The implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) covers every person in the public and private sectors, and provides standards and enforcement procedures to make organizations more accessible by 2025.
The Accessibility Standard for Customer Service Regulation came into force on January 1, 2008. However, as of January 1, 2012, private and non-profit sector organizations are required to comply with the Customer Service Standard. Public sector organizations should have become compliant with the Customer Service Standard as of January 1, 2010.
The Integrated Accessibility Regulation establishes accessibility standards to remove barriers in information and communications, employment and transportation. The integrated Regulation came into effect July 1, 2011, and its provisions will be phased in between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2025.
First Reference and Stringer Brisbin Humphrey are presenting a half-day seminar on November 9, 2011, which will provide an overview of the AODA compliance framework focusing on practical guidance in the form of templates, checklists and resources tailored to assist you in understanding and meeting the specific requirements that are applicable to your organization, whether it be a public, private or non-profit enterprise.
If you request a trial of First Reference’s new publication, Accessibility Standards PolicyPro (see below), and subscribe by November 1, 2011, you’ll be eligible for a special $95 seminar registration fee.
A new PolicyPro!
Earlier this year, we introduced Manitoba and Saskatchewan PolicyPro as part of our Human Resources PolicyPro series. Well, now we’ve got a whole new product: Accessibility Standards PolicyPro.
Accessibility Standards PolicyPro (ASPP) demystifies and explains the regulations, compliance and work required to provide people with disabilities an equal environment, with a no-nonsense, let’s-get-this-work-done-together approach.
ASPP is aimed at preparing organizations to deal with Ontario’s accessibility standards as they become regulations, and providing information about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and its goals. Four of the five proposed standards are already regulations: the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service and the Integrated Accessibility Regulation (information and communication, employment and transportation).
The policies and procedures in ASPP are currently consistent with the obligations an organization has under the AODA and the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service that you need to comply with by January 1, 2012. Future updates to ASPP will cover the general obligations under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation and the forthcoming Accessibility Standards for Built Environment.
Adam Gorley
First Reference Internal Controls, Human Resources and Compliance Editor
