News
Accessible Customer Service Standard Compliance Report
If you are a Private Sector or Non Profit Agency with 20 or more employees you have to file a report for compliance by the end of this year. Here is a link on How to file your accessibility report on the Government Website with instructions on what you have to do.
If you do not already have an account set up, you will need to:
Step one: Create your One-Source account
The first thing you’ll need to do is set up your ONe-Source account. (You may already have one if you have used ONe-Source services before.)
Here’s how to create your ONe-Source account:
Visit ServiceOntario’s ONe-Source for Business.
On the right side of the page, you’ll see My Account. Click on Sign-up.
Create your ID and password. Click on Continue.
Set your recovery questions. Click on Continue.
Review the Terms and Conditions of Use. Enter your Password and click on I agree.
Complete your ONe-Source for Business profile. Click on Create My Account.
Step two: Complete, certify and submit your accessibility report
Now that you have created your ONe-Source account, you are ready to complete, certify and submit your accessibility report.
Click on the Accessibility Compliance Reporting (ACR) tab and follow the prompts.
Emergency Information Accessible by January 1, 2012
Every organization in Ontario, public sector, private or non profit, under the Accessibility Standard for Information and Communications can help keep people safe when an emergency happens by ensuring information is accessible.
If you have emergency procedures, plans or public safety information that is available to the public you will have to ensure it is accessible upon request. If you need assistance with making a document accessible, Accessibility Experts Ltd. provides that service. Here is a link to Access ON ‘s Tip Sheet: Making Emergency Information Accessible to the Public.
Pan Am and Parapan Am Olympics
Accessibility Experts Ltd. is pleased to announce that they have been working for a number of contractors short listed for bidding on the PanAm and Parapan Am Olympics as an accessibility consultant. They are proudly working on:
- Pan Am Games Aquatic Centre, Field House and Canadian Sports Institute Ontario
- Pam Am Games Soccer Stadium, Velodrome and Athletics Stadium Project
- Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Centre
- Pan/Para Pan Athletes Village Project
The Pan Am Games take place July 10 -26, 2015 and the Parapan Am Games take place August 7 – 14, 2015. We are absolutely thrilled to be working towards ensuring the Olympics are accessible for all!
There will be 10,000 athletes, coaches and delegates competing in 48 sports spread across 17 municipalities. And then there will be thousands of family members and viewers. “The Pan Am and Parapan Am Olympics is an opportunity to show the world how accessible we are in Ontario. With the province of Ontario being the first and only province in Canada to legislate laws around Accessibility, as we work towards an accessible Ontario by 2025, we should feel proud as a province” says Edie Forsyth, Corporate Director of Accessibility Experts Ltd.
Accessibility Experts Ltd Receives Award, November 17, 2011
What an evening! Edie Forsyth, Corporate Director, says “I celebrated the proudest moment of my life last night. I attended the Business Achievement Awards Gala put on by the Whitby Chamber of Commerce and to my delight; Accessibility Experts Ltd. received the Skills Development and Training Award.” Accessibility Experts were recognized as being leaders in providing accessibility training across the province of Ontario; training that is impactful and meaningful.
In her speech, Mrs. Forsyth told the audience of business owners “that accessibility not only makes good business sense, it is the right thing to do. With 15.5% of our population in Ontario, being made up of people with disabilities and then the spending power of people with disabilities in Canada being 21 to 25 billion dollars a year, why wouldn’t you be ensuring your business is accessible.” She also cited that with the Pan Am Olympics and Para Olympics being hosted in Toronto in 2015, it makes for a huge business opportunity. Durham Region is host to a number of competitions: Wheelchair Tennis, Iroquois Park in Whitby, Wheelchair Basketball, Whitby Abilities Centre, Shooting at Oshawa Skeet Club, Softball at Oshawa waterfront and other events at Durham College. “Tens of thousands of people are coming from all over the world, who will need hotels, food, entertainment, clothing, souvenirs and all kinds of other items. And if your place is not accessible, they cannot spend their dollars in your store.” Mrs. Forsyth is currently working on the Pan Am and Para Olympics and says “it is an opportunity of a lifetime for businesses.”
