Accessibility
On December 3, 2014 the Kingsville BIA was host to a Go ON accessibility workshop entitled Accessibility is Good for Business. Participants learned how making their business accessible to everyone is good for their business. If a business presents a barrier to a potential customer (doorways, washrooms, steps, etc.) this could lead to a barrier of money to a business. Participants learned why accessibility is good for Ontario.
Disabilities can be visible (wheel chair/walker) or invisible (speech, cognitive, hearing, mental) with 70% of disabilities being classified as invisible. Different types of disabilities include: permanent, temporary (broken limb), progressive (arthritis, Alzheimer’s) and intermittent (seizures).
The BIA Board of Managers have included accessibility in their new Strategic and Marketing Plan for 2016-2018.
The AODA
The AODA stands for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This is a proactive piece of legislation to make Ontario completely accessible within a 10 year period. The AODA standards is NOT the Ontario Building Code or the Ontario Human Rights Code, but covers the following five standards:
Customer Service
Employment
Information and Communications
Transportation
Design of Public Spaces
Resources to help you meet the AODA standards
Accessibility Compliance Wizard
Ontario BIA Association Resources
Customer Service_Standard_Checklist_
Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation
20_Tips_for_Accessible_Communication
Tip for Accessible Hiring PracticesÂ
BIA Handbook on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)***New Resource
Accessible Parking Information
Guidelines for interpreting the Design of Public Spaces Standard
New accessibility amendments to the Ontario Building Code
For more information or clarification on the AODA please contact:
Constance Exley, Go ON Project Manager (OBIAA)
Accessibility Ontario
training@accessontario.com
(647)-502-7047
