Accessibility report on the customer service standard

Within in the disability community, there is a large discussion around how many organizations are not in compliance with the AODA customer service standard.  I thought I would review each of the questions to help you ensure you are in compliance.  Here is the beginning.  Please let me know how far in compliance you are.

Question one:   Does your organization have policies, practices and procedures on providing goods or services to people with disabilities?

What does it look like for you to check yes to this question??

The first thing to do is develop an Accessible Customer Service Policy.  This would cover all principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) including independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity. 

This policy needs to put in a place the public can get access to it --- for example the company website. 

The company also link the policy to other policies on Customer Service.  This would ensure that accessibility is a part of your everyday business.

This first step is important as it sets the company’s tone for the remainder requirements and allows for a plan to be in place for continued compliance. 

Is there anything else that could be done to ensure that a company can check YES to this first question. 

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