AODA standards mandate how organizations must make themselves accessible to people with disabilities. Moreover, the standards outline organizations’ responsibilities, and the deadlines they must meet. AODA Standards development committees are responsible for creating and maintaining the standards. For example, each committee consults extensively with the public to make recommendations to include in its proposed standards. The committee then submits its final recommendations to the minister in charge of the AODA. Finally, the minister must recommend to the Lieutenant Governor that the standard be accepted in whole, in part, or with modifications. The AODA Healthcare Standards Development Committee submitted its final recommendations to the government in 2022. However, the government has taken no more steps toward enacting AODA healthcare standards.
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Implementing the First Review of the Information and Communications Standards
After AODA standards come into force, they must be reviewed at least every five (5) years. In other words, the AODA Standards Development Committee that created each standard must also review it every five (5) years, or more often. After a period of public feedback, the Committee must submit the final version of their review to the Minister in charge of the AODA. Then, the minister must recommend to the Lieutenant Governor that the standard be accepted in whole, in part, or with modifications. The first review of the Information and communications Standards became public in 2020. However, the Ontario government has not made any of the changes to the Information and communications Standards that the review recommends. In short, no steps have been taken for implementing the first review of the information and communications standards.
Implementing the First Review of the Employment Standards
After AODA standards come into force, they must be reviewed at least every five (5) years. In other words, the AODA Standards Development Committee that created each standard must also review it every five (5) years, or more often. After a period of public feedback, the Committee must submit the final version of their review to the Minister in charge of the AODA. Then, the minister must recommend to the Lieutenant Governor that the standard be accepted in whole, in part, or with modifications. The first review of the Employment Standards became public in 2019. However, the Ontario government has not made any of the changes to the Employment Standards that the review recommends. In short, no steps have been taken for implementing the first review of the employment standards.
Second Review of the Transportation Standards
After AODA standards come into force, they must be reviewed at least every five (5) years. In other words, the AODA Standards Development Committee that created each standard must also review it every five (5) years, or more often. The Committee must then submit a draft of their review to the Minister in charge of the AODA. The Minister must make the review available to the public so that people can comment on it. Based on those public reactions, the committee revises the proposed standard and resubmits it to the minister. The minister must recommend to the Lieutenant Governor that the standard be accepted in whole, in part, or with modifications. The first review of the Transportation Standards became public in 2018. Consequently, a second review of the Transportation Standards should take place in 2023.
Implementing the First Review of the Transportation Standards
After AODA standards come into force, they must be reviewed at least every five (5) years. In other words, the AODA Standards Development Committee that created each standard must also review it every five (5) years, or more often. After a period of public feedback, the Committee must submit the final version of their review to the Minister in charge of the AODA. Then, the minister must recommend to the Lieutenant Governor that the standard be accepted in whole, in part, or with modifications. The first review of the Transportation Standards became public in 2018. However, the Ontario government has not made any of the changes to the Transportation Standards that the review recommends. In short, no steps have been taken for implementing the first review of the transportation standards.