AODA

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

What is AODA?

1 in 7 people in Ontario have a disability. With an aging population, this number will increase over the next 20 years to 1 in 5.

• 2005 - The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is introduced 


• 2008 – Customer Service Standards are established
– i.e. Guidelines for all employers who provide goods and services to the general public

• 2012 - Additional regulations are implemented to ensure all employers are removing barriers for people with disabilities

AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC)

The OHRC is a public policy in Ontario which ensures equal rights and opportunities. As such, the OHRC prohibits discrimination or harassment on several grounds, including the grounds of Disability. 


The AODA works in conjunction with the OHRC, and further develops protections for those with a disability. 
As such, the AODA is the law – i.e. discrimination on the grounds of disability is an infringement of the OHRC and is therefore illegal and punishable by law.

To remain compliant with AODA and OHRC, the Company is providing training for those who work with the public.

OHRC and Cimcool’s Obligation

It is the obligation of the Company as well as each Employee to do whatever it takes to accommodate a visitor who requests assistance. 


If a visitor requests assistance, employees are required to accommodate them by whatever means are possible.

It is the law to accommodate someone with a disability, and such requests cannot be ignored.

AODA’s Goals

• Imagine living in a province where there are no barriers for people with disabilities – to travel, work, or play 


• It is not the disability that is a barrier to a fulfilling life, it is the environment 


• By 2025, AODA is striving to achieve full accessibility for all Ontarians 


• The purpose of the act is to educate people regarding the needs of people with disabilities

Four Elements of AODA

1. Create a Plan to Address the AODA

2. Train employees

3. Publish the Company’s Policy

4. Report Compliance to the Government

Cimcool Plan

Effective January 1, 2012, Cimcool launched a new policy: AODA – Customer Service Standard 


This policy follows the 4 key principles of AODA:

• Dignity – Ensure goods and services are delivered in a way which does not diminish a person’s importance

• Independence – Respect the person’s right to perform things for themselves

• Integration – Allow the person(s) with disabilities to participate in the solutions

• Equal Opportunity – Access to all goods and services, for all people, regardless of ability

In addition, Cimcool is committed to the following:

• All employees who interact with customers, vendors, consultants, etc. are trained on how best to address disabilities of their visitors

• The Company welcomes feedback from any of the above mentioned individuals regarding opportunities for the Company to improve their ability to accommodate needs of individuals, in order that everyone may access Cimcool goods and services

Cimcool Goal

• To remove any existing barriers which may be in place over the next few years. This might mean building elevators or ramps where they are needed, installing hearing impaired telephones, or using magnifying computer screens

• Mandate that all employees foster an environment where accommodation needs are openly talked about and put in place

Accessibility on our Website

As part of the AODA Regulations, outside visitors must be able to provide their feedback to Cimcool.

Disabilities

While some disabilities are visible, others are less obvious

Disability

• Mobility Impairment
  Inability to walk

• Speech & Language Impairment

  Deafness

• Visual Impairment
  Blindness, low vision

How to Interact with Visitors with Disabilities

All Cimcool employees who interact with the public are required to inquire as to whether the person may require assistance



• Ask anyone visiting Cimcool if they require any assistance

• you may plan your meeting around the assistance the visitor requires

• Include in any correspondence with the person the question “May I assist you?”

If the Visitor Requires Assistance

• Physical Assistance (wheelchair etc.)

  • Arrange for the person to meet at a door with a wheelchair accessible entrance

  • Schedule a room on the main floor of the building

  • Do not touch or lean on the device – it is their personal space

  • Ensure the person is aware of the closest accessible exit, in case of emergency

  • Physical impairment may also include problems including arthritis, heart conditions etc.

• Mental Health/ Disability

  • 1 in 5 Canadians are likely to experience a diagnosable mental health illness in their lifetime

  • There is currently a stigma and lack of understanding associated with mental illness

  • The visitor may be experiencing anxiety, tension and/or stress. Various behaviours may be associated with these disabilities, at all ends of the spectrum – e.g. quiet and reserved to aggressive and argumentative

• Visual Impairment

  • Not all people who are “blind” cannot see

  • 9 out of 10 people who attend the Canadian National Institute for the Blind have some vision

  • Over 3 Million people have difficulties reading text

  • Visually impaired people may use a support device, including a magnifying glass or magnifying screen to allow them to enlarge font

  • Bring a computer to the meeting – this will allow you to write conversation in large font

• Visual Assistance – Service Animals

  • Allow the person to have their support with them during the visit, e.g. Service animal, support worker

  • Do not touch the support animal – the animal is working and must follow direction of their owner

  • Animals may also support people who have Seizures and Autism, not just visual impairment

  • Ensure your visitor always has a Cimcool representative with them, in case of an emergency

• Support Persons

  • Many people with disabilities may choose to have a Support person (visual, physical etc.)

  • The support person may be a friend, volunteer, or personal support worker

  • Support Persons must be allowed to accompany the visitor to any part of the company which is open to the public, or third party

  • You may ask the visitor if they would like the support person to leave the room before discussing confidential information

• Hearing Loss Assistance

  • Bring a pen & paper to the meeting to allow for clarification when needed

  • Utilize TTY Devices (Teletypewriter – a telephone which allows for typing)

  • Hold the meeting in a well lit area, where the customer is able to see your face, and read your lips

• Speech/Language Impairment

  • Your visitor may have a speech impairment

  • This may be in the form of stuttering, or may be a result of illness such as Cerebral Palsy

  • If your guest has a speech impairment, use a communication board, or ask questions that require a short answer (yes or no)

• Learning Disabilities

  • Affects people of all backgrounds

  • Is not caused by a lack of motivation

  • Includes Dyslexia, problems with writing

  • Is not visible – many people are effected by learning disabilities, but may not disclose them to you

  • If you notice someone is struggling, speak slower, make note of important discussion points so they may take a copy with them

• Ask the visitor “May I help you?”, the visitor will know if they require your assistance, and will advise how you may assist them

• Do not make assumptions regarding aperson’s needs – the visitor is not required to inform you about their disability

• Exercise patience

Going Forward

By 2025, Cimcool will be required to be fully compliant with the AODA based upon the timelines and requirements outlined in the legislation. These requirements may mean structural changes to the facility as well as additional training for employees.