AODA

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is provincial legislation created with the intent of achieving accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities by 2025, in five areas:

  1. Customer Service
  2. Design of Public Spaces
  3. Employment
  4. Information and Communication
  5. Transportation

The Provincial Government integrated three standards into one regulation to align and phase-in requirements of the Information and Communications, Employment and Transportation accessibility standards. In 2011, the Integrated Accessibility Standard became law - ONTARIO REGULATION 191/11.

The AODA requires Queen’s to develop short and long-term plans to reduce barriers to access for persons with disabilities. The Ministry of Community and Social Services has established a series of standard development committees which will propose a standard for each area. The first of these standards, Customer Service, came into force on January 1, 2008 and the timeline for compliance with the other standards will occur in intervals. Until all standards are developed and in force, the University is required to continue its efforts in addressing barriers identified in its annual accessibility plans.

For more information about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, please visit the website of the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario.