Are You Compliant With AODA Standards Effective January 1, 2016?

The next phase of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (the "AODA") compliance came into effect on January 1, 2016. Private and not-for-profit organizations and small and large public organizations, including public school boards and independent schools, had to comply with requirements under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (the "Regulation") as of the New Year.

1. Small organizations (with fewer than 50 employees in Ontario) must ensure training is provided on the requirements of the standards set out in the Regulation and the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities. Training must be provided to all employees, volunteers, all persons who participate in developing the organization's policies, and all other persons who provide goods and services on behalf of the organization. Training must be appropriate to each individual's duties, and it must be provided as soon as practicable, and on an ongoing basis as