Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

The Corporation of the City of Timmins is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) and all of the standards under it in order to create a barrier-free Ontario.

Background

In recognition of a history of discrimination against persons of disabilities, the government of Ontario developed and passed a law called the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act with the goal of creating a barrier-free Ontario by 2025. This law is the first of its kind in Canada.

Under this landmark legislation the government of Ontario is authorized to develop, implement and enforce mandatory accessibility standards that will identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities in key areas of daily living. Five sets of accessibility standards are planned, including:

  • Customer Service – regulation now in force
  • Transportation
  • Information & Communication
  • Built Environment
  • Employment

What is an accessibility standard?

A Standard is an agreed way of doing something. Standards control the quality, safety and reliability of products and services.

An accessibility standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is a law that designated businesses and organizations have to follow to identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities within a certain timeframe.

Other Standards under Development

In addition to the Accessible Customer Service Standard that has already been issued, the Province has four other sets of Accessibility Standards under development. The standards are being developed by committees composed of people with disabilities as well as representatives of industries, sectors and provincial ministries.

The process for accessibility standards development is:

  • Develop proposed accessibility standard
  • Release initial proposed standard for public review
  • Revise the proposed standard to incorporate public input
  • Submit a final proposed standard to the government for consideration as law

Status of Accessible Transportation Standard

The final proposed standard has been submitted to the Minister of Community and Social Services for consideration as law.

Status of Accessible Information & Communication Standard

The final proposed standard has been submitted to the Minister of Community and Social Services for consideration as law.

Status of Accessible Built Environment Standard

From July 14, 2009 to October 16, 2009, the Ontario government released the initial proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard for a public review period.

The Standard Development Committee is currently reviewing and revising the proposed standard based on the input received during the public review period.

Status of Accessible Employment Standard

The final proposed standard has been submitted to the Minister of Community and Social Services for consideration as law.