In closing Edie thanked Judy Gregg, Project Coordinator for all her hard work, her husband for his love and support and lastly people with disabilities that have shared their stories of courage and determination, because it is their stories that make her training so impactful.
2011 Business Achievement Award Recipients Selected!
The Whitby Chamber of Commerce is very proud to honour and recognize leadership, achievement and vision in our business community with our Annual Peter Perry & Business Achievement Awards.
Drum roll please
Congratulations to the 2011 Award Recipients!
Skills Development & Training Award:
Accessibility Experts Ltd.
New Minister for Community and Social Services
The Honourable John Milloy has been appointed to serve as the new Ontario Ministry for Community and Social Services, with responsibility for implementing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Our congratulations are extended to the Minister.
In the past he served as the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Minister of Research and Innovation, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Before becoming an MPP, Milloy was responsible for public affairs at the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo. He has worked for a number of provincial and federal politicians, including as Legislative Assistant to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
Sobeys Ontario and Tim Hortons
Accessibility Experts Ltd. has been working with Sobey’s Ontario by providing an extensive Train the Trainer to their Management Staff across the province. We have also been working with Tim Hortons in providing training to their Head Office Staff and developed an e-learning program for their many stores.
We are so impressed with both these companies; Sobeys Ontario and Tim Hortons. They realize the importance of providing excellent accessible customer service. If 15.5% of the population has a disability, then it makes good business sense to tap into that market. Especially since we know that the spending power of people with disabilities in Canada is 21 to 25 billion dollars a year. We worked with both companies to create a very impactful video of people with disabilities using their facilities. In both cases the focus was on treating customers with dignity and respect. We would like to thank Cyndie Sproul, Paul Feldman, Cheryl Graham and Kelli MacLeod for their participation. You helped employees to understand that the easiest way to provide accessible customer service is to simply ask “how may I help you?” as it gives you an opportunity to tell us exactly what you need.
Tim Hortons and Sobeys, we are so proud to have been a part of your training and delighted that you are so passionate about implementing the Accessible Customer Service Standard.
News Release - Two Important Updates
Two important items of information were released that we would like to share with you.
1. No Retrofits
A recent letter from Madame Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services, issued to all Heads of Council, announced that there will be no retrofits as proposed in the Draft Built Environment Standard.
“I would like to clarify that the Accessible Built Environment Standard will not require buildings, or other structures such as playgrounds to be retrofitted to meet accessibility requirements. Once it becomes law, the standard will apply to new construction and extensive renovation only, as is the case with the Ontario Building Code now. This will allow municipalities to include accessibility in building plans right from the beginning.”
Madame Madeleine Meilleur, Minister
For a complete copy of the letter send us an email to admin@accessibilityexperts.ca
2. Municipalities' Duties Regarding Taxi Cabs
Under the Integrated Accessibility Standard, one of the compliance pieces for Municipalities is that they have to ensure that owners and operators place vehicle registration and ID on rear bumpers of taxis by January 1, 2012. I asked the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario for some clarification on this as to whether it applied to all taxi cabs or just accessible taxi cabs. I was told:
In response to your questions, Section 80 (2) of the IASR, it refers to all taxicabs, whether they are accessible taxicabs or general-style taxicabs (i.e. a sedan).
You have also requested clarification on what is meant by vehicle registration and identification information within Section 80 (2) of the IASR. Under this requirement, any municipality that licenses taxicabs must require that owners and operators of taxicabs place vehicle registration and identification information on the rear bumper of the taxicab. Vehicle registration and identification information can include the company issued taxicab identification number, owners and/or operators name, license plate number, etc. The information provided must be sufficient so that if provided to the municipality, the municipality can accurately trace the information to the vehicle and operator responsible for the vehicle.
