What is the AODA?
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is provincial legislation that was passed in 2005 with the goal of removing barriers for people with disabilities by 2025. This legislation is being phased in and has specific deadlines for implementation that the College must be met in order to ensure compliance.
What must Northern College do to ensure compliance?
As a large public organization, Northern College must:
- Allow the use of assistive devices by persons with disabilities and ensure staff that interacts with these devices are trained appropriately.
- Communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.
- Allow service animals into parts of the College that are open to the public.
- Allow people with disabilities to be accompanied by a support person.
- Give public notice when something is not accessible.
- Invite people to give feedback regarding accessibility policies and accommodations.
- Document accessibility policies, and let the public know where they can access these documents.
- Make sure accessibility policies are available in an accessible format.
- Report accessibility progress online to the Ministry.
- Provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication support for persons with disabilities upon request.
- Consult with the person making the request in determining the most appropriate format or communication support.
- Notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication support.
- Make all educational and training resources and materials accessible.
Resources Available
Tips for Making Documents Accessible
Training Videos and Tutorials
AODA Training Through Northern College