The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a provincial law that sets out standards for making Ontario more accessible for people with disabilities. There are five mandatory standards of AODA that all organizations in Ontario must comply with.
The 5 mandatory standards of AODA:
- Customer Service Standard
- Information and Communications Standard
- Transportation Standard
- Employment Standard
- Design of Public Spaces Standard
Mandatory Standards of AODA – Customer Service Standard:
The Customer Service Standard requires organizations to provide goods and services in a way that is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing accessible customer service, creating accessibility policies, and providing training to employees on how to interact with people with disabilities.
Mandatory Standards of AODA – Information and Communications Standard:
The Information and Communications Standard requires organizations to make their information and communications accessible to people with disabilities. This includes accessible formats for print and electronic materials, website accessibility, and accessible communication supports.
Mandatory Standards of AODA – Transportation Standard:
The Transportation Standard requires organizations that provide transportation services to make their services accessible to people with disabilities. This includes accessible vehicles, transportation schedules, and communication supports.
Mandatory Standards of AODA – Employment Standard:
The Employment Standard requires organizations to make their employment practices accessible to people with disabilities. This includes accessibility in job recruitment, employee training, and accommodation for employees with disabilities.
Mandatory Standards of AODA -Design of Public Spaces Standard:
The Design of Public Spaces Standard requires new public spaces to be designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes outdoor spaces such as parks, public squares, and walking paths, as well as indoor spaces such as malls and public buildings.
It is important for organizations in Ontario to comply with these mandatory standards to ensure that their goods, services, and facilities are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. Non-compliance with the mandatory standards can result in penalties and fines.
Five mandatory standards of AODA are the Customer Service Standard, Information and Communications Standard, Transportation Standard, Employment Standard, and Design of Public Spaces Standard. By complying with these standards, organizations can create a more inclusive and accessible environment for people with disabilities.
