Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011 1

Information and Communications Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Presented by

Bob Topping, ArchitectFounding member, GAATESPresident, DESIGNABLE ENVIRONMENTS Inc.

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011 2

PresentationOverview

What is the Ontarians with Disabilities Act?

How does this Act regulate Accessible Information and Communication?

How is GAATES involved?

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011 3

AODA Accessibility for Ontarians with

Disabilities Act (2005)

Goal: To achieve full accessibility throughout province by 2025

How will the goal be achieved?

Through the development and implementation of accessibility standards

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011

Who does it apply to?

To every every person or organization in the public and private sectors, that provides goods, services or facilities to members of the public or other third parties, and that has at least one employee

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011

AODA Regulation

Accessible Customer Service RegulationEnacted in 2007 as law . . .

Integrated Accessibility RegulationEnacted in 2011 as law . . .Incorporates standards for:

- Transportation- Information and Communication- Employment

Accessible Built Environment StandardFinal proposed standard has been developed by a committee of experts. Government currently studying how best to enact the requirements into law . . .

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011

Accessible Information and Communication StandardsFive Classes of Organizations Government of Ontario and Legislative Assembly Large public sector

organizations (50+ employees) Small public sector organizations (<50 employees) Large organizations (50+) Small Organizations (<50)

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011

Accessible Information and Communication Standards

General Requirements

Establish accessibility of policies Develop/maintain accessibility plan Establish accessibility criteria for procurement

processes Undertake staff training Establish public feedback system

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011

Accessible Information and Communication StandardsITC-Specific Requirements

Provide accessible formats on request Provide communication supports on request Make public safety information available in

accessible formats on request Provide accessible websites and web content

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011

Accessible Information and Communication Standards

Timelines

2008

2012

2015

20182020

2025

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011

Accessible Information and Communication Standards

Penalties

Fines for failure to comply:

• up to $50,000/day for an individual

• up to $100,000/day for corporation

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011

How is GAATES involved?

Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives

UN Conference of States Parties

Side Event, September 8, 2011 12

Where can I learn more?AODA

GAATES

AIC Guide for Small Business

DESIGNABLE ENVIRONMENTS

www.gaates.org

www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/accessibility/index.aspx

www.gaates.org/aic

www.designable.net