Human Resources & Training Solutions
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was passed in 2005, placing new responsibilities on employers with the goal to make Ontario organizations more accessible. The act breaks down the barriers faced by persons with disabilities with the aim to make Ontario accessible by 2025. (Note – Phase 1 deadlines - AODA Customer Service Standards - have earlier due dates).
Besides being the right thing to do, making our workplaces more accessible benefits all of us. The Royal Bank of Canada estimates that the spending power of people with disabilities is about $25 billion each year. So besides being the right thing to do, it also makes good business sense.
This legislation is being implemented in phases with Phase 1 being Customer Service Standards. Public sector organizations were required to meet the Customer Service Accessibility regulations on January 1, 2010. Private sector organizations are required to meet the standards effective January 1, 2012.
Who must comply with the Customer Service Standard?
If your business or organization provides goods or services either directly to the public or to third parties (for example to other businesses) and you have one or more employees in Ontario, you must comply with the legislation. Those with 20 or more employees must also file accessibility reports starting in 2012.
Are you compliant with the AODA? Do you know what you need to do?
Don’t worry, we’ve done the work for you so you don’t have to. We’ve scheduled educational and working sessions similar to our popular Bill 168 sessions, to get your organization compliant quickly. Click here for more information.
