File Your Accessibility Compliance Report By December 31, 2023

It’s hard to believe it, but we’re already in the final quarter of 2023. Reader, if you’re anything like me, you’ll blink, and the end of the year will be here just like that.

But don’t blink just yet: before we can wrap up 2023, we’ve got deadlines to meet.

One such critical deadline that should be top-of mind for employers in Ontario is ongoing compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the “AODA”). The AODA is intended to reduce and remove barriers for people with disabilities with the objective of creating an accessible and inclusive province.

Impacted Employers

Businesses and non-profit organizations with 20 or more employees in Ontario must file an accessibility compliance report every three (3) years.

Designated public sector organizations in Ontario must file an accessibility compliance report every two (2) years.

The Deadline

The 2023 reporting deadline for both categories of employers is December 31, 2023. This is a legal requirement under the AODA.

Failure to meet the reporting obligations in a timely manner could result in monetary fines imposed under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (the “IASR”) of the AODA. These include, but are not limited to, daily penalties of $100,000.00 for a corporation/organization and $50,000.00 for directors and officers of a corporation/organization.

What’s Involved

Organizations must complete an accessibility compliance report and file it with the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.

The report is an online, self-assessment tool that allows each organization to specify the requirements that are applicable under the IASR. These include but are not limited to: General, Customer Service Standards, Information and Communication Standards, and Employment Standards.

Organizations can complete the accessibility compliance report by visiting the government’s Central Forms Repository, downloading the form, and completing the report.

Our team of lawyers is experienced in assisting organizations of all sizes complete their accessibility compliance report. Please contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you manage this deadline and remain compliant with the AODA.