AODA – Is Your Company Prepared for Jan. 1, 2016?

It’s coming! Just weeks from now the Employment Standard to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) will take effect and employers with 50 or more employees had better be ready to take action. Most of the regulations are straightforward and easy to understand, but by being aware of these standards and communicating them to your employees and applicants, you can be assured of remaining in compliance.

Requirements relate to:

Recruitment, assessment and selection. Applicants must be notified that accommodations for disabilities are available on request.

Informing employees of supports. Employers must notify new and existing employees about their policies for supporting employees with disabilities. Notice must be updated whenever an existing policy is changed.

Accessible formats and communication supports. Upon request, employers must discuss with disabled employees what accessible formats and communication supports they need to do their jobs effectively. The most appropriate support will be determined based on the needs of the employee and the abilities of the employer.

Documented individual accommodation plans. Written accommodation plans will be developed by employers for individuals with disabilities. Such plans are to include how the employee can be involved in the plan’s development, what outside consulting may be required to determine effective supports, and how and when plans will be reviewed and updated.

Career development and advancement. Employers must provide any career development and advancement opportunities in a manner that takes into account the needs of employees with disabilities.

Performance management. Any performance management processes used by an employer must take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities.

Redeployment. Individual accessibility needs must be considered in the event of any transfer or reassignment so that the employee’s needs will continue to be met in the new location.

To learn more about how these new provisions may affect your business, visit the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act website at www.aoda.ca. To keep up with the latest developments in Canadian employment law or for assistance in hiring talented professionals for your organization, contact the specialized recruiters at Employment Professionals Canada today.