In addition, any municipality that licenses taxicabs shall ensure that owners and operators of taxicabs make available vehicle registration and identification information in an accessible format to persons with disabilities who are passengers. How this accessible vehicle registration and identification information is provided to passengers is at the discretion of the municipality. For example, a municipality could require that the information be placed in Braille on the plastic sleeve that holds the taxicab information which is located on the back of the passenger seat, or that the operator have business cards with his/her taxicab information printed in large print or Braille.
In response to how taxicabs are being notified of their obligations under the regulation, the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO) has been communicating with municipalities, as taxicab requirements are placed on municipalities as opposed to individual taxi cabs. Therefore, it is the responsibility of municipalities to inform the taxi cabs they license of their obligations under the IASR.
The ADO continues to work in partnership with municipalities to develop and distribute a variety of tools and educational resources to help them meet their requirements under the regulations.
If you have any further questions please contact us. Thank you again for your continued interest in accessibility for all Ontarians.
Sincerely,
Brenda Lewis, Director,
Standards Policy and Coordination Branch
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
Accessibility Experts Ltd. is currently working with a printer and we have designed a bumper sticker for the rear of vehicles. We are also looking into tactile for the plastic sleeve and other tools to assist you in helping taxi companies to comply.
The deliverables that Municipalities need to ensure before January 1, 2012 are:
- Determine on-demand accessible taxicabs required in community in its Accessibility Plan with consultation from AAC’s, public and persons with disabilities.
- Identify progress made toward meeting need for accessible taxicabs in Accessibility Plan.
- Ensure not charging a higher fare or additional fee for persons with disabilities.
- Ensure no extra charges for storage of mobility aids or assistive devices.
- Ensure owners and operators place vehicle registration and ID on rear bumper.
We will continue to keep you posted and look forward to working with you next year as you begin to train staff on the Integrated Standards and develop your policies and procedures. Workshops are being developed as we speak. If any of you need costs for budgeting let us know and we can put some numbers together. And as always, if you have questions send us an email edie@accessibilityexperts.ca or judy@accessibilityexperts.ca
For a printable version of this news release click on News release - Aug 30.pdf.
Edie Forsyth, Corporate Director
Judy Gregg, Project Coordinator
Disability Tax Credit
You may be eligible for a Disability Tax Credit. If you have an impairment that affects one of the following basic activities of daily living you could be eligible:
Speaking, hearing, walking, elimination (bowel or bladder functions), feeding, dressing, or mental functions necessary for everyday life.
Or if you are significantly restricted in vision and at least one of the above activities, you could qualify for this tax credit. Apparently you can go back ten years.
For more information click on Disability Tax Credit
Call For Proposal - Small Project Component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund
The Office for Disability Issues has announced that a call for proposals for Small Projects enabling accessibility is now open. Please note that the call will be open from July 22, 2011 until September 23, 2011.
The following types of organizations can apply:
• Not-for-profit organizations,
• Small municipalities (with a population under 250,000 as per census data), • Small private-sector organizations (fewer than 50 employees and under $5 million in gross
revenue per year),
• Colleges and universities,
• Territorial governments, and
• Aboriginal governments.
For more information click on the Small Project Component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund
Integrated Accessibility Standard (IAS)
The Integrated Accessibility Standards (IAS) is law as of July 1st, 2012. It has various timelines for compliance. For a complete copy click on the printable Integrated Accessibility Standard (IAS) .
Accessibility Experts Ltd. is currently developing training workshops to help our customers be in compliance.
Using Accessibility to Build Your Business
Three Hot Tips for Start-ups
Edie Forsyth of Accessibility Experts Ltd. highlights how accessibility modifications benefit business and how companies can begin the implementation process. Using Accessibility to Build Your Business: Three Hot Tips for Start-ups
Abilities Centre New Program Starting - Connecting Together
The Abilities Centre Adult Social Club is now offering another new program sponsored by Scotiabank. Connecting Together is a social recreational program for adults with special needs who live in Durham Region, aged 36 - 55 years of age.
