INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS REGULATION

Provide Access to Information and Communications, Employment and Transportation

 

The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, which became law on July 1, 2011, works to remove barriers in three important areas. It contains the requirements relating to three individual standards:

* information and communications,

* employment,and

* transportation.

It also identifies general requirements that apply to all three standards.

Who does this regulation apply to? The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation applies to public, private, and not-for-profit businesses and organizations that provide goods, services or facilities either directly to the public or to other businesses or organizations, and that have at least one employee in Ontario. What do you have to do to comply and by when? While this standard applies to all types of organizations and business, the specific requirements and timelines for compliance depends upon the size and type of organization. Under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation there are five classes of businesses and organizations: Large organizations may they be public or private sector are defined as having 50 or more employees. Small organizations may they be public or private sector are defined as having fewer than 50 employees. The government of Ontario and Legislative Assembly are considered a separate class of organization.

What are the timelines for complying with this regulation? The requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation are being phased in, starting with particular transportation requirements in 2011 and specific public safety requirements under the information and communication and employment standards by January 1, 2012. For most private sector businesses and organizations, the compliance deadlines start in 2014 and continue through until 2021. What are some of the requirements? General requirements that apply to all three standards include: Developing, implementing and maintaining accessibility policies and plans; Training employees, volunteers and individuals who participate in developing organizational policies about the regulation, as well as the Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities; and Considering accessibility when purchasing goods or services including self-service kiosks.

 

AODA INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS

The Information and Communication Standards seek to enhance the accessibility of how we create, provide and receive information and communicate.

It formalizes requirements to ensure accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request, to make websites and web content comply with international web accessibility guidelines; to ensure course, training and other resources provided by educational institutions and libraries are available in accessible or conversion-ready formats, upon request, and that emergency procedures, plans and public safety information available to the public are provided in an accessible format, when requested.

AODA EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

The Employment Standards seek to enhance the accessibility of workplaces and employment practices by working to make accessibility a normal part of finding, hiring and the ongoing work environment.

This standard addresses accommodations in the recruitment, assessment and selection process, the availability of accessible formats and communication supports for employees, the development of documented individual accommodation plans and return to work processes, as well as considerations in the performance management, career development, advancement and redeployment processes. This standard also addresses the availability of workplace emergency response information and plans.

AODA TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS

The Transportation Standards seeks to make travel easier and more accessible for everyone. This standard impacts both conventional and specialized transportation providers, as well as transportation services provided by school boards, hospitals, colleges and universities. It also outlines expectations and service duties and requirements of municipalities, taxicabs and ferries.

Just a few of the requirements under the Transportation Standard include verbal announcements to notify route, direction, destination and major stops, not charging people with disabilities a higher fare or a fee to store their wheelchairs, canes and walkers etc. and the need to repair accessibility equipment as soon as possible and accommodating people with disabilities until the equipment is fixed.

*  Check out - An Introduction to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (including compliance date calendar)

*  Learn about Your January 1, 2012 Emergency and Safety Information Requirements