Welcome to Accessibility: Its Impact on Small and Medium Sized Business

Reaching Northern and Rural Ontario Small and Medium Enterprises To Provide Accessibility Awareness and Resources

Accessibility standards will be developed in four common areas, including Customer Service, Built Environment, Employment, and Information and Communications; as well as in some sector specific areas such as Transportation. Standards could cover everything from accessible buses and safe pedestrian routes to lower counter heights at cash registers and large-print menus in restaurants.

Most small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ontario will find that they are affected by one or more sets of regulations. This course has been developed in order to introduce small and medium enterprises in Northern and Rural Ontario to useful information about accessibility and the new legislation, in an easy to use, flexible format.

This course is intended to:

1. increase your knowledge and awareness of accessibility issues that have the potential to impact business
2. provide an understanding of the AODA 2005 and what impact it may have on SMEs. The complete Act is available at www.mcss.gov.on.ca/accessibility/index.html
3. provide resources and tools to assist SMEs in planning and preparing for upcoming accessibility regulations
4. over time keep SME’s informed of the regulations as they become law, compliance requirements and penalties for non-compliance

The web site provides three Modules of instruction and information. Modules 1 and 2 provide information about and awareness of accessibility that can be used by a business for solid strategic planning. By completing the audits and action plans included in the modules, business will be planning for the regulations up-front and not running to catch up!

Module 3 will update business overtime as standards are developed and become regulations.

About The Project

This course has been developed as part of an EnAbling Change Project of the Ontario Government, Ministry of Community and Social Services - The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario. Through the EnAbling Change Program, the Accessibility Directorate partners with organizations playing a leadership role in identifying, removing and preventing barriers for people with disabilities. Partners are industry or sector leaders who recognize that everyone benefits when people with disabilities can contribute fully to the social and economic life of the province.

Social and Enterprise Development Innovations - SEDI, manages the Project. The Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations Inc. - OACFDC, provides technical support.