Accessible workplaces

Ontario’s Accessible Employment Standard requires you to make your employment practices accessible to meet the needs of employees and job applicants with disabilities. Learn how to meet the standard.

Businesses and non-profits with:
1-49 employees must complete 4 requirements by January 1, 2017
50+ employees must have completed 6 requirements by January 1, 2016

Hiring

Notify employees and the public that you will accommodate the needs of people with disabilities in your hiring process.

You can:

• post the information on your website
• include it in job postings

Sample wording for notification

[Name of Organization] welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

During the hiring process, tell job applicants when they are selected for an interview that accommodation will be provided.

If an applicant or successful candidate requests an accommodation, discuss their needs with them and make adjustments to support them.

What are some policies in your organization that complies with 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 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca

Accessible workplaces

Ontario’s Accessible Employment Standard requires you to make your employment practices accessible to meet the needs of employees and job applicants with disabilities. Learn how to meet the standard.

Businesses and non-profits with:
1-49 employees must complete 4 requirements by January 1, 2017
50+ employees must have completed 6 requirements by January 1, 2016

If you have 1-49 employees, you must complete 4 requirements of the Accessible Employment Standard in your workplace:

• hiring
• workplace information
• talent and performance management
• communicate accessibility policies

If you have 50 or more employees, you must complete 6 requirements of the Accessible Employment Standard in your workplace:

• hiring
• workplace information
• talent and performance management
• communicate accessibility policies
• accommodation plans
• return to work process

What are some policies in your organization that complies with 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

Accessibility Matters

Accessibility offers new market opportunities for businesses. For example, greater accessibility can bring up to $1.6 billion in new spending for our tourism sector and up to $9.6 billion for our retail sector.

The Government of Ontario enacted the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in 2005. This act lays the framework for the development of province-wide mandatory standards on accessibility in five key areas of daily life:

·       Customer Service

·       Employment

·       Information & Communication

·       Transportation

·       Design of Public Spaces

The government is actively promoting the values of accessibility to its extensive membership and the marketing community at large. Through a variety of communications channels and events, ADO (Accessibility Directorate of Ontario)  engages and educates members of the marketing community on the AODA regulations and the benefits of incorporating accessibility into marketing strategies. The priorities are: (1) to promote understanding and compliance with the 'accessible websites' and the 'filing of compliance reports' requirements, and (2) to communicate the value of accessibility and help businesses realize the economic advantages that accessibility can offer. 

What attitudes have changed to help include people with disabilities be more inclusive?

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