What are the main purposes of AODA?

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was established with several main purposes:

1. Create Accessibility Standards: AODA was designed to develop, implement, and enforce accessibility standards. These standards are rules that businesses and organizations in Ontario need to follow to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility.

2. Achieve Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities: The ultimate goal of AODA is to make Ontario fully accessible for people with disabilities by 2025. This means removing and preventing barriers so that people with disabilities can participate more fully in daily life.

3. Promote Compliance: AODA also aims to ensure that public and private sector organizations comply with the accessibility standards. This includes providing tools, guidelines, and enforcement mechanisms.

4. Raise Awareness: AODA seeks to educate individuals and organizations about the importance of accessibility and inclusion. It encourages a shift in societal attitudes and promotes recognition of the rights of people with disabilities.

5. Improve Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities: By removing barriers, AODA aims to provide equal opportunities for people with disabilities in all areas of daily life, including employment, goods, services, facilities, accommodation, and buildings.