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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)

Main Purpose of the AODA

■   To achieve full access for all Ontarians by first developing and implementing, and then fully enforcing, Accessibility Standards on or before January 1, 2025.

The AODA Vision

Having become law in 2005, the vision was an accessible Ontario in 20 years or less.

Has and will continue to require:

■   Fundamental, comprehensive change to ensure accessible buildings, communications, services and employment for people with disabilities.

■   Development and enforcement of five Accessibility Standards that will define appropriate levels of accessibility in the areas of Customer Service, Transportation, Information & Communication, the Built Environment and Employment.

■   Information and education to change attitudes, values and behaviour towards accessibility.

If the Vision is achieved, will result in:

■   The full participation of Ontarians with disabilities in Ontario’s community and economic life.

■   Maintenance of dignity, quality of life and a strong economy for all Ontarians.

 Accessibility as an investment makes good economic sense!

An Overview of the AODA Components

This landmark legislation will have province-wide impact and will include:

■  A process for developing, implementing and enforcing clear and measurable Accessibility Standards with timelines for compliance.

■ Mandatory Accessibility Standards for public, broader public and private sector application.

■ Standards that will address the full range of disabilities (both visible and invisible) – physical, visual, hearing, mental health, intellectual, and learning.

■  Standards that will set out measures, policies, practices and other steps needed to identify, remove and prevent barriers.

■ Compliance that will be mandatory and enforcement provisions in the form of inspections, orders and penalties will be included.

AODA Training for staff and volunteers

The Ontario Human  Rights Code

Accessible  Customer Service

any accessibility  requirements that  apply to their job duties and your organization

If you are an educational or training organization, you must also provide your educators with training on accessibility awareness and accessible course delivery.

You must keep a written record of this training that include how many people were trained and the dates the training was provided.

A leading AODA consultant Trish Robichaud says “ Disability inclusion is an opportunity and not an obstacle”. She is a pioneer of accessible customer service training in Ontario. For AODA training for your staff logon to www.changingpaces.com

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AODA Accessible Customer Service Training programs by Changing Paces include requirements under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Requirement.