The aim of Connecting Together is to enrich the quality of life of the members through participation in social opportunities in a club-like setting, and participation in community based recreational activities. All activities provide the opportunity for participants to learn new skills, meet new friends, enhance self-esteem and optimize personal growth.
Connecting Together will consist of monthly gatherings that include a variety of recreational activities such as games, music, arts and crafts, sports, fitness and dances. The program will be offered on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:30, at the Sports Garden Café at Iroquois Park Sports Centre, 500 Victoria Street, Whitby, Ontario.
“Our goal is to provide meaningful recreation and social opportunities for everyone where we focus on the abilities and individual needs of our members. The Adult Social Club has been very successful with a membership of 45 individuals. We want to reach out to new members and are excited to offer a program to a new age group where individuals have an opportunity to meet new friends and participate in age related activities.” (Sherrie Aldred, Program Director)
For more information about Connecting Together or to register for this new exciting opportunity please contact:
Sherrie Aldred
Program Director – The Adult Social Club
The Abilities Centre
(905) 430-4300 ext. 7190
Integrated Accessibility Standard Released June 3, 2011
On June 3, 2011, the Final Integrated Accessibility Standard was released. See the copy of the Final Integrated Accessibility Standard.pdf. We are at a conference with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario next week and will update you further.
Enabling Change Partnership Program
The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) and the University of Toronto have partnered with the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) through the EnAbling Change Partnership Program to develop a common toolkit that could be used across the university sector.For more information click on Enabling Change Partnership Program
More Integrated Standards Update Workshops Added by Popular Demand
April 15, 2011 we held an Integrated Standards Update Workshop for the Loyalist Township and we had 10 municipalities and some other organizations attend a three hour Integrated Standards Update. The workshop covered each of the three standards and its proposed requirements. At the end each person received a handout with all the deliverables in date order so that an organization can easily plan and implement their next steps.
Cyndie Sproul who is legally blind, attended to speak and demonstrate how she accesses documents on a website using JAWs (software program that reads out loud). It was a real eye opener and the audience got to understand the importance of creating accessible documents. She also showed us what her guide dog does for her and how important it is not to interact with a service animal.
The response to the workshop was so good we have decided to run it at some other locations. See comments and locations below.
This session would be great for everyone but also members of the AAC - Accessibility Advisory Committee.
These are some of the comments received:
The session met my expectations and I feel that I have learned information that is useful.
Excellent session. Great resource information and handout
JAWs demonstration was excellent – realized need to look closer at web site accessibility.
Excellent overview and demonstration.
Great session
Love the handout table. Thanks for a great session.
Since this training list below are the training sessions available:
May 25, 2011 - Town of Aurora (Workshop is full)
May 26, 2011 - Black Creek Pioneer Village
May 27, 2011 - Courtice Community Complex
May 31, 2011 - St. Thomas City Hall (Workshop is full)
June 3, 2011 - Bayshore Community Centre - Owen Sound (NEW WORKSHOP)
June 10, 2011 - Town of Minden Hills
June 17, 2011 - County of Bruce
For more details on these sessions or to register please visit our courses page or click on the http://www.accessibilityexperts.ca/courses.php or register online at http://www.accessibilityexperts.ca/register.php
Be sure to keep checking our website as we are in the process of scheduling more workshops. Thank you to the Municipalities for hosting the sessions, we appreciate it.
Using Accessibility to Build Your Business: Three Hot Tips for Start-ups
Edie Forsyth was recently a speaker at a MaRS Symposium speaking on how to use accessibility to build your business. Click on three hot tips and how to implement the Customer Service Standard to see the video.
Another Accessible Customer Service Train The Trainer Workshop has been added!
Thank you to Burlington Hydro for hosting the Two-Day Train The Trainer Workshop.
Date: June 6-7, 2011
This two-day program has been created to provide individuals within your company the necessary tools to train your remaining staff members, volunteers, agents and contractors in order to meet compliance. Everyone needs to comply with the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) by January 1, 2012. The Accessible Customer Service Train The Trainer is a cost effective way of training your staff.
