AODA compliance deadline for the public sector
The goal of achieving a fully accessible Ontario continues to move forward, and employers play a vital role. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) has been the roadmap for this journey, requiring businesses to identify and remove barriers for people with disabilities. For public-sector organizations, the next AODA deadline is an important and fast-approaching milestone. Navigating AODA compliance can be difficult, but with proper guidance, it doesn’t have to be.
In this guide, our HR experts share key insights to help public-sector employers understand their obligations under the AODA and highlight the benefits of accessibility for all. You’ll find clear steps to stay on track, including guidance on AODA training, policies, and completing your accessibility compliance report.
Accessibility is good for business
Creating an accessible workplace is not just a legal requirement; it’s a strategic business decision that promotes inclusivity and drives growth. In 2022, the disability rate in Canada among persons aged 15 and over was 27 percent. By embracing accessibility, you can significantly expand your talent pool and customer base.
Here’s how prioritizing accessibility can benefit your organization
- Enhanced reputation: Demonstrating a genuine commitment to accessibility shows your customers, employees, and community that you value inclusivity, building a positive brand image and foster loyalty.
- Expanded talent pool: An accessible recruitment process opens your doors to a wider range of qualified candidates. With 38 percent of working adults with disabilities unemployed, by prioritizing accessible workplaces, you can gain access to a skilled and often overlooked segment of the workforce.
- Increased customer loyalty: When customers with disabilities have a positive and seamless experience with your organization, they are more likely to return. An accessible environment creates a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
- More business: An accessible workplace is good for both people and your bottom line. Increased labour force participation boosts consumer spending, and making your organization accessible to more people naturally grows your market.
What are public-sector organizations?
Public-sector organizations are defined by Ontario Regulation 191/11 under the AODA. This includes broader public-sector organizations, municipalities, and others listed in the AODA. For example:
- School boards;
- Hospitals;
- Postsecondary education institutions; and
- Public transportation corporations.
All designated public-sector organizations must comply with the AODA.
The AODA compliance report for public-sector employers
A key component of AODA compliance is filing an accessibility compliance report. This report is a legal requirement that confirms your organization has met its obligations under the AODA.
Who needs to file the AODA compliance report this year?
All designated public-sector organizations. Organizations with 19 or fewer employees still must comply with all applicable AODA standards, but they don’t have to file a report.
Upcoming AODA compliance report deadline
The reporting frequency and deadlines vary by organization type:
- Designated public-sector organizations: Must file a report every two years. The next deadline is December 31, 2025.
- Businesses and no-profits (over 20 employees): Must file a report every three years. The last deadline was December 31, 2023, and the next will be December 31, 2026.
Even if a deadline has passed, you are still legally required to submit your report.
Penalties for noncompliance with the AODA
Failing to meet your AODA requirements, including filing your compliance report on time, can result in significant penalties. The government actively audits and inspects organizations to ensure they are following the law.
Financial penalties can be severe:
- Up to $100,000 per day for corporations; and
- Up to $50,000 per day for individuals or unincorporated organizations.
These fines can be applied for each day the violation continues, making noncompliance a costly risk for any organization.
AODA compliance and accessibility rules
Achieving and maintaining accessibility in the workplace requires a proactive approach. Here are the general steps every Ontario organization needs to take:
- Create accessibility policies: Develop and document policies that outline how your organization will meet its accessibility goals. Organizations with 50 or more employees must also create a statement of commitment to accessibility.
- Develop a multi-year accessibility plan: Organizations with 50 or more employees and designated public-sector organizations must create a written multi-year plan that details how they will prevent and remove accessibility barriers. This plan must be posted on the organization’s website and reviewed at least every five years.
- Provide accessibility and AODA training: All employees, volunteers, and anyone who develops policies for your organization must receive training on the AODA, Ontario’s Human Rights Code, and the specific accessibility standards relevant to their roles.
- File your compliance report: If you are a public-sector organization or have 20 or more employees, make sure to complete and submit your accessibility compliance report by the required AODA deadline.
In addition to the above, organizations must comply with requirements under applicable accessibility standards. The employment standards, for example, apply to all organizations. They outline requirements related to accessibility within recruitment, performance management, career development and advancement, and redeployment, as well as individual accommodation plans and the return-to-work process.
Avoid expensive accessibility errors. File your AODA report with help from our experts.
Navigating the complexities of the AODA and ensuring your workplace is fully compliant can be a challenge. However, you don’t have to do it alone. At Citation Canada, we provide the tools, resources, and expert advice to guide you through every step of the process. Our Canadian-made HR and health and safety software and support services help you confidently maintain an accessible and compliant workplace.
Our services and support offer clients:
- Compliant HR content for every jurisdiction: Update content in minutes, like accessibility policy templates, checklists, and documents, and collect employee signatures digitally from our centralized HRIS software, Atlas.
- Online training for staff and leaders: Assign and manage hundreds of immersive training courses, including our AODA Customer Service Standards Training, to help your team understand and implement accessibility best practices.
- HR guidance and advice from a team of HR professionals: Live and HR consulting support from seasoned HR and health and safety professionals, when and where you need it.
Citation Canada’s HR experts are ready to assist with any of your accessibility questions and help employers in Ontario navigate the AODA compliance report. Contact us today for a live demonstration of our services or to speak to an accessibility expert. Our Canadian-made HR software and support services are tailored to help Canadian business owners create a more inclusive workplace for everyone.