A key component of Ontario’s accessibility framework under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), IASR establishes enforceable, province-wide accessibility standards across five major areas. It requires organizations to remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities in accessing goods, services, employment, and information.
Key Standards Within IASR
IASR encompasses five distinct accessibility standards:
- Information and Communications: Organizations must make information accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing accessible formats upon request (e.g., large print, braille, or electronic formats) and ensuring websites and web content meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards.
- Employment: Requires accessible practices across the entire employment lifecycle, from recruitment and hiring to employee support, accommodation, and return-to-work processes.
- Transportation: Public transportation providers must offer accessible services, including buses with ramps, priority seating, and communication supports for schedules and delays.
- Design of Public Spaces: New or redeveloped outdoor public areas, such as sidewalks, parking lots, and recreational trails, must meet specific accessibility criteria to ensure barrier-free access.
- Customer Service: Initially enacted as a standalone regulation (O. Reg. 429/07), this standard was incorporated into IASR in 2016. It requires organizations to provide accessible customer service and train staff on interacting with individuals who have disabilities.
Who Must Comply?
IASR applies to all organizations in Ontario with one or more employees, including:
- Businesses and nonprofit organizations
- Public sector institutions
- Educational and healthcare institutions
- Transportation providers
Compliance requirements vary depending on the organization's size (e.g., 1-49 employees vs. 50+ employees) and sector, with larger organizations facing stricter and more extensive obligations.
Training and Policy Requirements
Under IASR, organizations must:
- Develop and maintain accessibility policies
- Create multi-year accessibility plans
- Provide training to employees and volunteers on the AODA and the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities
- Make feedback processes accessible
- File accessibility compliance reports (every three years for most organizations)
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Organizations that fail to meet IASR requirements may face financial penalties and public listing on Ontario’s “non-compliance” register. Continued non-compliance can also damage brand reputation and expose organizations to human rights claims.
