Achieving AODA Compliance: From A Practical Guide for Ontario Organization

This course equips Ontario organizations with the knowledge and skills to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). It covers the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), including standards for Customer Service, Information and Communications, Employment, Transportation, and Design of Public Spaces.

Participants will learn about the legal framework, developing accessibility policies, creating accessible communications, recruitment and retention practices, and making public spaces accessible. The course includes interactive elements like case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises to ensure effective implementation of AODA compliance.

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AODA Compliance Course Overview

This course is designed for all levels of staff in organizations across Ontario, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to understand and implement the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) within their workplaces. The course will cover the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) which includes standards for information and communications, employment, transportation, and the design of public spaces.

Course Duration

This course focus on ensuring that participants can help their organizations meet the AODA compliance requirements effectively.

Total Duration: 2 days
Format: In-person or Virtual Live Sessions

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand the AODA and IASR framework and requirements.
  2. Develop and implement effective accessibility policies and plans.
  3. Create accessible workplaces, information systems, and public spaces.
  4. Monitor and report compliance to meet legal standards.
  5. Foster an inclusive culture that values accessibility.

This course provides a thorough, hands-on approach to AODA compliance, ensuring participants can effectively champion accessibility within their organizations. 

Target Audience

HR Professionals
Compliance Officers
Facility Managers
Public Relations Staff
Senior management

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Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to AODA and IASR

Objective: Understand the legal framework of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR).

Topics Covered:

  1. History and Purpose of AODA
  2. Overview of IASR’s Five Standards:
    • Customer Service
    • Information and Communications
    • Employment
    • Transportation
    • Design of Public Spaces
  3. Benefits of Accessibility: Economic and Social Impacts.
  4. Phased Implementation and Compliance Deadlines.

Activities:

  • Case studies of successful accessibility initiatives
  • Group discussions on accessibility challenges

Module 2: General Requirements under IASR

Objective: Learn to develop and maintain organizational accessibility policies and plans.

Topics Covered:

  1. Establishing and Documenting Accessibility Policies
  2. Developing Multi-Year Accessibility Plans
  3. Accessibility Reporting Requirements
  4. Monitoring and Updating Plans

Activities:

  • Drafting an accessibility policy outline
  • Group exercise: Reviewing a sample multi-year plan

Module 3: Information and Communications Standard

Objective: Ensure accessible digital and non-digital communications.

Topics Covered:

  1. WCAG Compliance for Websites and Digital Content
  2. Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
  3. Feedback Mechanisms
  4. Emergency Communication Accessibility

Activities:

  • Hands-on exercise: Converting documents to accessible formats
  • Real-world website audit

Module 4: Employment Standard

Objective: Adopt accessible employment practices to create an inclusive workplace that accommodates employees with disabilities from recruitment through retention and career advancement.

Topics Covered:

  1. Accessible Recruitment and Hiring Processes
  2. Developing Workplace Emergency Response Plans
  3. Inclusive Performance Management and Career Development

Activities:

  • Drafting an accessible job advertisement
  • Peer review of emergency response plans
Customized Accessibility Solutions

Module 5: Transportation Standard

Objective: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the accessibility standards required for transportation services and facilities, and learn to respond to accessibility-related complaints effectively.

Topics Covered:

  1. Accessibility Features for Public and Specialized Transportation
  2. Service Disruption Protocols
  3. Responding to Accessibility Complaints

Activities:

  • Scenario-based role-play: Handling a transportation complaint

Module 6: Design of Public Spaces Standard

Objective: Understand the requirements for making public spaces accessible and apply this knowledge in planning and designing inclusive environments.

Topics Covered:

  1. Accessibility Standards for Public Spaces
  2. Maintenance Procedures for Accessible Features
  3. Inclusive Design Principles

Activities:

  • Workshop: Designing a compliant public space.

Module 7: Multi-Year Accessibility Planning and Reporting

Objective: Master creating and maintaining an actionable, compliant multi-year accessibility plan.

Topics Covered:

  1. Drafting and Updating Accessibility Plans
  2. Engaging Stakeholders in Accessibility Planning
  3. Annual Reporting and Public Updates

Activities:

  • Simulation: Drafting a multi-year accessibility plan

Module 8: Case Studies and Group Discussions

Objective: Analyze real-life examples of accessibility initiatives to understand effective practices and common challenges.

Topics Covered:

  1. Successful Accessibility Implementations in Various Sectors
  2. Overcoming Common Accessibility Challenges

Activities:

  • Group discussion: Lessons from case studies

Module 9: Compliance Management and Best Practices​

Objective: Develop skills in managing compliance with accessibility standards using tools, audits, and best practices.

Topics Covered:

  1. Tools for Accessibility Compliance Monitoring
  2. Internal Audits and Reviews
  3. Building an Inclusive Organizational Culture

Activities:

  • Mock compliance audit
  • Brainstorming session: Embedding accessibility into organizational values

Each module is structured to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application through interactive discussions, real-life examples, and hands-on activities, ensuring participants are well-equipped to meet AODA compliance effectively.

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Frequently Asked Questions

All employers, employees, volunteers, and contractors working in organizations with more than one employee in Ontario are required to complete AODA compliance training.

We offer both online and in-person training options to provide flexibility and convenience for your team.

 

Non-compliance can result in significant fines:

  • Up to $50,000 per day for individuals.
  • Up to $100,000 per day for corporations.

Our training program simplifies the process by offering practical insights and step-by-step guidance. It is tailored to meet the needs of different organizations, ensuring employees understand their responsibilities and how to implement accessibility practices effectively.

 

Small businesses can achieve compliance by:

  1. Training their staff.
  2. Creating an accessibility plan.
  3. Following the customer service standard.
  4. Ensuring communication and websites are accessible.
    Our training program provides tailored solutions for small businesses.