For more details or to register, click on Courses
Member-to-Member Discount
Ontario Regulation 429/07 - Accessible Customer Service Standard
Every business and organization who is a provider of goods or services, and has one or more employees in Ontario, you are required by law to comply with the Accessible Customer Service Standard by January 1, 2012. If you have not heard about this legislation, it is important that you begin to understand what your obligations are as a business or non-profit organization. For a quick view as to what you are required to comply with, click on the Summary of Requirements.pdf
We are offering a 15% discount in the workshops listed below for members of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, Clarington Board of Trade, Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, Scugog Chamber of Commerce, Scugog Chamber of Commerce and Whitby Chamber of Commerce as we share the memberships with you.
One Hour Accessible Customer Service Workshop on May 11, 2011 Brooklin United Church 9:00 A<M or 11:00 AM workshops.
Accessible Customer Service E-Learning available at your convenience.
One Day Implementing Accessible Customer Service Standard on April 5, 2011 at the Canadian Mental Health Centre in Oshawa.
Two Day Train The Trainer Accessible Customer Service Standard on April 6 & 7, 2011 at the Canadian Mental Health Centre in Oshawa
Regardless of the size of your business or organization, there is a workshop to suit your needs. We are passionate about making Ontario accessible for everyone! We can help you with your next steps.
How to register
Complete the printable the One Hour Accessible Customer Service Workshop Registration.pdf, and/or One Day Implementing Accessible Customer Service Standard Registration.pdf and/or Two Day Train The Trainer Accessible Customer Service Standard Registration.pdf and return via fax to
1-888-678-8684 or by emailing registration@accessibilityexperts.ca. If you prefer to register online, click on online registration. If you prefer to register over the phone or require further information, please contact Judy at 905-718-3342. If you require the registration form in an alternative format, let us know.
Edie Forsyth
Corporate Director
Accessibility in the Workplace!
Newmarket, February 24, 2011
Accessibility Experts Ltd. recently had the pleasure of providing an accessibility audit for XE.com. They are an organization in Newmarket that is known as the world’s favourite currency site. They had just hired a new programmer, Mohanned who would be requiring some accommodations. Their two storey building did not allow Mohanned to access the offices on the 2nd floor. When meeting with Steven Dengler, CEO of XE, he stressed to me the importance of inclusiveness and being part of the team, and wanted changes made immediately.
I was impressed with the many changes they had already made to their building. The accessible washroom is the most accessible washroom I have ever seen. With clear floor space of 2360 mm x 2375 mm (93” x 129”) it exceeds the Draft Built Environment Standard proposed requirement of 1800 mm x 1800 (72” x 72”). Having this large an area allows for a huge turning radius to accommodate both a wheelchair and a scooter. The grab bars are provided in an L shape as well as second one mounted about the closet stall. The sink allows for an individual to wheel up underneath and then everything else is neatly tucked against the walls reducing barriers. They even had a completely accessible shower stall so that after working out in the accessible gym on your lunch hour, you could have a shower before returning to your workstation.
And then there are great examples of contrasting colours throughout the floors. With yellow walls and doorways and trim in white, the doors stand out. The white trim and dark carpets give you a long visual gaze for easy direction.
The modern sleek kitchen has contrasting colours with bright turquoise on the floor creating a directional path following counters and then out to sitting area. Levered taps and levered cupboard handles that pass the closed fist test make it easy for anyone to access.
XE.com is currently researching the requirements for installing a lift with the help of Silver Cross and Maxim Controls Ltd. It is so impressive to see an employer treat their employees with dignity and respect, remove the barriers, and create equal access for all. As trainers and consultants for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Accessibility Experts Ltd. recognizes XE.com for setting an excellent example of accessibility in the workplace. And after meeting Mohanned, I know he shares our enthusiasm and gratitude too!
Edie Forsyth, Corporate Director, Accessibility Experts Ltd.
