Complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act: Who, What, Where, When, How and Why?

Seminar Summary

As of January 1, 2012, most private sector employers in Ontario were required to comply with the accessibility requirements set out in the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service ("Customer Service Standard") under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act ("AODA"). In this seminar, we will also examine Ontario's next three accessibility standards, which seek to remove barriers and ensure accessibility in the areas of transportation, employment and information and communications. These standards, which are all part of the new Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, will be phased-in between 2011 and 2021.

This seminar will help employers understand their obligations and ensure compliance with the AODA by addressing the following key questions:

• Who is required to comply with the AODA?
• What steps need to be taken to achieve compliance with the AODA?
• Where can employers access helpful materials to assist with compliance?
• When must employers be compliant?
• How do the requirements under the AODA differ from those under the Ontario Human Rights Code?
• Why must employers comply and the consequences of non-compliance.