Frequently asked questions

The Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA both deal with accessibility, but they are two very different pieces of legislation. The Ontario Human Rights Code addresses discrimination in an individual, complaints-based way. The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation applies to all organizations in Ontario and will increase accessibility for all.

The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation does not replace or affect legal rights or obligations that arise as a result of the Ontario Human Rights Code and other laws relating to the accommodation of people with disabilities. This means that the Ontario Human Rights Code or other applicable legislation may require additional accommodation measures that go beyond, or differ from, the standards established by AODA regulations.

If two laws conflict with each other, Section 38 of the AODA states that the law that provides the higher level of accessibility must be followed. When the Standards set rules that differ from  other laws, a provider may be required to comply with both. If in doubt, please contact the Human Rights Office.

It is important to understand that information about a disability is personal and private, and must be treated confidentially. In most cases, you do not need to ask for proof of a disability. Implementing the customer service standard should simply become part of everyday service delivery. Please contact the uOttawa Access to Information and Privacy Office to learn more about privacy.

No. Meeting AODA standards does not guarantee that an organization has met Code requirements or that the organization will not receive human rights complaints, but it may lower the risk of complaints.

• Follow the mandatory training session entitled Working Together
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, c. 11
• Ontario's Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee
• Ministry of Community and Social Services - A Guide to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (PDF)

• uOttawa Human Rights Office - Accessibility
• Accessibility Directorate of Ontario