The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), establishes a framework for the development, implementation and enforcement of accessibility standards that may apply to public, private and non-profit sectors across Ontario.

The goal is for all of us to work together to make Ontario more accessible to people with disabilities.

As accessibility standards are developed and made into law, businesses and other organizations will have to comply with certain requirements.

That’s why we have developed this compliance assistance section. It’s to:

• help you understand Ontario’s accessibility legislation and standards
  
• explain how it applies to your organization, and
  
• help you meet the requirements of the standards.

Learn more

An Introduction to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)

About the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)

Ontario’s first accessibility standard is the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Regulation, O. Reg. 429/07. It came into effect on January 1, 2008.

Most businesses and other organizations that provide goods and services to people in Ontario must meet the legal requirements of the standard by the following dates:

January 1, 2010 - Public sector organizations designated in the standard including the Legislative Assembly, Ontario government ministries, some boards and agencies, and broader public sector organizations including municipalities, school boards, community colleges, universities, public hospitals and public transportation organizations.

January 1, 2012 - All other providers of goods or services with at least one employee in Ontario such as private sector businesses, not-for-profit organizations and those public sector organizations that are not designated in the standard.

Find out what this means for businesses and organizations in Ontario.