Posts Tagged ‘Accessibility’

Client Profile: How the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto is navigating COVID‑19

July 9th, 2020 by Iler Campbell

Audrey King, a Direct Funding program participant since 1995, and her attendant, Louis George wearing face shields as part of the personal protective equipment used to keep each other safe.

Through the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, information about where to find precious commodities like masks and gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE) items was shared and traded by many, particularly by individuals with disabilities who need regular physical assistance with activities of daily living like showering and dressing. Many people checked with traditional sources like medical supply stores, online retailers and big box stores, but not everyone would think to order surgical masks from their local convenience store to be delivered the same day, no less, via a food delivery and takeout app.

This unique suggestion came from one Toronto man in a Zoom call with a few dozen other participants of the Direct Funding program, which is administered by the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT). The participants are funded by the program to hire and manage the workers who assist them through the day; since it is impossible to maintain physical distance when one person is helping another to take a shower, PPE is critical for the health and safety of both individuals.

Continue reading “Client Profile: How the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto is navigating COVID‑19”

New Accessible Customer Service Standards come into force July 1st. Are you ready?

June 22nd, 2016 by Katie Douglas

On July 1, 2016, the Accessible Customer Service Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (the AODA) are changing. The changes apply to all organizations in Ontario with one or more employees that provide goods or services to the public.

The AODA is organized into five ‘standards’: customer service, information and communications, transportation, employment, and the design of public spaces. These standards are being phased in gradually and will be fully implemented in 2025. We’ve previously written about the new employment standards coming into force under the AODA in 2017. Those changes apply to all organizations with fewer than 50 employees. Read up on them here.

Below is a brief summary of the changes coming July 1st under the Customer Service Standard. Organizations with questions or which are unsure if they are meeting their obligations under the AODA are encouraged to contact us. Continue reading “New Accessible Customer Service Standards come into force July 1st. Are you ready?”

AODA updates 2015 – will you comply?

October 14th, 2014 by Lauren Blumas

Summer is over and 2015 is around the corner. As the calendar flips over into the New Year, most organizations will be subject to additional requirement under Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the AODA) via the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (the Regulation).

The Regulation applies to “every organization that provides goods, services or facilities to the public or other third parties and that has at least one employee”. The application is intended to be broad and indeed captures most of our clients.

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Public Comment Period Regarding Proposed Changes to the Customer Service Standard

March 13th, 2014 by Shelina Ali

The provincial government is currently seeking comments from the public on the proposed changes to the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, a regulation made under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The period for public comment is open until April 16, 2014 and details can be found on the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment website.

Here are some of the highlights of the proposed amendments to the regulation: Continue reading “Public Comment Period Regarding Proposed Changes to the Customer Service Standard”

AODA year-end report and upcoming standards

December 21st, 2012 by Celia Chandler

As we reported to you earlier in the year, in 2012 many of our clients became subject to requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005). Employers with at least 20 employees are obliged to report on compliance with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service by December 31, 2012.

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New Human Rights Legislation in Ontario: Is Your Organization Accessible to Individuals with Disabilities?

January 24th, 2012 by Priya Sarin

Recognizing the barriers that individuals with disabilities face in obtaining access to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment and buildings or premises, the Ontario legislature enacted the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

Continue reading “New Human Rights Legislation in Ontario: Is Your Organization Accessible to Individuals with Disabilities?”