The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a law that aims to create a barrier-free Ontario for individuals with disabilities. To achieve this goal, AODA requires organizations to provide accessibility training to their employees.

AODA mandates two types of training for Ontario workplaces:

General AODA training 

The AODA and its rules must be introduced to all staff during general training. The fundamentals of accessibility are covered, along with practical applications for them in the workplace. After starting a job, general training must be finished within the first two weeks.

Job-specific training 

Employees must obtain position-specific training on how to develop accessible content if their responsibilities include engaging with consumers, constructing websites, or producing communications materials. The information and abilities needed to design and create accessible goods and services are provided through this course.

Workplaces that are more inclusive of people with disabilities benefit from AODA training. Organisations may guarantee that staff understand the value of accessibility and their part in promoting it by offering them accessibility training. This training can support an accessible workplace culture by assisting staff in identifying accessibility barriers and creating plans to remove them.

A Real-life Example:

A new employee at a retail store undergoes AODA training during their orientation. During the training, they learn about the importance of accessible customer service and the types of accommodations that the store can provide to customers with disabilities. Armed with this knowledge, the employee is better equipped to assist customers with disabilities, ensuring that they have a positive shopping experience.

AODA training is mandatory in Ontario, and it is an essential component of creating an inclusive workplace. By providing accessibility training to employees, organizations can ensure that they understand the importance of accessibility and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote it in their workplace. Ultimately, this can help create a barrier-free Ontario for individuals with disabilities.