1. What is the AODA and who is covered?
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is mandated accessibility for persons with disabilities. The first of several standards under the AODA is the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. As of 2010 designated public organizations were required to comply with it, and private organizations must comply by January 1, 2012.
For information on who is covered by the AODA click here.
2. What should organizations do to prepare?
Briefly, organizations need to develop policies and procedures, organize training for all workers, and notify customers or third parties.
For more information on AODA compliance click here.
To access the Customer Service Standards checklist click here.
3. How does my organization meet the training requirements under the Customer Service Standards?
Organizations must train all employees, volunteers and agents and any other people who interact with the public or other third parties on the organization’s behalf by January 1, 2012.
For more information on training requirements click here.
4. Are there any additional Customer Service Standard requirements for organizations with 20 or more workers?
Organizations with 20 or more employees are required to prepare certain documents which should be available to the public upon request. They are also required to file a report with the government on the Service Ontario website.
For more information on the documents that you must provide click here.
5. How does the Ontario Government plan to enforce the Customer Service Standards?
Enforcement will be carried out through inspections of businesses and orders requiring compliance. Non-compliant organizations may be subject to monetary fines.
For more information on AODA enforcement click here.
6. What are the requirements under the Integrated Accessibility Standards and the Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment?
The Integrated Accessibility Standards are aimed at removing barriers in transportation, employment and information and communications. While the underlying regulations came into force on July 1, 2011, various standards will be phased in between 2012 and 2020. The fifth and final standard, the Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment, is still under development.
For more information on these other standards click here.
Access a copy of the Ministry’s Tip Sheet and Guide on providing workplace emergency response information.
Access a copy of the Ministry’s Tip Sheet and Guide on providing emergency and public safety information.