step in meeting this requirement.  This advisory committee should include persons with disabilities.  These people could be employees or customers that access your service. 

The preparation of an annual status report on the progress toward full accessibility is an important first step.  This will allow your organization to keep on track with all the progress toward making your organization fully inclusive for all Ontarians with Disabilities.

As with many parts of the AODA, the posting of the status report allows the public to see the positive 

changes that have been made toward full accessibility. 

What are you doing to ensure compliance with this individual requirement?

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