AODA: Misunderstandings About Compliance

A recent Globe and Mail article highlighted the confusion that many small to medium sized businesses are facing as they start to try and comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).  As of January 1, 2012 all provincially legislated businesses that provide goods or services either directly to the public or to other organizations in Ontario, and have more than one employee are required to comply.

What are the common misunderstandings?

• Confusion about what the customer service standard is all about-“It’s not about putting in ramps and automatic doors”.
• People automatically associate mobility when they think of disabilities and what needs to be done to accommodate them physically

The AODA Customer Service standard is about “attitude change and empowering your employees to be confidant when providing customer service to people with disabilities” states Russ Gahan, who is currently working with the Ontario government to raise awareness about the AODA.

This checklist from the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services is helpful to make sure you’ve done everything:

1.   Create and put in to place an accessibility plan that:

• Considers a person's disability when communicating with them
• Allows assistive devices in your workplace like wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen tanks
• Allows service animals
• Welcomes support persons
• Lets customers know when accessible services are not available
• Invites customers to provide feedback

2.   Train your staff on accessible customer service
3.   Put your plan in writing

• Let customers know how to find your plan
• Offer your plan in accessible formats if requested

4.   Report your progress online

Clear Path offers an AODA Do-It-Yourself package as well as an informative morning learning session; Introduction to AODA: Customer Service Standard that will provide you with a clear understanding of your obligations and strategies to enable you to become compliant.  Click here to find out more.

Source: Globe and Mail “Ontario Disabilities Act Creates Compliance Confusion" Jan 06 2012
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/documents/en/mcss/accessibility/Tools/Checklist_more20_en.pdf

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