Although the primary focus this week will be discussing AODA, the principles apply to other jurisdictions. Each province has it's own provisions on accessibility standards so the details may differ slightly depending on your location, but the concept of access and accessible information is still a constant.
As we approach the 15th anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, more and more facilities are being called upon to ensure that they are compliant with the Act and on track for Ontario to be fully accessible by 2025.
There are a few areas of note that are commonly overlooked by private sector companies, including dealerships. One of those key areas is the update and web publication of the multi- year plan. Every organization that is bound by AODA is required to update the plan, no later than every 5 years. When was the last time your plan was reviewed? As well, it is a requirement to have your plan available in accessible formats and on your website (where applicable). Ensuring that your plan is available in accessible formats also means that your front line staff need to know how and where that is accessed. is your plan on your website? are your staff fully trained?
Another area to note is that there are provisions that are intended for customers as well as a multitude of provisions that are intended for employees. As we are drawing close to the end of the year, this is a great time to review your policies and procedures as well as your Customer Service Standards to ensure that all of the applicable clauses of the Act are covered and are truly a part of the way you operate.
For many of us, AODA requirements (and other similar provincial regulations and acts) are not at the forefront of our minds, but for many members of the community, it is a key part of their everyday lives as consumers, employees and community partners.
If you are unsure of your requirements, standards or other provisions of service or employment in your area, be sure to take the time to verify compliance with your local legislation so that you can head into 2020 confident in your services and practices.
DealerPILOTHR provides our clients with advisory services and HR Automation to assist with simplifying compliance processes, even for multi-step and Integrated Legislation such as those related to accessibility.
If you would like more information on how we can help, please contact us at info@dealerpilothr.com.