Ontario’s first accessibility standard, the customer service standard, came into effect on January 1, 2008.

The standard states what businesses and other organizations in Ontario must do to make the provision of their goods and services more accessible to people with disabilities.

The legal requirements of the accessibility standards for customer service are set out in two Ontario Regulations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

Ontario Regulation 429/07 states the requirements of the customer service standard, and

Ontario Regulation 430/07 exempts organizations that have fewer than 20 employees (unless the organization is a designated public sector organization) from certain documentation requirements of the standard.

Does your business or organization provide goods or services to the public or other third parties in Ontario?

If so, you are now legally required to meet the requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service.

The Guide to the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07 will help you understand your obligations under the customer service standard. more