The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) helps remove barriers for people with disabilities to increase EmployAbility and customer accessibility of goods, services, and facilities. All businesses and organizations must develop policies, train staff and document accordingly.
Ensure your policies are guided by the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.
Consider a person’s disability when communicating with them
- Assumptions aren’t helpful, ask ‘How may I help you?’ before providing help.
Allow assistive devices
- Promote the accessible features available to customers and employees (for example: accessible washrooms and elevators)
Allow service animals
- Service animals are not a pet they are working animals that support a person with a disability
Inform when accessible services are temporarily unavailable
- Prepare a template notice in advance that includes the reason for the disruption, how long the service will be unavailable and a description of alternative services
Invite Feedback
- The best way to understand barriers for customers or employees is to ask for feedback. Removal of barriers is Innovation at work.
Welcome support persons with your customers
- Speak directly to your customer, not to their support person
- If your organization charges an admission fee or fare – it’s rare that the support person would also be charged a fee or fare as they are present to assist the person, not benefit from
For more information contact:
Sarah Cunneyworth – Accessibility Coordinator | City of Guelph
519-822-1260 Extension 3536 or TTY 519-826-9771
accessibility@guelph.ca
Guelph Barrier Free Committee 