As of January 1, 2017, several new
requirements have taken effect under the disability law regime in
Ontario. The Integrated Accessibility Standards (IAS) made under the Accessibility
of Ontarians with a Disability Act (AODA) sets out a comprehensive
framework for business in Ontario to ensure the accessibility for employees and
customers.
Since
2012, employers have had to establish policies and practices to accommodate
employees with a disability. As of this month, even the smallest
employers will have to implement an additional round of the complex
requirements set out in the IAS.
In
addition to all AODA requirements already in place, effective January 1, 2017,
Ontario workplaces must comply as follows:
·
1-19
employees:
·
Make
public information accessible when asked; and
·
Make
public employment practices accessible, including how you hire, retain and
provide career development opportunities to employees. This would include
adding a notification in job advertisements and on job postings.
·
20-49
employees:
·
50+
employees:
·
The
above have been in place since at least January 1, 2016. An additional
requirement for large employers is to make new or redeveloped public spaces
accessible, including parking lots, public outdoor paths of travel, service
counters, fixed waiting lines and waiting areas with fixed seating; and
The IAS requirements are specific and
detailed. The Ontario government provides useful summaries and tools on
its Accessibility
website, and we are here
to help should your business have any questions about the layers of detail and
best practices for implementation of the new round of compliance requirements.
Is your
organization aware of the these changes to 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
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