AODA (Accessibility)
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
We are committed to making sure that we meet the standards of accessibility for people with disabilities who use our facilities and services. Our services follow the ideals of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity. We will meet or exceed all applicable legislation regarding the provision of customer service.
We welcome and appreciate comments on our services regarding how well those expectations are being met. All feedback should be directed to Anne-Marie Simpson via email: anne-marie.simpson@facswaterloo.org or phone:519.576.0540 x3480. You will receive a response to your feedback by phone or email. If requested, the Agency provides alternate formats or communication supports with respect to its feedback process.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, (AODA) was passed with the goal of creating standards to improve accessibility across the province and came into force on June 13, 2005. Specific standards have been developed which became regulations under the AODA. These regulations provide details to help meet the goals of the AODA and the established date for final implementation of all regulations is January 1, 2025.
The purpose of the Act is to develop, implement and enforce Accessibility Standards to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities. There are 5 Accessibility Standards; Customer Service, Information and Communications, Employment, Transportation and Built Environment. The Customer Service regulations apply to all organizations and businesses in Ontario with at least one employee. The goal in implementing these standards is to assist businesses to understand that customers with disabilities have different needs; and to ensure that the provision of goods and services are more acceptable to people with disabilities.
We have responded by developing new and revising existing policies to be in compliance with this new legislation. We have provided AODA training to our staff, volunteers , foster parents, contractors and any other people who interact with the public on our behalf.
Accessibility Compliance Report 2023 - ACR-91098
Statement of Commitment to Accessibility
AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation IASR Policy