The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) became law on June 13, 2005. Under this landmark legislation, the government of Ontario will develop accessibility standards that will identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities in key areas of daily living. The standards will apply to private and public sector organizations across Ontario.
The goal of AODA is to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities on or before January 1, 2025.
The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Regulation 429/07 (CSR) is the first of five standards released under the AODA and became law January 1, 2008. Mohawk College is in compliance with the requirements set out in this standard.
The Province adopted the new Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation 191/11 (IASR) in June 2011. The IASR sets out requirements for the next three standards: Employment, Information and Communication, and Transportation in one integrated compliance timeline. It also contains general requirements that apply to all areas, such as developing accessibility policies and plans, training employees and volunteers, and considering accessibility when purchasing goods and services.
The Design of Public Spaces Standards (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment), applies to public spaces that are newly constructed or redeveloped. This is the fifth and final Standard under AODA and was released January 01, 2013.
You can find more information about the legislation and standards on the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Accessibility Directorate website (opens new window).
There is also a new Ontario Human Rights Commission Policy on Accessible Education for Students with Disabilities PDF
Legislation
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (opens new window)
The Ontarians with Disabilities Act was passed on December 14, 2001 and was enacted with the intent to improve opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the province.
Ontario Human Rights Code (opens new window)
The Ontario Human Rights Code is a provincial law that gives everybody equal rights and opportunities free from discrimination.