Ten Years of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

On June 3, 2015—the 10th anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)—Ontario’s government introduced an accessibility action plan, which establishes measures to meet the goal of an “accessible Ontario” by 2025. The action plan also responds to the Report on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act review released in February 2015.

There are five accessibility standards currently in place under the AODA. The timelines for full implementation of the five standards are outlined below (deadlines in bold have passed):

The Design of Public Spaces Standard began in 2007

• The Standard was enacted in 2013
• Full Implementation in Government is 2015
• Full Implementation in the Public Sector will be in 2016
• Full Implementation in the Private Sector will be in 2018.

The Employment Standard began in 2007

• The Standard was enacted in 2011
• Full Implementation in Government was 2013
• Full Implementation in the Public Sector is 2015
• Full Implementation in the Private Sector will be in 2017.

The Information and Communications Standard began in 2007

• The Standard was enacted in 2011
• Full Implementation in Government will be in 2020
• Full Implementation in the Public Sector will be in 2021
• Full Implementation in the Private Sector will be in 2021.

The Transportation Standard began in 2006

·  The Standard was enacted in 2011

·  Full Implementation in Government will be in 2017

·  The Full Implementation in the Public Sector will be in 2017

·  Full Implementation in the Private Sector will be in 2017.

The Customer Service Standard began in 2006

• The Standard was enacted in 2008
• Full Implementation in Government was 2010
• Full Implementation in the Public Sector was 2010
• Full Implementation in the Private Sector was 2012

In addition, on January 1, 2015, amendments to Ontario’s Building Code came into force that will enhance accessibility in newly constructed buildings and existing buildings that are scheduled to undergo extensive renovations.

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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