Ontario Building Code Second Round Consultations
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
On February 22, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing released information to support a second series of consultations about potential amendments to the Ontario Building Code (OBC). The first series was completed in fall 2010. I am writing to advise you that accessibility requirements that were submitted as part of the Final Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard are not included in this latest series, but will be at a later date.
I want to reassure you that the government continues to consider the Final Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard submitted to the Minister in July 2010, and is working hard to respond to requests for further research in key areas of the proposed standard to make sure that when we move forward, all requirements will be clear, consistent, enforceable and will build on current accessibility requirements.
EnAbling Change Partnership Program – Deadline to apply is almost here!
A reminder that the deadline for the submission for the EnAbling Change Partnership Program is March 1, 2011. For more details, visit the AccessON website at http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/accessibility/EnablingChange/index.aspx
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
6th Floor, Suite 601a
777 Bay Street
Toronto ON M7A 2J4
For information about the program and the application process, please visit our website at: ontario.ca/AccessON.
If you have any additional questions, please contact us at:
Phone: 1-866-515-2025
TTY: 416-325-3408
TTY Toll-Free: 1-800-268-7095
Fax: 416-325-3407
Email: enablingchange@ontario.ca
This is a follow up to the original e-mail announcement sent February 15, 2011.
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 - 45 day Public Review and Comment
The Proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, has been released for a 45 day public review and comment. We encourage you to read and submit comments to the Ministry of Community and Social Services via their website.
See full details below.
Proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
As per section 39 of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the Government is seeking public review and comment on the proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation.
From February 1, 2011 to March 18, 2011, the proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation will be available for public review and comment on the Ministry of Community and Social Services’ website.
The ministry’s website can be accessed through the following link:
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/accessibility/OntarioAccessibilityLaws/DevelopingStandards/IAR/introduction.aspx
All comments will be considered as the regulation is being finalized.
Thank you.
Sobeys – Accessibility!
What is Accessible Customer Service?
For Cyndie being able to view a flyer on line, make a list of the items and then have an assistant once she gets to the store is accessible customer service. Cyndie is legally blind and can see some shadows but would have difficulty seeing a product on a shelf or reading any kind of label. So she begins her shopping on-line.
Cyndie has a computer software program that reads out loud to her, what is on her computer screen. She goes to Sobeys’ website, makes a list of her groceries and takes it into the store. When she arrives she goes to the courtesy desk and a Sobeys staff person takes her around and helps her put things into her cart. “If I have a can of beans on my list, they will tell me the brand names and the prices. I tell them my selection and they put it in my cart for me. I shop there all the time because they treat me with dignity and respect. And at the same time I’m still independently getting my groceries and not relying on a neighbour or friend to help me. But most of all I have the same opportunity to shop as everyone else!” says Cyndie.
And that is what “Accessible Customer Service” is. It follows the four principles:
- Dignity,
- Independence
- Integration
- Equal Opportunity
Sobeys is just beginning to roll out their training program for the Accessible Customer Service Standard.
“Customer Service has always been important to us. We serve the public and if you want to continue to have that customer come back you need to go above and beyond to make things easy and convenient. When we make things accessible it benefits everyone, not just people with disabilities” says Gerard Betsch, Director, Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness.
So providing accessible customer service makes good business sense and benefits everyone!
Community Capital Fund - Supporting Accessibility Renovations
The new Community Capital Fund (CCF) will support infrastructure projects that help Ontario’s not-for-profit organizations deliver important public services to diverse cultural communities. Diverse cultural communities rely heavily on not-for-profit organizations and their facilities. These include newcomer settlement services, multi-service community centres, performance venues, and cultural activity centres. Unfortunately, limited access to venues and cost barriers often prevent organizations from effectively delivering much needed services.
Ontario Trillium Foundation does provide grants that support accessibility renovations in community facilities (e.g. accessible washrooms, ramps, doors, etc). These grants are considered capital funding… the maximum grant amount is $150,000. Please visit their website for details at http://www.trilliumfoundation.org/cms/en/CCF_main.aspx.
