A friendly reminder that all businesses and non-profits with 20 or more employees (as well as designated public sector organizations) are required to file an accessibility compliance report no later than December 31, 2017.
The compliance report confirms that you have met your current accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you don’t complete your accessibility compliance report, you could face enforcement which can include financial penalties.
You can access information on the filing as well as the required form here.
To file the report, there are three basic steps:
- Downloading the Accessibility Compliance Reporting Form
- Completing the form (by answering the questions relating and applicable to your organization)
- Submitting the completed form (you should receive an email confirmation after submissions)
Information Required to File Report
- Organization’s legal name
- Business number
- Name and contact information of your certifier (a director or senior officer with legal authority to say that the report is complete and accurate)
- Number of employees
Organizations with 20 to 49 employees will receive a questionnaire that is shorter than that required for organizations with 50 or more employees. This is due to the fact that there are different requirements based on the size of the organization. Generally, organizations that have 50 or more employees are subject to more rigorous compliance requirements than smaller organizations.
History of AODA
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 or “AODA”, came into force in 2005. The AODA’s goal is to make Ontario completely accessible for persons with disabilities by 2025 through the creation and enforcement of Accessibility Standards. Accessibility Standards are rules organizations in Ontario must follow to identify, eliminate and prevent barriers so that disabled individuals have more opportunities to participate fully in everyday life. There are Accessibility Standards relating to five areas: Customer Service; Information and Communication; Transportation; Employment and Design for Public Spaces.
Since 2012, various compliance requirements have come into effect in relation to the Accessibility Standards, including but not limited to:
- Developing Accessibility Policies (including an Accessible Customer Service Policy)
- Developing an Accessibility Plan (confirming dates and steps to be taken to meet all applicable compliance requirements)
- Incorporating Accessibility when Procuring Goods, Services and Facilities
- Training employees (on how to provide accessible customer service and on the Human Rights Code)
- Making Feedback Accessible
- Providing Accommodation in Recruitment Processes and during Employment
- Filing Accessibility Compliance Reports
The compliance requirements and deadlines applicable to organizations vary depending on the organization’s size and whether or not the organization is defined as a private sector organization or a “designated public sector organization”.
We are happy to provide your organization with a summary of compliance requirements and any other form of assistance required to assist in implementation. If you have any questions about the AODA or how to file your compliance report, do not hesitate to contact us.