The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”) which serves as the framework for the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (the “Customer Service Standard”) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards (such standards, together, the “Standards”), exists to promote accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises.
Each of the Standards apply to every organization with at least one employee in Ontario that provides goods or services to members of the public or other third parties. As such, both franchisors and franchisees are caught by the AODA and the Standards. The Customer Service Standard requires that certain policies and practices are prepared and implemented in the provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities, and requires training for employees.
The Integrated Accessibility Standards covers information and communications, employment, transportation and the design of public spaces. This Standard requires, among other things, certain policies to be implemented, training for employees and implements technical standards for websites. Most provisions under this Standard will apply to organizations with at least fifty employees by December 31st, 2014. Compliance with the provisions by organizations with fewer than fifty employees and other elements of the Standard in respect of employers with at least fifty employees will be phased in over the next several years. Amendments to the Ontario Building Code also take effect January 1st, 2015.
Organizations with at least twenty employees were required to file an accessibility compliance report on December 31st, 2012. A second accessibility compliance report is due from employers with at least 20 employees by December 31st, 2014. Thereafter, reports are due every three years.
This article is published to inform clients and contacts of important developments in the field of franchise and distribution law. The content is informational only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. We encourage you to consult a Dickinson Wright attorney if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered here.