Under the AODA, public sector organizations must complete accessibility reports every two (2) years. The next accessibility reports for public sector organizations are due on December 31st, 2023. The Ontario government will not give any extensions after December 31st, 2021. Here, we answer some accessibility report questions that workers should know how to answer.
Accessibility Report Questions: Public Sector
To begin with, the yes-or-no questions in accessibility reports for public sector organizations ask whether an organization complies with mandates in the AODA. Furthermore, each question should include a link to the mandate or rule it asks about. Likewise, other links lead workers to resources that help them learn what they should do to follow the rules. Workers can use these links to remind themselves what the mandates are and think about whether their organization complies. Then, workers complete the form by responding to each question with yes or no. Moreover, they can also write comments under each question.
Accessibility Report Questions about Customer Service
Organizations providing customer service will need to answer questions about whether they comply with AODA customer service requirements. For instance, whether they:
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- Have documented customer service policies
- Welcome customers with service animals, support persons, and assistive devices
- Train all workers and volunteers on the AODA
- communicate with customers in ways that take their disabilities into account
- Provide information accessibly
- Notify customers about temporary service disruptions
- Have accessible feedback processes
Accessibility Report Questions about Employment
Additionally, organizations also need to respond to questions about how accessible their employment practices are. For instance, they may be asked whether they:
- Make the hiring process accessible
- Provide accessible workplace information to workers with disabilities
- Create individualized workplace emergency response plans for all workers with disabilities
- Make workplace performance management, career advancement, and redeployment processes accessible
- Have processes in place to create:
- Individual accommodation plans for workers who disclose disabilities
- Return to work plans for workers who have been absent due to disability
Accessibility Report Questions about Information and Communications
Similarly, organizations will need to confirm that they provide information in ways that people with disabilities can access. For instance, organizations may need to state whether they have:
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- Information in accessible formats and with communication supports, upon request
- Accessible
- Accessibility training for educators
- Educational resources in accessible formats
- Accessible library resources
Accessibility Report Questions about Transportation
Likewise, organizations that provide transportation will need to answer questions about the accessibility of their vehicles and services. For example, organizations may be asked whether they have:
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- AODA training for all transportation workers
- Accessibility plans for conventional and specialized providers
- Systems in place for passengers who travel with support persons
- Audio and visual announcements
- Courtesy seating
Accessibility Report Questions about Public Spaces
Finally, organizations that have built or renovated public spaces will need to verify that these spaces are accessible. For instance, organizations may need to confirm that people with disabilities can access:
- Outdoor paths, such as sidewalks
- Parking spaces
- Fixed waiting areas, fixed queuing guides, and service counters
- Outdoor public eating areas
- Playgrounds
- Beaches
- Recreational trails
In other words, these questions in accessibility reports for public sector organizations help workers learn how well their business obeys the law. Our next article will cover how the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Division (AODT) audits organizations to verify compliance.