Compliance to AODA makes smart business sense: Susan shares why it is important for owners of businesses of any size to pay particular attention to the new Ontario legislation: AODA. The goal of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is to make Ontario completely accessible for people with disabilities by 2025.

Transcript

Question:

We are a small company. Do we still need to bother about AODA?

Answer:

If you have even one employee, you need to comply with at least part of the AODA.

The AODA or the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act is not just about making your premises accessible by way of ramps or other devices - although that is part of it. The AODA is about how people with disabilities access your services, and the goal of the act is to make Ontario completely accessible for people with disabilities by 2025.There are five accessibility standards that are being phased in gradually, with the first - customer service - already being in effect. There are a number of aspects of compliance with the customer service standard but they include training for front line service people such as your receptionist on how to greet and assist people with a variety of disabilities. Under the act you must have an accessibility policy and fully document all of the training that you do. You must also register that you have completed all of the required steps.

Over the next number of years, there will also be requirements to comply with four other standards - employment, transportation, information and communications and the built environment - including buildings. Most smaller employers will have until 2017 to address the requirements for employment, which will likely have the greatest impact on most businesses.

We all want to live in an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Statistics tell us that one in every seven people has a disability. A Royal Bank of Canada survey established that persons with disabilities have an estimated spending power of $25 billion per year. Your business must not miss out on that market. AODA is the law, but compliance also makes smart business sense. We can help you comply - and assist you in opening up your business to an even bigger market.

Coming October 9th: Lunch and Learn Seminar on HR Management.

What are the top 10 HR challenges for small and medium-sized businesses? Join Susan as she answers this questions, and discusses the legislative and management issues of which you need to be aware.

More details will follow shortly.

RSVP Today: rsvp@crowesoberman.com

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.