The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act became law in 2005. It’s the first law of its kind in Canada.
|
Accessibility Customer Service Guide (PDF). This guide opens in a new window when the link is clicked. |
People with disabilities should have the same opportunities as everyone else. They should be able to do the same things that most of us take for granted like go to work or school, shop, enjoy a movie, take the bus or use parks or playgrounds.
That is the goal of the AODA. Business and organizations that provide goods and services to the people of Ontario will have to meet mandatory accessibility standards in five important areas:
- Customer Service
- Information and Communication
- Transportation
- Built Environment
- Employment
Accessible Customer Service Standard
This is the first standard to be developed. It came into effect on January 1, 2008, and is now the law. The standard states what organizations and businesses in Ontario must do to make the provision of their goods and services more accessible to people with disabilities.
As a public sector organization, the City of Burlington has undertaken measures to ensure that we are compliant with the regulation. One of the requirements in the regulation is that any person or organization that provides goods or services to customers on behalf of the City of Burlington must receive training on providing accessible customer service.
For more information about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Requirements of the Accessible Customer Service Standard - What does this mean for you?
Businesses and individuals that the City of Burlington has contracted to provide goods or services to customers must ensure that their employees are trained on providing accessible customer service. This includes consultants, construction workers, and more. In general, any person or organization that does business with the City of Burlington should receive training before January 1, 2010.
There are many training resources available that can be used at no charge:
- Accessibility Directorate of Ontario's Serve-Ability training video
- Retail Council of Canada's How May I help you training video
- Accessible Customer Service Guide for the City of Burlington (PDF)
- City of Burlington Accessible Customer Service Policy (PDF) (Word)
How to Provide Us With Feedback
The City of Burlington is committed to providing accessible goods and services to all members of the public it serves. Is there something we could be doing better? We want to hear from you.
We offer a variety of ways for you to provide us with your feedback. Please include your contact information, date and time, location, specific concern and any recommendations.
| Phone: | 905-335-7600, ext. 7865 |
| Bell Relay: | 1-800-855-0511 |
| Email: | AccessibleBurlington@burlington.ca |
| Mail: | City of Burlington Accessibility Coordinator 426 Brant Street, P.O. Box 5013 Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6 |
| On-line Customer Service Feedback Form |
For more information or to request a document in alternative format, please contact:
Judi Lytle
Accessibility Coordinator
Tel: 905-335-7600 ext. 7865
Fax: 905-335-7881
lytlej@burlington.ca