Overview

Ontario has been working for years to create an accessible and inclusive province where everyone can fully participate in everyday life in our communities and the economy.

Ontario is the first province and one of the first jurisdictions in the world to enact specific legislation establishing a goal and timeframe for accessibility. It is also the first jurisdiction to legislate accessibility reporting and to establish standards in areas like employment, transportation and the design of public spaces.

We have made progress in making Ontario accessible and continue to work towards removing barriers. However, making Ontario accessible is a complex and ongoing process that can’t be completed by the province on its own. By working together, businesses, organizations, communities and all levels of government can meet the goal of making Ontario more accessible and inclusive.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a law that sets out a process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards.

Persons with disabilities and industry representatives work together with the government to develop the standards.

Under the AODA, the government is responsible for creating accessibility standards that organizations must follow. Implementing and enforcing these standards will help us work together to make Ontario more accessible and inclusive.

Accessibility standards

Accessibility standards are laws that government, businesses, non-profits and public sector organizations must follow to become more accessible.

They help organizations identify and remove barriers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities in 5 areas of daily life.

Customer service standard

This standard helps remove barriers for people with disabilities so they can access goods, services or facilities.

Read more about the changes to the accessible customer service standard

Information and communications standard

This standard helps organizations make their information accessible to people with disabilities.

Transportation standard

This standard makes it easier for everyone to travel in the province.

Employment standard

This standard helps make hiring and employee support practices more accessible.

Design of public spaces standard

This standard helps organizations make new and redeveloped outdoor public areas accessible.

Integrated accessibility standards regulation guidelines

The guidelines for the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation will be undergoing a review. The existing accessibility standards and reporting deadlines will still apply during the review.        
Read the regulation now.

What to expect from Ontario’s accessibility laws

Businesses and organizations must follow laws and standards to be accessible for people with disabilities.
Learn more about what this means for you in your everyday life.

Progress towards accessibility

Learn how Ontario is working to become more accessible by reading our AODA annual reports. They outline our progress in raising awareness about accessibility and advancing accessibility initiatives in communities across the province.

Reports

Annual reports on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act