The Ontario government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in 2005 with the intention of making the province completely accessible to people with disabilities by the year 2025. The AODA lays out a number of guidelines for businesses to follow in order to advance accessibility and inclusion.

So what is required in AODA?

Organisations in Ontario are required to abide by the AODA’s five requirements in order to enhance accessibility. These include the standards for customer service, information and communication, employment, transportation, and design of public spaces. Each of these guidelines lays forth particular rules that businesses must follow in order to enhance accessibility and take down obstacles for people with disabilities.

According to the Customer assistance Standard, businesses must offer people with disabilities accessible customer assistance. This include helping people with impairments access services, educating staff to offer accessible customer service, and making sure that accessibility regulations are public knowledge.

Organisations are required by the Information and Communication Standard to make sure that all information and communications are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes making websites and digital content accessible and delivering information in accessible formats including Braille, large print, and audio.

So what is required in AODA, According to the Employment Standard?

According to the Employment Standard, businesses must make their workplaces accessible to people with impairments. This includes creating accessible job descriptions, making accommodations for workers with impairments, and offering training materials in accessible forms.

So what is required in AODA, According to Transportation Standard?

According to the Transportation Standard, transportation companies must make their services accessible to people with impairments. This involves making sure that transit stops and stations are accessible and offering accessible transportation options, such as accessible buses and trains.

Organisations are required by the Design of Public places Standard to make their public places accessible to people with impairments. All public areas, including sidewalks, parking lots, and outdoor leisure areas, must be accessible.

In addition to these requirements, businesses must train staff members about the AODA to encourage accessibility in the workplace. The AODA regulations as well as the company’s accessibility policies and procedures should be covered in this training.

AODA sets out specific requirements for organizations to promote accessibility and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities. By following these requirements, organizations can create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.