How does the Ontarians for Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) affect the Government of Ontario?
- Under the ODA, every Ontario government ministry is required to develop an annual accessibility plan and make it available to the public. The plans will address accessibility and barriers to people with disabilities and ways to remove over time and prevent new barriers in the future. This includes its services to the public, workplace policies and practices.
- Government buildings must be accessible to people with disabilities, to the level required by the Building Code Act, 1992 and the Ontario Realty Corporation’s Standards for Barrier Free Design of Ontario Government Facilities.
- The Government must consider accessibility when purchasing goods and services.
- Government Internet sites must be accessible to people with disabilities, unless it is not technically feasible to do so.
- Government publications must be made available to a person with a disability in a format that is accessible to him or her, unless it is not technically feasible.
- The Government must accommodate the accessibility needs of its employees, or applicants for employment, who have disabilities. Managers and supervisors will receive training on their obligations to accommodate employees and employees in turn will be informed of their rights and obligations under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code.
- The Government is required to consider accessibility when funding a project for which the Building Code Act, 1992 establishes a level of accessibility for people with disabilities. Government-funded capital programs can include government funding for new buildings or the renovation of older buildings.
- Agencies (as defined in regulation) will be required to prepare accessibility policies.
What will be in these accessibility plans?
Plans will identify barriers in legislation, policies, programs, practices and services that affect people with disabilities and the steps to be taken over time to remove identified barriers and prevent new ones. (section 10)
Who will pay the costs of developing and implementing the accessibility plans?
Ministries, municipalities, colleges, universities, school boards, hospitals and public transportation organizations will develop accessibility plans using their existing resources.