Public organizations, non-profits, and private businesses must complete an AODA compliance report. This report is a way to make sure that organizations are on track with the goal of making a fully accessible province by 2025. This report confirms that businesses have met their AODA needs.
AODA Compliance Reports
The AODA compliance report is a self-assessment of an organization’s status in terms of compliance with all provincial accessibility requirements.
Who has to submit an AODA Compliance Report?
The directorate, which enforces AODA accessibility compliance, requires:
- Businesses or non-profit organizations with 20 or more employees, and
- Designated public sector organizations
to complete and submit a compliance report.
What Details do you Include in the Report?
Report details include the following:
- Company information
- Primary contact information
- The related section of the regulation
- Resources to help you understand and meet the requirements
- Automated submit button
How do you Submit a Report?
There is an automated submit button on the downloadable form.
When is the AODA Compliance Report Due?
The latest compliance date was December 31, 2017. Public sectors will have to submit in 2019, whereas private and non-profit organizations will have to submit in 2020.
What Happens if Your Organization Does Not Submit a Report?
Organizations that fail to submit an accessibility report can face penalties and fines.
Accessibility Audits
The directorate performs audits on organizations. Those who submit their compliance reports and those who fail to do so are open to audits. There are different levels of audits, such as:
- P1 audits help organizations file their reports
- P2 audits confirm compliance with the accessibility requirements of the AODA and its regulations
P2 audits are based on a variety of requirements. The requirements are not the same across all organizations. In 2017, the P2 audits targeted the accessibility requirements in hiring and employment. The audits also collect data on four accessibility requirements that are verified on a yearly basis to show trends.
Accessibility Compliance Plans
The directorate negotiates a plan with any organization that is found to be non-compliant during an audit. The compliance plan outlines the steps and timelines for compliance.
If an organization is found non-compliant during a P2 audit and they also fail to implement the required steps, the directorate will then refer an inspector to the organization. The inspector will advise the director to implement enforcement measures. Under the AODA, these measures enforce AODA Accessibility Compliance. They may include:
- Executing search warrants
- Issuing Director’s Orders to comply
- Levying administrative monetary penalties
- Prosecution
If Ontarians want to enjoy a fully accessible province by 2025, it is vital that the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario takes an active approach in enforcing the measures of the AODA. The directorate has taken great steps towards strengthening their role in verification and enforcement.