Why is Accessibility Good for your Business?

The numbers

·         About one in seven (1.85 million) Ontarians has a disability

·         As population ages, the number will increase

The case for employment

·         Untapped labour market potential

The case for accessible businesses

·         People with disabilities like to eat out, travel, work and participate in everyday activities

·         Why accessibility is good for your business?  Did you know?

·         About 1.85 million people in Ontario (that’s 15.5% of the population) have a disability.

·         47.2% of people over the age of 65 have disabilities.

• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) came into legislation in 2005 in Ontario.  The province of Ontario recognizes the history of discrimination against persons with disabilities in Ontario (AODA, 2005).    This act follows the social model of disability where the province works to remove all barriers, physical and non-physical (i.e., systemic), to ensure that all people are fully included in society.

The development of accessibility standards also influence the way other acts are in place.  These standards will be phased in over assigned target dates.  The act and its standards help both public and private organizations move toward a fully accessible Ontario where all barriers for people with disabilities are removed.

What can your business do to ensure inclusion of all 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