Do You Still Think AODA is Not Your Responsibility?

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Have you received this letter yet? 

Companies all across Ontario are getting a big wake-up call from the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment when it comes to AODA compliance. The realization that this isn't something that can just be dismissed is beginning to sink in.

Upon receiving this letter from the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, companies must file their accessibility report within 20 business days. Failure to do so may result in enforcement action being taken against your organization, which can include inspections, Director's Orders, and administrative monetary policies. 

Before filing your report, it's important that you fully understand the purpose of AODA and what it means to comply with the requirements of the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service. 

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What is the AODA?

​AODA legislation aims to make the province of Ontario fully accessible for people with disabilities by 2025. Passed in 2005, the AODA is being implemented in five pieces known as standards. Each standard has different time frames and requirements for business owners:

1. Customer Service Standard
2. Transportation Standard
3. Employment Standard
4. Communication & Information Standard
5. Built Environment Standard

Customer Service Standard

The Customer Service Standard is the first of the five standards - and perhaps the least onerous for business. It requires that Ontario businesses provide their goods and services in a way that is accessible to all Ontarians. There are 11 specific requirements employers must fulfill.

Have you met the standards?

If you have 20 or more employees, you were required to file your Customer Service Accessibility Compliance Report back in December 2012 to inform the Ministry that you have met the requirements of the Customer Service Standard. The Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment has now started to crack down on employers that failed to get this done. Haven't filed the report yet? It's time to step up!

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It's time to file that report!

The purpose of the Accessibility Compliance Report is to demonstrate that you have met the requirements of the Customer Service Standard. These include establishing policies, practices, and procedures on providing goods or services to people with disabilities and training your staff on providing accessible customer service.

Clear Path Employer Services offers an AODA DIY Package designed to make compliance as easy as possible for your company. In this package you will receive:

• Workplace Accessibility Tool
• Employee Feedback Survey
• Customizable Policy Statement
• PowerPoint Presentation for Training Employees
• Employee Training Sign-Off Template
• Feedback Process Samples
• One Hour of Telephone or Email Support 

For more information, or to place your order, please visit: www.clearpathemployer.com/aoda-diy-package

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