What are the five AODA standards?

Following are the five AODA standards:

1. The information and communication standards:

Specific rules are listed for organizations to provide, create and receive information and communications that disabled people can access. An equal chance is given to all people through this standard so that they can be active in their communities.

Accessible formats and communication support: Accessible formats and communication supports should be arranged or provided by organizations when information to disabled people is provided upon request.

2. The employment standards:

The employers must make sure that their workplace provides working environments for disabled workers/employees also. This standard doesn’t apply to volunteers and is only applied to paid workers.

Hiring and recruiting: Accessibility should be made a normal part of the hiring and recruitment process. Applicants are notified by employers that accommodation is available.

3. The transportation standards:

This standard states that transportation service providers should make the equipment and features on routes and vehicles accessible to disabled passengers. Based on request, the information should be provided in accessible formats. When certain accessible equipment is not working then specific ways should be provided by companies for accommodating passengers.

Companies must also train volunteers and workers to:

·       Use features and accessible equipment safely

·       If accessible features are not working then solutions need to be found out

·       Passenger safety needs to be ensured.

4. Public spaces standards: This testing method describes specific outlines for redeveloped or newly constructed public spaces that are accessible for disabled people. It covers outdoor spaces. There are requirements for accessible:

·       Beach access routes and recreational traits

·       Outdoor public eating areas like picnic areas or rest stops

·       Outdoor play spaces like local communities and playgrounds in provincial parks.

5. Customer service standards: This standard outlines requirements for customer service providers to make facilities, services and goods accessible to disabled users. Those barriers that prevent disabled customers from accessing their services of interest should be found out. Barriers may be due to:

·       An organization’s procedures and practices

·       The attitude of staff

·       Communication and Information

·       Physical obstacles and technology

The above mentioned are the five AODA standards that play a key role in optimizing the activities pertaining to AODA.