The Customer Service Standards of the AODA gives service providers guidelines on making their goods, services, and facilities accessible to customers with disabilities. Some of these services will involve computer accessibility. For instance, service providers need to make their websites accessible. They can do so by ensuring that their webpages are compatible with the hardware and software people use on their personal devices, such as computers or phones. In addition, some organizations, such as libraries, schools, restaurants, or retailers, may have computers or tablets with accessible hardware or software on-site for patrons to use. In this article, we describe some ways that customers with disabilities use technology.
News Articles
News articles regarding the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Accessible Outdoor Play Spaces in Ontario
Under the Design of Public Spaces Standard of the AODA, cities and other organizations building or redeveloping outdoor play spaces, such as playgrounds or parks, must make those spaces accessible to children and caregivers with disabilities. Rules for accessible outdoor play spaces apply to private organizations with fifty or more workers and to all public sector organizations.
Accessible Outdoor Play Spaces Requirements
Outdoor public play spaces are areas containing:
White Cane Week
This week is White Cane Week!
White Cane Week, celebrated across Canada in the first full week of February every year, raises awareness about how blind people travel and make a difference in their communities. In 2019, White Cane Week takes place from Sunday, February 3rd to Saturday, February 9th.
AODA Training for Transportation Workers in Ontario
Under the Transportation Standard of the AODA, conventional transportation providers and specialized transportation providers must train all their workers and volunteers. AODA training for transportation workers must include how to:
- Use accessibility equipment and features safely
- Change procedures if this equipment is not working or if they encounter barriers
- Keep passengers with disabilities safe during emergencies
Conventional and specialized transportation providers must keep records of how many workers have been trained and when training took place.
Bird Box Challenge: There’s More to Being Blind Than Just Wearing a Blindfold
The recent popular Netflix movie Bird Box has inspired the Bird Box challenge, which encourages viewers to wonder what it is like to be blind. The movie’s main character, Malorie, played by Sandra Bullock, must take a dangerous journey with her children while all three wear blindfolds. The movie shows Malorie doing many things while blindfolded, from caring for her children to moving around safely.