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.
* 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
