Beyond Rewards is an industry leader specializing in Human Resources, AODA, Bill168, Safety, Training, Conflict Management and Risk Management Consulting. We research the current legislation, develop and design tools, policies, procedures, programs and training to assist you in the compliance process. Contact us to find out how we can ease the burden of compliance for you.

We have developed several training programs to assist you in meeting the standards under the act. To find out more about upcoming training click here

D.I.Y. Toolkits have been designed to assist you in the process – allowing you to complete your own policies, procedures, programs and training of your staff, volunteers and other persons representing your organization. To order our D.I.Y. Toolkits click here

What is the AODA? Why do I have to comply-What happens if I don’t comply? These and many other questions are answered by attending our workshops, conferences and training sessions; designed to provide the tools, solutions and guidance you need to better understand your obligations under the act and to enable you to walk away and develop your programs. Need help?

AODA is:
AODA = Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is a law that allows the government to develop specific standards of accessibility in Ontario and to enforce them under this act. Within this act – standards have been passed – to date the following standards have been passed:

• Customer Service Standard
• Integrated Standard
  • Transportation Standard
  • Information & Communication Standard
  • Employment Standard

• Built Standard – not passed to date

The purpose of the accessibility standards is to have organizations in Ontario move forward by assessing their ability to service persons with disabilities, equal opportunities, respect and dignity through accessibility. The standards set specific requirements under each that persons and organizations must comply with. The Standards will be reviewed at least every five years and new requirements may be added.

As the population ages, the number of people with disabilities will increase requiring further that people and organizations increase accessibility to their goods, services, employment and communications. This will help prepare Ontario for the future – of an increased population with disabilities.

Definition of a Disability under the act:

1. any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
2. a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
3. a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
4. a mental disorder, or
5. an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997;” cited from Ministry of Community and Social Services Guide to the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07.

The government has provided timelines to meet the deadlines for each of the four standards that have passed through the legislature. The Customer Service Standard - the first to be passed, must be complied with by January 1st, 2012 for private sector and non-profit organizations that have not already done so. In addition, Emergency Management – Emergency and public safety information and workplace emergency information must be complied with by January 1, 2011. For a review of timelines – click here

You must comply with the Accessibilities Act because enforcement could mean fines of up to $50,000 per day or part day for Directors and Officers, and fines of up to $100,000 per day for corporations not in compliance with the AODA and it is the LAW.

Beyond Rewards have developed workshops and toolkits to assist you with compliance, policy development and training, to guide you in your implementation process.

For a description and to purchase our ADOA Customer Service toolkit - Click here

For a description and to attend our upcoming Emergency Management and Business Continuity Planning Workshop to comply with AODA by January 1st, 2011 - Click here

For a description and to attend other workshops, online webinars and training - Click here