A standard is an agreed way of doing something. A standard allows consumers, business and government to have a common understanding of a product, service or business process. It may be voluntary or regulated by law. And it can be local or international in scope.
Standards can exist for products from light bulbs to cars and medical equipment. Increasingly, standards are also being applied to making things happen such as services or business processes.
Standards establish a common language, and outline technical or measurable specifications that are used consistently such as rules, guidelines, or definitions. They may also include product design requirements, test methods, classifications, recommended practices, and other considerations.
Standards establish best practices, and ensure the reliability, safety and quality of products and services. Their development relies on the voluntary participation of consumers, business, government and other groups who share knowledge in order to reach a consensus.
How standards can help your business
Adopting standards can benefit your business by helping to:
- differentiate your products, services and business
- access new markets
- increase efficiency and improve the quality of your products and services
- ensure you comply with regulations
Product and business differentiation
Customers recognize the value of products and services that meet recognized standards. The use of standards can increase the perceived value of the products and services you offer. It also builds customer confidence that leads to stronger relationships with your clients.
Winning business
In some markets, standards are used to ensure that the products and services are the same regardless of where they were manufactured or sold. It’s a way to guarantee that the suppliers are providing the correct products and services. Some customers may make using a recognized standard a prerequisite before they will buy from you.
Cost and time-effectiveness
Using the knowledge that is contained in standards can save time and money during the research and development of a new product. It can also reduce the risk of ending up with an inferior or unsuccessful product. If your suppliers and customers are all working to specified standards, there will be fewer misunderstandings – saving time and money all round .
Legal compliance
Conforming to standards can help you comply with a wide range of legal obligations in areas such as product safety and environmental management.
Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
Under the Act, standards set out the rules that will help make Ontario more accessible. Proposed accessibility standards will be developed and recommended to the Minister of Community and Social Services by Standards Development Committees (SDCs). SDCs will be made up of members of the community, business, the broader public sector such as hospitals and school boards, Ontario government ministries, people with disabilities and representatives of people with disabilities.
The public will have an opportunity to review and make comments on the proposed accessibility standards that the SDCs will ask the Minister to consider. A notice will be posted on this website when proposed accessibility standards are ready for public review and comment.
Following the public comment period, the Minister will decide what proposed standards will be recommended to become a regulation. Once adopted by regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, these standards will provide rules, guidelines or procedures for activities related to the accessibility of goods and services for all Ontarians.
Why should I get involved in accessibility standards development?
If I’m in a business
- Sends a message about your organization’s business ethics and attitudes to customers and partners.
- Allows you direct input into provincial regulations that will affect your business.
- Can enhance your business reputation and build or grow a market for your products or services.
- Enables you to represent your business sector.
- Helps to make sure your products are compatible with other related products.
- Boosts your credibility with customers and suppliers who look for standard compliance when selecting their purchases.
- Allows you to participate in making Ontario the most accessible province in Canada.
If I’m a consumer
- You can influence business and government by expressing the opinions and attitudes of consumers.
- You will add credibility to the information sharing and research that is part of the standards development process by providing real life examples of how products and services are used.
- You show leadership in your own community by making sure that its issues are addressed at a provincial level.
- Allows you to participate in making Ontario the most accessible province in Canada .
What the Act says about standards
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 states:
(3) An accessibility standard may apply only to a person or organization that,
(a) provides goods, services or facilities;
(b) employs persons in Ontario;
(c) offers accommodation;
(d) owns or occupies a building, structure or premises; or
(e) is engaged in a prescribed business, activity or undertaking or meets such other requirements as may be prescribed.
(6) An accessibility standard shall,
(a) set out measures, policies, practices or other requirements for the identification and removal of barriers with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures, premises or such other things as may be prescribed, and for the prevention of the erection of such barriers; and
(b) require the persons or organizations named or described in the standard to implement those measures, policies, practices or other requirements within the time periods specified in the standard.
(8) An accessibility standard may define a class to consist of one person or organization or to include or exclude a person or organization having the same or different attributes, qualities or characteristics.
(9) An accessibility standard may be general or specific in its application and may be limited as to time and place.