Over the next year, commencing in July 2017, OCA’s Camps Committed to Inclusion Project will provide information and resources to OCA members and non-members about the AODA standards and requirements to which they must legally comply.
The goal for this year-long project is to enable the successful inclusion of more people with disabilities – staff, campers, families, and volunteers in Ontario’s camps. Through workshops, webinars, and case studies, camps will be provided with detailed information on the AODA and with tools and resources to assist you in your ongoing efforts to be more inclusive, welcoming, and responsive to campers, employees, and families with disabilities.
Below you will find some frequently asked questions, as well as key accessibility resources. Come back regularly to see our upcoming workshop and webinar announcements.
For more information on the Camps Committed to Inclusion Project, contact:
Heather Heagle, Executive Director
Ontario Camps Association
Tel: 416-485-0425
Toll Free: 1-844-485-0425
heather@ontariocamps.ca
Constance Exley
OCA Project Manager, Camps Committed to Inclusion Project
Accessibility Ontario
Tel: 647- 502-7047
director@accessontario.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act?
Enacted in 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was set to establish a process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards to ensure that people of all abilities have the opportunity to participate fully in everyday life, with a goal of making Ontario more accessible by 2025.
How do I know if my camp needs to be compliant?
AODA applies to all camps that:
- Are public, non-profit or private sector organizations
- Have at least one (1) employee in Ontario
- Are provincially regulated
Who is considered an employee?
The Ontario Government considers an employee to be all full-time, part-time, seasonal and contract workers. With most employees, you:
- Pay wages or a salary
- Have control over the work assigned
- Have a right to control the details of the work
Do not count employees outside Ontario. Do not count volunteers or independent contractors, though you are responsible for ensuring that the services they provide on your behalf follow the rules of Ontario’s accessibility standards. You may also need to ensure these individuals are trained to meet the requirements.
Do I need to complete a compliance report?
In 2017, businesses and non-profits with 20 or more employees must file an accessibility compliance report with the Government of Ontario. AODA Compliance Reporting
When do I have to have to file an Accessibility Compliance Report?
The reporting deadline for all organizations, including camps is December 31, 2017.
What is the penalty on an organization for being non-compliant or not filing reports?
Organizations that fail to submit an accessibility report, that do not complete the filing process, or answer “no” to some or all of the report questions will be subject to a review of their files by the Government of Ontario.
If an organization is found to be non-compliant with one or more of the requirements during an audit, the Government of Ontario will negotiate a “Return to Compliance Plan” and offer support to help the organization fully comply.
Fines can be levied by a provincial court up to $50,000 per day for an individual and $100,000 per day for a corporation.
How do I submit my compliance report?
- Fill out this form to create your report.
- Enter your organization’s information and answer the questions based on your organization category and number of employees. Each question has links to:
a. the related section of the regulation
b. resources to help you understand and meet the requirements - Save the form to review and share with others.
- Include information on the primary contact and complete certification. The certifier must:
a. make sure all information on the form is complete and accurate
b. check the three boxes to show they have authority to certify your organization - Save and submit the completed form. You will be prompted to save the form on your computer first and then it will be submitted to us.
You will receive a message that will confirm submission or inform you if there was an error in submission.
After submitting the report
Once the government receives your report, a confirmation email will go to the certifier and the primary contact listed.
This email will include:
- A confirmation number
- An accessible PDF copy of your report
Who can I contact if I would like more information or support for AODA compliance?
The Ontario Government encourages you to contact them should you have any questions about AODA compliance.
Ontario.ca/accessibility
Toll-free: 1-866-515-2025
TTY: 413-325-3408 / 1-800-268-7095
Accessibility Resources
Legislation
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)
- Ontario Building Code
- Ontario Human Rights Code
Design Best Practices
- Access Ability: A Practical Handbook on Accessible Graphic Design
- AccessAbility: A Practical Handbook of Accessible Web Design
- ClearPrint Guidelines
- Guide for Accessible Web Design
Events, Meetings & Festivals
Built Environment Accessibility
- Accessibility and the Built Environment (webinar recording)
- DeafBlind Ontario Services: Guidelines for Sensory Loss
- The Illustrated Technical Guide to the Accessibility Standard for the Design of Public Spaces
- Pathways to Recreation
Accessibility Awareness
- Employers Guide to Including Employees with Disabilities in Emergency Evacuation Plans
- The Business Benefits of Accessibility (Infographic)
- Government of Ontario, Accessibility laws
- AccessForward
Employment
- Recruiting, Hiring, Retaining and Promoting People with Disabilities: A Resource Guide for Employers
- Employer’s Toolkit (Conference Board of Canada)- 2nd edition
** The accessibility compliance report deadline is December 31, 2017. After this year’s deadline, accessibility compliance reports in the public sector are done every 2 years (December 31, 2019), and in private and non-profit organizations every three years (December 31, 2020). If you go to the website Ontario.ca/accessibility under the “Accessibility requirements for organizations” heading, you can click on different organization types and see the requirements and deadlines based on organization type and employee size.
