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Accessibility for Ontarians

(borrowed from “About the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)”, Ministry of Community and Social Services)

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) became law on June 13, 2005. Under this Act, the government of Ontario will develop mandatory accessibility standards that will identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities in key areas of daily living. The standards will apply to private and public sector organizations across Ontario.

Focus On Five Key Areas
Standards Development Committees are developing proposed standards in five key areas.

  • The Accessible Customer Service standard is the first standard developed to become a regulation. It came into force on January 1, 2008 and is now the law. Public sector organizations will be required to comply by January 1, 2010. Private sector organizations will be required to comply by January 1, 2012. The standard addresses business practices and training needed to provide better customer service to people with disabilities.
  • Accessible Information and Communications standards to address the removal of barriers in access to information. The standards could include information being provided in person, through print, a website or other means.
  • Accessible Built Environment standards to address access into and within buildings and outdoor spaces and are expected to build on Ontario’s Building Code. The standards could include things like counter height, aisle and door width, parking, and signs.
  • Employment Accessibility standards to address paid employment practices relating to employee-employer relationships, which could include recruitment, hiring, and retention policies and practices.
  • Accessible Transportation standards have been identified as crucial for people with disabilities. Access to transportation is needed for going to work or school, shopping and other aspects of daily life. This standard is to address aspects of accessible public transportation.

For more information:
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/documents/en/mcss/publications/accessibility/AboutAODAWeb20080311EN.pdf
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/accessibility/index.aspx