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Home > Government
Relations > Accessibility
ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS
WITH DISABILITIES ACT (AODA)
The first of several requirements for businesses
under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act come into
effect on January 1, 2012. Businesses must
start building accessibility into their business plans and corporate cultures
now in order to be successful.
In May, 2005 the Ontario Legislature approved the Accessibility for Ontarians
with Disabilities Act (AODA). The AODA applies to all persons and organizations
in the public and private sectors who provide a good, service, facility,
or accommodation to the public.
The legislation sets out a framework for the development of “standards”,
and achieving incremental increases until full accessibility throughout
Ontario is realized by 2025. Initially there will be four common standards
which apply to all sectors, and an initial industry-specific standard.
It is important for all restaurateurs and hoteliers to understand their
obligations under the AODA, the timelines and cost implications.
The ORHMA has worked closely with the government since the introduction
of the AODA to ensure the concerns and realities of the hospitality and
tourism industry are represented and considered in the development of
standards.
The ORHMA is well-positioned to assist our members in understanding and
meeting their obligations under the AODA. If you would like more information
on the existing or proposed standards, or would like a presentation on
the development of the AODA contact Michelle Saunders, ORHMA Manager of
Government Relations, at msaunders@orhma.com
or 800-668-8906 ext. 307
• ACCESSIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Customer Service standard applies to all private sector organizations
and takes effect January 1, 2012. The public sector requirements take
effect January 1, 2010.
The Customer Service standard states what businesses in Ontario must do
to make the provision of their goods and services more accessible to people
with disabilities. There are 11 specific requirements for business.
Resources:
Ontario
Regulation 429/07 states the requirements of the customer service standard
Ontario
Regulation 430/07 exempts private sector organizations that have fewer
than 20 employees from certain documentation requirements of the standard
Checklist
of Requirements
Customer
Service Standard Compliance Toolkit
• ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
In 2007 the ORHMA was appointed by the Government of Ontario as a participant
in the Information and Communication Standard Development Committee. In
May 2009 a proposed Information and Communication Standard (ICS) was submitted
to the Minister of Community and Social Services for review and approval.
Once approved the ICS will require the private sector to have policies
and procedures to ensure all information and communication is developed
and available in accessible alternate formats.
Once finalized the standard will be posted here.
• ACCESSIBLE EMPLOYMENT
The Employment Standard is currently in development. The ORHMA has participated
in public consultations and has submitted formal comments, developed in
partnership with members, in response to the draft standard.
The Employment Standard, once finalized, may place specific requirements
on all employers t with regard to the recruitment, retention and accommodation
of persons with disabilities.
• ACCESSIBLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The Built Environment Standard is currently in development. The ORHMA
has participated in the standard development process and will provide
formal comments once the standard is released for public consultation.
A draft of the Built Environment Standard is expected to be released for
public consultation in the early summer of 2009. The ORHMA will provide
formal comments, developed in partnership with members, in response to
the draft standard.
• ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION
The Transportation Standard is awaiting final approval from the government
and will likely be released in the summer of 2009. The goal of this standard
is to ensure that all public transportation systems, vehicles and services
are accessible to persons with disabilities. This standard may have implications
for hotels that own or operate shuttle services.
Once the standard is finalized it will be posted here.
Additional Accessibility Resources and Links:
Government
of Ontario / Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
ACCESS Ontario
(Resources provided by the Government of Ontario)
ORHMA
Hosting Magazine, The Accessibility Issue
ORHMA/GTHA
Hospitality Accessibility Checklist
ORHMA
Disability Sensitivity Training Program Ontario
Human Rights Commission (OHRC)
OHRC
Report: Moving Towards Barrier-Free Services (2006)
OHRC
Report: Dining Out Accessibility (2004)
OHRC
Decision: Visual Fire Alarms in Hotels (2007)
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