AODA - Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

The Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act (AODA) became law in 2005. The Ontario government developed the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) as part of the AODA to identify, remove, and prevent barriers for people with disabilities. 

The goal of the AODA is to create a more accessible Ontario by removing existing barriers and preventing the creation of new barriers for individuals with a broad spectrum of disabilities. 

Public and private sector organizations must implement the standards and become fully accessible by 2025.

The act defines five standards in the areas of Customer Service, Transportation, Employment, Information & Communications and the Design of Public Spaces. 

The Employment standard of the AODA requires employers to make their workplace practices accessible to potential or current workers with disabilities. 

The Design of Public Spaces standard of the AODA outlines the need for newly constructed or redeveloped public spaces to be accessible for people with disabilities. In contrast, the Ontario Building Code covers rules for the accessibility of most indoor spaces. However, the Design of Public Spaces Standard includes guidelines for service-related elements like service counters, fixed queuing lines, and waiting areas with fixed seating.

In simple terms:

• The purpose of AODA is to achieve full accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities by 2025
• The AODA applies to all public and private sector organizations in Ontario, impacting how they design their public spaces, customer service, information & communication methods, employment, and transportation

Some of the areas where Anova Group can help your organization with implicating the AODA regulations:
 

1. Accessible Entrances, Pathways and Elevators

• Door Width: Doorways should be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices
• Ramps and Elevators: Ramps with appropriate handrails and appropriate slopes will ensure safe transition and elevation changes
• Flooring and Pathways: Floors and Pathways should have slip-resistant flooring and avoid any obstacles
• Automatic Door Openers: Automatic Door Openers should be installed wherever feasible to ensure easy access without the need for physical strength
• Elevators : Elevators should have Braille buttons for visually impaired individuals and Audio announcements of the floor number and direction

2. Restroom Facilities

• Accessible Showers: Accessible Showers should have Barrier-Free and be large enough to accommodate mobility devices. Showers should also be equipped with grab bars and hand-held showers
• Sink and Counter Height: Sinks should be at a level comfortable for all users, including those seated, and accommodate wheelchair access under the sink area
• Hands-free Amenities: Amenities should consider touchless faucets and hand-driers for ease of use
• Toilets: Toilets should be Comfort-Height and equipped with grab bars
• Cabinets and Vanities: When designing cabinets and Vanities, one should consider accessibility needs such as open cabinets below sinks, pull down shelves in upper cabinets and pull-out baskets in lower cabinets

3. Emergency Protocols

• Accessible Exits: In case of emergencies, all exits should be easily accessible and marked with appropriate signs
• Alarm Systems: Alarm systems should incorporate both audio and visual alarms to cater to the hearing and visually impaired