The “Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act” (AODA) is legislation that applies to hundreds of thousands of businesses in Ontario, as well as to community groups and public services. The AODA aims to remove many of the barriers people experience in public and commercial areas.
People with disabilities are a growing consumer market in Canada. Nationally people with disabilities account for an estimated $25 billion a year in consumer spending and influence the spending decisions of twelve to fifteen million other Canadians.
An estimated 28% of Ontarians, or 3.8 million people, over the age of 15 years old have at least one disabilityfootnote 1. As the population ages, this number will grow.
Businesses can attract more customers and employees by removing as many barriers to access as possible, making Ontario open for business and open for jobs for everyone.
OBIAA and TABIA, in partnership with the Ministry of Community and Social Services, are developing resources to help small businesses increase their awareness of accessibility and to promote accessibility best practices in their businesses.
TABIA represents the local small business community on the Customer Service Standards Development Committee which is presently creating proposed accessibility standards for the AODA.
Accessibility Agencies and Information
Accessibility in Ontario: information for businesses | ontario.ca
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Homepage | Ontario Human Rights Commission
O. Reg. 191/11 INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS | ontario.ca
Ontario’s Design of Public Spaces accessibility standards establish a baseline level of accessibility for public spaces, including:
The standards only apply to new construction and renovated existing public spaces.
Learn about how to make public spaces accessible.
Discover practical and easy tips to help make your building, spaces and events more accessible.
Read the Illustrated Technical Guide to the Accessibility Standard for the Design of Public Spaces for detailed information about the standards and how to comply.
Downloadables for BIAs and Businesses
Business of Accessibility Handbook
Note, if you require an accessible version of any of the documents posted on this page, please contact TABIA at info@toronto-bia.com
If you need help with meeting accessibility requirements or have questions, contact Ontario accessibility services by: