The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was enacted with the goal of make Ontario accessible for everyone, regardless of (dis)ability, by 2025.
To achieve this objective, a series of accessibility standards has been developed: customer service, information & communication, employment, transportation and built environment; the last four standards are combined under the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation (the Integrated Standard).
“Given York University’s historic and ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusiveness and diversity, we welcome and fully support this legislation,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor. “Accessibility is about giving people of all abilities the opportunity to participate fully in everyday life. As such, compliance with AODA across our two campuses is a priority, and I would encourage all staff and faculty to become familiar with the act as we continue to foster a campus community that is accessible and inclusive for all.”
The Integrated Standard requires that York University provide training to all faculty and staff on the requirements of the standard and the Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to persons with disabilities. An AODA brochure has been developed to fulfill the training requirements of the Integrated Standard and it will be provided to all faculty and staff.
The brochure is available on YU Link under the employee, manager and academic resources tabs; it will also be available in a printed format for individuals who do not have easy access to a computer. In the new year, there will be opportunities for discussion of the brochure. To download a PDF copy, click AODA-Knowledge Brochure.
AODA will affect more than 1.85 million people in Ontario who have a disability, which, in plain terms, equals one in seven of us. Furthermore, over the next 20 years, as the population ages, that figure will rise to one in five Ontario residents.
For more information, visit the York Secretariat AODA website.