Review of AODA

What does AODA compliance mean? Being in compliance means adhering to all aspects of the AODA, a law that’s been in place in Ontario since 2005. Some components of the law apply to web and digital accessibility.

AODA is an acronym for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.¹ This law, which came into effect in 2005, applies to both the public and private sectors in the Canadian province of Ontario.

The AODA compliance requires individuals and organizations in various industries and capacities to follow accessibility standards in five areas of doing business or interacting with the public.

These five categories of standards are: information and communications; customer service; transportation; employment, and design of public spaces. The standards were developed by committees with representation from different sectors, including people from the disability community.

Written into the AODA is a time frame within which government, public-sector groups and organizations of different sizes must comply with the accessibility standards. The Ontario government’s goal is for the province to become completely accessible by 2025.

It’s important to note that there’s already human rights legislation in place in Ontario that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The AODA doesn’t replace the Ontario Human Rights Code. However, it does set out clear processes for covered entities to follow as they ensure their practices and policies are AODA compliant.

There are good business reasons for organizations to serve the people of this province in a fully accessible manner. There are 1.8 million people with disabilities living in Ontario. Many more come to visit, as the province is home to North America’s fourth-largest city, Toronto, a cultural and business centre; and to Canada’s capital, Ottawa, another top tourist destination. It’s estimated that a more accessible province will increase the gross domestic product by as much as $600 a year per capita.²

The AODA compliance dates and time frames depend on the individual accessibility standards.

These are good reminders.  How far into compliance has your organization been?

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