Will your business be ready to submit the required accessibility compliance report before year end? Filling out the report is a legal obligation under the AODA. The next accessibility compliance report is due on December 31, 2023, for businesses and non-profits of 20 or more employees.
This means organizations are to show their ongoing compliance under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) via their submission of an accessibility compliance report to the Government of Ontario.
Read on to find out what’s required and what necessary steps to take while there’s still time to do so.
Do you Fully Comply with the AODA standards? What are the requirements of your business?
The rules that a business needs to follow depend on the type and the size of the organization. In other words, different businesses could mean different accessibility requirements.
First, start on the government’s website for Accessibility rules for businesses and non-profits.
The site also provides information on Completing your Accessibility Compliance Report as well as the report to download.
Who is exempt? What if there are less than 20 employees?
Businesses are exempt if they don’t have any employees in Ontario. Businesses with fewer than 20 employees are still required to create policies to help achieve their accessibility goals. More information on this and other requirements can be found on the government links above.
Failure to Submit
The Ontario Government will not give an extension after December 31, 2023, and significant fines and penalties could result from the Ministry for non-compliance. Furthermore, failure to have the appropriate requirements in place (i.e., conducting necessary training, having the proper policies in place) can lead to civil liabilities when there are any employees who have disabilities requiring accommodation.
Don’t Stop at Compliance!
If businesses are compliant and ready to submit their report, don’t stop there and rather keep investigating as there’s always room for improvement! Speak to employees and get their valuable feedback as to what could be better to continuously improve the organization.
Above all else, let’s remember how important these efforts are in reducing and removing barriers to make Ontario more inclusive for everyone.
Feeling a little overwhelmed and pressed for time? Please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance to ensure compliance and timely completion. We are here to help!
