AODA: Your Rights If You're in Ontario
Ontario has its own accessibility law with real teeth, covering everything from customer service to your workplace. Here's what businesses actually owe you.
This is general information about your rights, not legal advice. Your situation may be different. Talk to a lawyer in your area for advice specific to you.
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The AODA (2005) is Ontario-specific and applies to every organization with even one employee — private, public, or non-profit. Five standards that apply to you: 1. Customer Service — businesses must serve you accessibly, train staff, and allow service animals and support people. 2. Employment — if your employer has 20+ employees, they must create individualized accommodation plans, have a documented return-to-work process after medical leave, and run an accessible hiring process. 3. Information & Communications — you can request accessible formats (large print, Braille, accessible digital documents) on request, and websites must meet WCAG 2.0 AA. 4. Transportation — public transit vehicles, taxis, and services must be accessible. 5. Design of Public Spaces — accessible parking, paths, and service counters in new/redeveloped spaces. If something's not accessible: 1. Contact the organization directly first — AODA requires them to have a feedback process, so use it and put it in writing 2. If it's not resolved, file with the Ontario government (they investigate compliance) 3. If you believe it's discrimination (not just a technical AODA gap), file with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario instead — this is the stronger legal route with actual remedies like compensation
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This is general information to help you get oriented — not legal advice. Rules vary by where you live, so double-check the specifics with a professional you trust.