The Integrated Accessibility 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 and have not begun planning for compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standard.  I thought I would review each of the questions to help you ensure you are in compliance.  I am discussing the requirements for the Integrated Accessibility Standard.  Please let me know how far in compliance you are.

Requirement:

3. (1) Every obligated organization shall develop, implement and maintain policies governing how the organization achieves or will achieve accessibility through meeting its requirements referred to in this Regulation.

(2) Obligated organizations, other than small organizations, shall include a statement of organizational commitment to meet the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner in their policies.

What does compliance look like for this requirement??

This requirement expects the development of an Accessibility Policy. This policy indicates how your company will achieve accessibility.  Each organization must examine all company policies and procedures to examine how barriers for people with disabilities will be removed.  The policy must speak to all the requirements in the Integrated Accessibility Standard (remember to include Information and Communications, Employment, Transportation and Customer Service).  

All public sector organizations must prepare this document for the public.  This means that the documents must be made accessible.  It is a good idea to ensure your company has accessible formats of the Accessibility Policy available. 

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 @ 416-579-1035 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca or visit www.accessibilitycompliance.ca