Effective on January 1st, 2012, the changes in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requirements will extend from public institutions to include businesses, including landlords and property management companies.
Some highlights from the new AODA requirements:
o Creation by management of an organization of policies to ensure that people with disabilities are able to access their services.
o Provision of notice of temporary disruptions or interruptions in service.
o Granting support people and service animals access to all spaces unless they are specifically prohibited by another law.
o Training for staff on working with people with disabilities and the requirements of the Act.
o Creating systems by which people can provide feedback to the organization about their accessibility.
o Formatting documents so that they are accessible.
Seminars on how to implement these regulations are being made available to landlords through the Federation of Rental Providers of Ontario.
To view the entire Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, click here.