AODA In Brief

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 ("AODA") which serves as the framework for the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (the "Customer Service Standard") and the Integrated Accessibility Standards (such standards, together, the "Standards"), exists to promote accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises. Each of the Standards apply to every organization with at least one employee in Ontario that provides goods or services to members of the public or other third parties. As such, both franchisors and franchisees are caught by the AODA and the Standards. The Customer Service Standard requires that certain policies and practices are prepared and implemented in the provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities, and requires training for employees.