All businesses will be directly affected by new Ontario rules governing how you, in every aspect of your business, must accommodate people with disabilities.  Since the passage of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in 2005 the government has struck several public-private sector committees to assist in developing standards (which will be turned into regulation) for the AODA.

A wide range of new rules are being created that will affect how you hire and manage your employees; communicate to your employees and customers, clients, suppliers; change or renovate your buildings and internal structures; and deliver quality customer service, all with the laudable intention of providing an appropriate working and business environment for people with disabilities. 

The OCC is actively representing members’ views on several working committees that have been formed by the government to write these new rules. But the OCC is only one voice on these committees.

 Make it your business

The Built Environment Standards are expected to go forward for public review and input by mid-June. The OCC urges all members to carefully review the draft Built Environment Standards to determine how they may affect your own business, and to provide the OCC and the government your opinions, including suggestions on improving the language. We strongly believe it is in the best interests of all business people to educate yourselves on these new rules, as they will have profound impacts on your business operations and bottom line.

For further information on the Accessibility Standards please contact Mary Hogarth, Senior Policy Analyst, maryhogarth@occ.on.ca or 416-482-5222 ext.233