I. Introduction
This paper provides an introduction to Ontario’s most recent accessibility
legislation, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”) and its
regulations. Practitioners should note that, in addition to the AODA, there are
several other statutes that deal with disability-specific and/or accessibility-related
requirements. As a primer, this paper is intended to provide a starting point for
lawyers, paralegals and advocates who are representing or advocating on behalf
of people with disabilities.
II. AODA Framework
On June 13, 2005 the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act received
Royal Assent and became law in Ontario. The purpose of the Act is to achieve
accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities in the areas of goods, services,
facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises by
January 1, 2025.^1
The impetus for the development of the AODA was a recognition that Ontarians
with disabilities are subject to substantial disadvantage and exclusion from
mainstream Ontario society. Numerous barriers stand in the way of full
participation for people with disabilities. For example, people with disabilities
face barriers when accessing employment, information, education, public transit,
services and facilities that are readily accessible to people without disabilities.
Despite the existence of legislation aimed at preventing discrimination on the
basis of disability, such as Ontario’s Human Rights Code, and legislation aimed
at increasing accessibility in certain social areas, such as the Building Code Act,^2
(^1) Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, SO 2005, c 11 [AODA] s 1.
(^2) Building Code Act, 1992 , SO 1992, c 23.