Integrated Accessibility Standard

 Information and Communications

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.

Every obligated organization that is an educational or training institution shall do the following, if notification of need is given:

1. Provide educational or training resources or materials in an accessible format that takes into account the accessibility needs due to a disability of the person with a disability to whom the material is to be provided by,

i. procuring through purchase or obtaining by other means an accessible or conversion ready electronic format of educational or training resources or materials, where available, or

ii. arranging for the provision of a comparable resource in an accessible or conversion ready electronic format, if educational or training resources or materials cannot be procured, obtained by other means or converted into an accessible format.

2. Provide student records and information on program requirements, availability and descriptions in an accessible format to persons with disabilities.

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

Colleges of applied arts and technologies, as well as any public or private organizations that provide diploma or certificate courses under the Education Act, will be required to provide educational or training resource materials in an accessible format if “notification of need” is given. The materials may be provided by procuring, through purchase or obtaining by other means, an accessible or conversion ready electronic format, or if not available, by arranging for the provision of a comparable resource in an accessible or conversion ready electronic format. This will apply to student records and information on programs as well.

These organizations will be required to provide educational or training resources or materials in an accessible format if “notification of need” is given. They may do so by procuring or obtaining by other means, or if not available, by arranging for comparable resources in an accessible format. Student records and information on programs will need to be provided in an accessible format.

Some sample evidence include that the individual training and policy speaks to training requirements that are consistent with the Integrated Accessibility Standard. The company has a written training plan that includes the type of training to be provided and timing of training and the plan aligned with the company’s Accessible Policy and Multi-Year Plan. There is a list of which staff must receive training and has assurance that this staffs were trained. The company also has to have a record of dates that training was provided, content covered and how many people were trained.

Is there anything else that could be done to ensure that a compliance with this 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