Previously, we have written about what the AODA is and AODA requirements for specific organizations, such as AODA requirements for private businesses and non-profits with 20-49 workers. We have also introduced the different standards that your organization has had to comply with over the past few years. In this article, we will outline the general AODA requirements that all non-profits, as well as private and public sector businesses, must comply with.
General AODA Requirements
While each of the five IASR standards has its own requirements, there are also general requirements that apply to all of the standards and all types of organizations. For instance, these requirements include:
- Training
- An accessibility policy
- An accessibility plan
- Self-service kiosks
Accessibility Training
AODA training gives employees basic knowledge about accessibility and how it impacts people with disabilities.
Who needs AODA training?
AODA training is required if you are a paid worker, a volunteer, or a new worker. You need to take AODA training if you:
- Provide goods, services, or facilities on behalf of your organization
- Develop an organization’s policies (for example, a board member)
- Make changes to your organization’s accessibility policies
- Are an existing worker and start a new position
Record Keeping
All organizations have to keep track of their workers’ training records, which must include the name of the worker and date of completion.
Accessibility Policy
An accessibility policy guides an organization’s practices for providing goods, services, and facilities to people with disabilities. It also helps an organization achieve its accessibility goals.
All large private and non-profit organizations and all public-sector organizations must have an accessibility policy in writing. These sectors must also make their policies available to the public.
Accessibility Plan
An accessibility plan works with the policy. The plan outlines what steps an organization will take to prevent and remove barriers that people with disabilities face when interacting with that organization, and when it will implement each step.
Organizations must also publish annual status reports. In addition, they must review and update their plans at least every five years.
Self-Service Kiosks
A self-service kiosk is an electronic terminal, such as a pay-for-sale device. You may have used one at a grocery store to checkout and pay for your groceries or even when you have paid for parking. These kiosks must be made accessible so that people living with a disability are able to use them independently.
Public sector organizations must include accessibility features on the kiosks when:
- Designing
- Procuring
- Acquiring
Whereas, large and small organizations must consider the accessibility features that would best meet the needs of their consumers, in order to include these features in their self-service kiosks.
The above four general AODA requirements apply to all non-profit, public, and private businesses. Our next series of articles will go into detail about each of the five standards under the IASR and outline compliance needs for each standard.