In 2005, the Ontario government put forth a legislated goal of having complete accessibility within the province of Ontario by the year 2025. This ensures everyone in the Province of Ontario has the same access to the world around us regardless of personal physical circumstances. This new legislation addresses 5 key areas:

• Accessible Customer Service
• Accessible Information and Communications
• Accessible Built Environment
• Employment Accessibility
• Accessible Transportation

Each key area will have its own standard, and will identify the specific requirements and timelines for
implementation.

Accessibil-IT is focused on delivering compliance to the
Accessible Information and Communications Standard. To learn more about how Accessibil-IT helps your
organization comply with the standard, please click here to learn more.

Which Standard does Accessibil-IT focus on?

 

So what do these new standards mean?

1. Accessible Customer Service requires private sector organizations to change their business practices and training to provide better customer service to people with disabilities.
   
   
2. Accessible Information and Communications address the removal of barriers in access to information. This can include information being provided in person, through print, a website or other means.
   
   
3. Accessible Built Environment relates to the access both into and within buildings and outdoor spaces according to the new Ontario Building Code.
   
   
4. Employment Accessibility address how employees are treated by employers including, recruitment, hiring and retention.
   
   
5. Accessible Transportation have been identified as one of the most crucial standards as people with disabilities need equal access to work, school, shopping and other aspects of daily life.