As of January 1, 2012 the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service Regulation came into effect for all businesses and organizations that employ at least one employee in Ontario and provide goods or services to members of the public. All businesses and organizations that fit the classification are required to provide accessible customer service to persons with disabilities to be compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
In order to be compliant with the Act and accompanying Regulation businesses and organizations must meet the following requirements:
Failure to meet these requirements can result in an offence under the Act and there are significant fines for businesses or organizations convicted of an offence. A business or organization is liable to a fine of up to $100,000.00 for each and every day or part day that an offence happens. Additionally, all directors and/or officers of a corporation must take all reasonable care to prevent the business or organization from committing an offence. Failure to do so is an offence. The directors and/or officers of a business or organization are liable to a fine of up to $50,000.00 for each and every day or part day that the offence happens.
If you would like assistance with ensuring that your business or organization is compliant with this and other employment standards, please contact us.