AODA annual status update 2020

Vision and commitment

We are committed to meeting the requirements outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and:

  • treating all people in a way that supports the maintenance of their dignity and independence
  • supporting integration and equal opportunity
  • meeting accessibility needs in a timely manner by identifying, preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation (IASR)
  • working together to promote a culture of respect and acceptance for accessibility in Ontario

The AODA and IASR were created to develop, implement and enforce accessibility standards to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities in the areas of:

  • information and communication
  • employment
  • design of public spaces
  • customer service
  • transportation

We are committed to customer service excellence. Our programs and services are delivered in ways that reflect our values:

  • be compassionate
  • always be helpful
  • do our work with integrity
  • earn people’s trust

Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR)

Based on the standards in the IASR, we have completed the following actions:

Part one – general

Actions taken:

  • annual reporting to the WSIB Governance Committee began in Q3 2019. The report covers key accessibility metrics and compliance findings
  • enhanced the project and procurement assessment form in Service Now to include multilingual considerations
  • led and hosted the intra-government Accessibility Community of Practice sessions 
  • provided accessibility recommendations, requirements and best practices to various stakeholders internally as well as vendors of the WSIB
  • ongoing consultations with internal stakeholders and contracted vendors of the WSIB on projects and contracts to ensure accessibility requirements and considerations are incorporated

Part two – information and communication standard

Accessible formats and communication supports.

Actions taken:

  • continued to facilitate a training program that teaches employees how to create accessible documents (Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint)
  • created a new accessibility SharePoint site 
  • developed accessible virtual meeting guidelines
  • provided alternate formats upon request, such as large font, braille, etc.

Part three – employment standard

The Accessibility Office continued to work with Human Resources and business leaders regarding inclusive recruitment, employment and talent management practices.

Actions taken:

  • reviewed and provided accessibility testing for internal communications, learning materials and software that WSIB employees use
  • worked with internal partners to develop resources and tip sheets for assistive software users working with new software and applications

Part four – customer service standard

Actions taken:

  • deployed new and refreshed AODA and human rights training courses for all WSIBemployees, volunteers and board members 
  • continued to work with internal partners to ensure accessible forms and products are being developed and tested for accessibility
  • developed and provided accessibility reference materials within Knowledge Management tools for customer-facing roles at WSIB
  •  continued to provide alternative formats upon request, for example large font, braille etc.
  • continued to support WSIB divisions regarding accommodation requests for WSIB clients
  • developed and piloted accessibility kits for six regional office reception areas 

Accessibility feedback

We know that your feedback is important to help us identify barriers that limit or prevent you from interacting with us or receiving our services in an accessible format. We are committed to improving our services for people with disabilities.

You can provide your feedback by filling out an alternate format and feedback request form.

You can also provide your feedback by emailing us at accessibility@wsib.on.ca or calling us at 416-344-4350 or TTY: 1-800-387-0750. 

You may also send your feedback by mail to:

WSIB
Accessibility Office, 10th floor
200 Front Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5V 3J1