How To Apply
Please speak with a Program Manager before applying:
Jean-Paul Gagnon: 1.866.939.0680
Omar Omar: 1.877.840.8440 or
ccf@trilliumfoundation.org
CANADA RATIFIES HISTORIC UN TREATY ON DISABILITY RIGHTS-Media Release
Bendina Miller joins Minister Cannon at the Press Conference, United Nations Headquarters, announcing Canada’s Ratification of UN Convention - March 11, 2010.
For more details click of the press release click Canada Ratifies Historic UN Treaty on Disability Rights - Media Release.pdf
Français Canada Ratifies Historic UN Treaty on Disability Rights - Media ReleaseFRE.pdf
For Bendina Miller's remarks click on Bendina Miller - Remarks at UN Press Conference - Canada's Ratification of the CRPD.pdf
For Immediate Release - AODA and Accessibility
Research indicates Ontarians have low awareness of new accessible customer service law
May 31, 2010 (Toronto, ON) – A new study conducted by IPSOS REID two weeks ago reveals that people in Ontario are relatively unaware of the sweeping legislative changes recently passed into law under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (A.O.D.A.).
According to the IPSOS REID Canadian Online Omni May 10 to 17:
- 68% of Ontarians polled were either not very aware, or had never heard of this new legislation
- 88% think business and organizations will have to change significantly in the delivery of their services to appropriately serve customers with various disabilities
The study was undertaken by Accessibility Experts Ltd., to measure awareness on this new legislation. “We felt we needed to take a statistically sound reading on public awareness of the new accessibility law, as we prepare for the increased demand for our customer service training” says Sarah White, co-founder of Accessibility Experts Ltd – a company that helps organizations understand what A.O.D.A. requires of them, and provides the training, tools and support they will need to successfully develop internal policies and procedures to comply with the requirements outlined in the new accessibility law.
“The figures are rather staggering, when you consider that this new legislation is transforming the way we all conduct customer service in this province. We would have thought at this point that at least half of Ontarians would be familiar with this new standard in customer service; after all, we all know someone who has some sort of a disability, and we all will have a role to play in reducing barriers and improving access for them.”
For many years now, people have been very aware of improving access and reducing barriers for persons with physical limitations. But, this new legislation is radically different, in that it requires all private and public organizations in this province to be able to serve their customers in a manner that considers ANY disability a person may have - visible or non-visible - be it physical, hearing, sight, cognitive, intellectual or any other. Public institutions had until this past March; when they had to report to the provincial government on their compliance activities on the first phase of this new standard. Businesses and not-for-profits in Ontario will have a little over a year and a half before they too must comply and report in 2012.
“It’s clear, and it’s here”. says Ms. White. “There’s a completely new level of inclusive customer service rolling out, that will replace current standards and truly revolutionize the way we anticipate, and serve, the needs of our customers in this province. This most certainly will be a consideration for companies as they undertake their budgets for 2011”.
She continues – “As we interact with institutions and business leaders across Ontario, we consistently witness the fact that there is very little awareness of this new law among those who provide products and services and among consumers. That’s where we come in.” states Ms. White. “We help organizations to successfully deliver a new standard of customer service that has never before been upheld by the government. Believe me, this is on the minds of many CEOs these days, since organizations can be penalized if they are found guilty of an offence under this act; a fine of $100,000 per day for the organization, plus up to $50,000 per Director per day if found liable on conviction.”
AE will be keeping their finger on the pulse of this issue in the coming months, Ms White indicated; a follow-up survey already is planned for the spring of 2011. To find out what organizations will need to do to prepare for this legislation, visit www.accessibilityexperts.ca. For more information on the new customer service laws visit http://www.search.e-laws.gov.on.ca.
For more information on details of the IPSO study, the AODA, or Accessibility Experts Ltd., contact Edie Forsyth at 905-718-3343.
