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:

7. (1) Every obligated organization shall ensure that training is provided on the requirements of the accessibility standards referred to in this Regulation and on the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities to,

(a) all employees, and volunteers;

(b) all persons who participate in developing the organization’s policies; and

(c) all other persons who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the organization.

What does compliance look like for this requirement??

The most noteworthy change is the new requirement that organizations provide training on the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities

The required training is to be provided to an obligated organization’s employees, volunteers, persons who participate in developing the organization’s policies, and “all other persons” who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the organization.  This includes employees, volunteers, persons who participate in developing the organization’s policies, and all other persons who provide goods and services on behalf of the organization.

To mark yes to this questions means that records are kept detailing training taken by staff and third party service providers. These records need to include the dates training was provided.

Some sample evidence must be a list of obligated staff and service providers who must receive training under the regulation. A detailed training record is developed and kept. This recorder must show the obligated staff, date training was completed and content of the training. The content MUST align with the Human Rights Code. An orientation checklist for each training site should include training in accessible customer service.

The Final Regulation makes it clear that its requirements do not replace, nor are they a substitute for, the requirements established under the Human Rights Code (the “Code”), nor will the standards limit any rights under other pieces of legislation.

The training “shall be appropriate to the duties” of these individuals.  The training must occur as soon as practicable and following any changes to the applicable policies. The training shall be appropriate to the duties of the particular individual, and most Obligated Organizations are required to keep training records, including the date of the training and the individuals trained.

Is there anything else that could be done to ensure that a company can check YES to 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