Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) | Changing Paces

Main Purpose of the AODA

■ To achieve full access for all Ontarians by first developing and implementing, and then fully enforcing, Accessibility Standards on or before January 1, 2025.

The AODA Vision

An accessible Ontario in 20 years or less…

Will require:

■ Fundamental, comprehensive change to ensure accessible buildings, communications, services and employment for people with disabilities.
■ Development and enforcement of five Accessibility Standards that will define appropriate levels of accessibility in the areas of Customer Service, Transportation, Information & Communication, the Built Environment and Employment.
■ Information and education to change attitudes, values and behaviour towards accessibility.
Will result in:
■ The full participation of Ontarians with disabilities in Ontario’s community and economic life.
■ Maintenance of dignity, quality of life and a strong economy for all Ontarians.

Accessibility as an investment makes good economic sense!

An Overview of the AODA Components

This landmark legislation will have province-wide impact and will include:

■ A process for developing, implementing and enforcing clear and measurable Accessibility Standards with timelines for compliance.

■ Mandatory Accessibility Standards for public, broader public and private sector application.

■ Standards that will address the full range of disabilities (both visible and invisible) – physical, visual, hearing, mental health, intellectual, and learning.

■ Standards that will set out measures, policies, practices and other steps needed to identify, remove and prevent barriers.

■ Compliance that will be mandatory and enforcement provisions in the form of inspections, orders and penalties will be included.


AODA Standards Development Status

Where Are We Now? -- October 2011

1. Customer Service Standard (ACS)

■ Passed into law Jan 2008
■ Public sector compliance – Jan 2010
■ Private sector compliance – Jan 2012

2. Transportation Standard

■ Passed into law Jun 2011
■ Standard is now law under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation
■ Compliance dates range from Jun 2011 to Jan 2017

3. Information and Communication Standard

■ Passed into law Jun 2011
■ Standard is now law under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation
■ Compliance dates range from Jan 2013 to Jan 2025

4. Employment Standard

■ Passed into law Jun 2011
■ Standard is now law under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation
■ Compliance dates range from Jan 2012 to Jan 2017

5. The Built Environment Standard

■ Final proposed standard was submitted to the Minister spring 2010
■ Portions of the standard are expected to be integrated with a new version of the Ontario Building Code and is expected to be passed into law in 2012

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