Ontario Accessibility Standards
The Martin Prosperity Institute report Releasing Constraints: Projecting the Economic Impacts of Increased Accessibility in Ontario
, examines the potential economic impacts of increased accessibility in Ontario. the report finds that improving inclusivity and accessibility in Ontario provides both economic opportunity and benefits. Projected economic impacts of Increased Accessibility in Ontario, a more accessible Ontario, will accelerate the growth of prosperity in the province, by increased efficiency, productivity, and creation of new intellectual property enhancing the province’s global competitiveness. Ontario economic prosperity studies show that by integrating the Accessibility Standards into the Ontario fabric not only is the right thing to do, but that there are definite economic growth benefits; Stronger leadership and more productive employees, more effective talent recruitment, more innovative products and use of new technology, stronger customer relationships, and a better overall reputation.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Standards is a law that sets out a process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards.
Ontario Built Environment Standards
- Buildings
- Public spaces
Ontario Customer Service Standards
- Accessible customer service policies
- Practices and procedures
- Service animals
- Support persons
- Customer feedback
- Staff training
Ontario Employment Standards
- Recruitment and hiring processes will accommodate disabilities
- Human resource practices will accommodate disabilities
- Develop and document accommodation plans for employees with disabilities
- Create safety procedures and emergency response information
Ontario Information and Communication Standards
- Make websites and web content accessible according to the W3C WCAG
- Provide accessible formats and communications supports at no additional cost
- Make feedback processes accessible to all persons
- Make public emergency information accessible
- Provide educational and training resources and materials in accessible formats
- Provide educators with accessibility awareness training
Ontario Transportation Standards
- Make information on accessibility equipment and features of vehicles, routes and services available to the public
- Cannot charge a fare to a support person when the person with a disability requires a support person to accompany them
- Provide clearly marked courtesy seating for people with disabilities
- Do not charge people with disabilities a higher fare, or for storing mobility aids
- Technical requirements for lifting devices, steps, grab bars/handrails, floor surfaces, lighting, signage, etc
- Provide verbal and visual announcements of routes and stops on vehicles
- Develop an eligibility application process including an independent appeal process
- Provide the same hours and days of service as those offered by conventional transit