AODA (Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities ACT)
AODA Training: Learn. Lead. Include.
Setting a New Customer Service Standard
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act of 2005 requires that all private sector employers meet “Accessibility Standards for Customer Service.” Specifically, these standards have four main requirements:
1) Develop policies, practices and procedures about how the business will provide goods and services to the disabled;
2) Additionally, provide “accessibility” training to staff that deals with the public as well as to internal policy makers who participate in developing the business’ policies regarding access to the goods and services by the public;
3) Allow disabled persons who are accompanied by service animals (e.g. a guide dog) or a support person to have access to the premises of the business; and
4) Moreover, provide a public notice of any temporary disruptions that affect access to goods or services by disabled persons.
AODA Training: Building Skills for a Barrier-Free Future
Let Act First Safety bring top-notch OHS training right to your doorstep. Our professionals deliver quality programs directly at your workplace, freeing up your valuable time. We use a dynamic and interactive approach, incorporating lectures, videos, group discussions, and case studies to fully engage participants. This ensures your employees not only learn but truly understand how to accommodate disabled customers and their caregivers with the respect and sensitivity they deserve.
What you Get
Upon course completion, participants will be able to:
- Identify the purpose, benefits and requirements of the AODA
- Select methods to interact and communicate with people with disabilities
- Interpret different types and degrees of disability
- Illustrate the role of assistive devices, service animals and support persons
- Describe how to implement the feedback process
- Outline the requirements for policies, practices and procedures covered under the Accessible Customer Service Standard
Inviting customers into your business that might not otherwise feel welcome or able provides benefits beyond the potential growth of your business. AODA training allows for true inclusion that unlocks accessibility and unlocks the potential of your business. It’s a win-win for everyone.
FAQs
What is the AODA?
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is an Ontario law that aims to make Ontario fully accessible for people with disabilities by January 1, 2025. It sets out a process for developing, implementing, and enforcing accessibility standards in various areas of daily life. The objective of the AODA is to identify, prevent, and remove barriers that are obstacles for people with disabilities from fully participating in their communities. This includes access to goods, services, facilities, employment, transportation, and information and communications.
Why is accessibility important?
People with disabilities and older adults are a large and growing group of consumers. An estimated 28% of Ontarians, or 3.8 million people, over the age of 15 years old have at least one disability. As the population ages, this number will grow.
Is it expensive to invest in accessibility?
This training program focuses on the customer service standard, so while there may be costs associated with some accessibility implementation like structural renovations, investing in customer service focuses on awareness, training, planning and corporate policy.
This part of the AODA makes up one of five components of the legislation and could be considered one of the least costly and important aspects that benefit the business. The long-term benefits in terms of talent acquisition, productivity, innovation, customer base, and reputation often far outweigh the costs, many of which are minimal or supported by
What are the five integrated AODA standards?
- Customer Service Standard: Focuses on accessible customer service delivery.
- Information and Communications Standard: Deals with accessible information and communication (e.g., websites, documents).
- Employment Standard: Addresses accessible employment practices (e.g., hiring, workplace accommodations).
- Transportation Standard: Ensures accessible transportation services.
- Design of Public Spaces Standard: Covers accessibility in newly built or redeveloped public spaces (e.g., paths, seating areas).
What is the definition of "disability" under the AODA?
The AODA uses the same broad definition of disability as the Ontario Human Rights Code, which includes:
- Any degree of physical disability.
- Mental impairment or developmental disability.
- Learning disability.
- Mental disorder.
- Injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Please inquire at 416-283-7233 for more information.
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