Complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (the act) came into force in 2005 and sets out a clear goal and timeframe to make Ontario accessible by 2025. Ontario is the first jurisdiction in the world to enact specific legislation establishing a goal and time-frame for accessibility. Ontario is also the first jurisdiction to make accessibility reporting the law and has established standards so people living with disabilities can enjoy increased participation in their communities. To date, these include:

• Accessible customer service to ensure organizations provide goods, services or facilities in ways that take the needs of people with disabilities into account.
• Accessible transportation to make it easier for people with disabilities to travel to work and enjoy recreational, shopping and entertainment venues.
• Accessible information and communications to allow people with disabilities to access information that many of us rely on every day, including web sites, textbooks and business information.
• Accessible public spaces to remove barriers for people with disabilities when accessing recreational trails, service counters, parking lots and outdoor play spaces.
• Accessible employment to help organizations make accessibility a regular part of recruiting and supporting employees with disabilities.

Every organization with one or more employees is required to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and all of its applicable standards, including customer service, transportation, information and communications, the design of public spaces and employment. The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (the Directorate) is committed to the implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and helping organizations comply with the standards by providing free tools and resources and offering support through a dedicated help desk.

Has your organization been complying with all parts of the AODA?

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 orsandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca