Why are you launching this review?
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), we have a goal to make the province accessible by 2025. This review, which is mandatory under the act, will help make sure we’re on the right track to achieving this goal.
Reviews are built into the AODA, beginning four years after the act becomes law and taking place every three years after that.
Who will conduct the review? Why was he chosen?
Charles Beer has been appointed to conduct an independent review of the AODA.
This review must be completed by an objective third party. Charles Beer has both the knowledge and experience that is needed to conduct a balanced review.
Mr. Beer has extensive experience working with diverse stakeholders. Through his tenure as Minister of Community and Social Services, Mr. Beer gained in-depth knowledge of the disability community. In addition, his understanding of government legislation and policies will help ensure the review is informed and effective.
When will it be complete?
The review will take approximately six months to complete.
Charles Beer is scheduled to submit a report to the Ontario government by January 2010.
The Ministry of Community and Social Services can then begin the process to implement recommendations, which may include introducing amendments to the legislation.
What will the review involve?
Charles Beer will help make sure accessibility is being achieved in a way that makes sense for everyone.
The review will involve three key channels:
1. Consultations with people with disabilities, as well as those who helped draft accessibility standards and participated in public review.
2. Online submissions from the general public.
3. Meetings with key stakeholders across Ontario.
Through these channels, Charles Beer will gather information about accessibility standards and the standards development process. In addition, Beer will devise a strategy to repeal the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA).
Who will be able to provide feedback?
We want your input to make sure our accessibility legislation is on the right track. That’s why everyone in Ontario will have the opportunity to provide their feedback.
Please check back for more infomation.
How will this review affect standards development?
This review will not interfere with the work currently being done by standards development committees. The review is a mandatory requirement of the AODA. It is required to take place within four years of the legislation becoming law and every three years after that.
When will public consultations on the review of the AODA take place and how will they be publicized?
Public consultations will be conducted through various channels. Public meetings and stakeholder consultations will take place in the Fall 2009. Information about how and when to participate will be posted online at www.ontario.ca/mcss . People can also contact Charles Beer directly at charles.beer@ontario.ca.
Why would you repeal the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA)?
The AODA is a more comprehensive piece of legislation that will improve the lives of people with disabilities. That’s because the AODA gives obligated organizations more defined responsibilities for accessibility and stronger enforcement for those who do not meet those responsibilities.
By repealing the ODA, we can reduce the burden on organizations that currently have to follow requirements in both pieces of legislation.
Charles Beer will determine whether elements from the ODA should be incorporated into the AODA. This will help ensure that no gaps are created as a result of the repeal, so obligated organizations continue to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Section 22 of the ODA requires a review of the Act within five years after coming into force (by September 30, 2007). Will there be an independent review of the ODA as well as the AODA?
In 2003-2004, a review of the ODA was conducted which involved extensive public consultations. This review determined that a more comprehensive piece of accessibility legislation was needed, leading to the creation of the AODA.
While there will not be another review of the ODA at this time, the review of the AODA will examine the ODA to determine whether there are elements of this act that should be incorporated into the AODA.
How will the review of the AODA determine if Ontario is on schedule for achieving an accessible Ontario by 2025?
The review of the AODA will look at progress to date and accessibility achievements made in the last four years (since the legislation became law).
This will include examining:
- the process for developing accessibility standards, as outlined in the act
- opportunities given for the public, including the disability community, to take part in the development of standards to date
- proposals for amendments to the AODA and any other related provincial legislation or regulations, if needed
Reviews are built into the AODA, beginning four years after the act becomes law and taking place every three years after that.
Will the review of the AODA examine the effectiveness of the accessibility standards and their enforcement?
It is currently premature to examine the effectiveness of the accessibility standards or their enforcement, as only one standard has been enacted and reporting requirements under that standard will not come into force until January 2010.
Reviews are built into the AODA, beginning four years after the act becomes law and taking place every three years after that.