The Customer Service Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 has been in force for all employers in Ontario since January 1, 2012. If your organization employs 20 or more employees in Ontario, you will be required to report on your compliance with the Customer Service Standard to the Ministry of Community and Social Services by December 31, 2012.

To complete the report to the Ministry, your organization will be required to answer a series of questions about how your organization is complying with the Customer Service Standard. To comply with the Customer Service Standard, your organization will need policies, practices and procedures to address how it will provide goods and services to persons with disabilities. In addition, your employees who deal with the public or other third parties will need to be trained on providing goods and services to persons with disabilities.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.