Customer Service
Accessible Customer Service Standard
In 2005, the provincial government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). This legislation requires the development and implementation of accessibility standards for the private and public sector, with a goal of being a barrier-free Ontario for individuals with disabilities by the year 2025.
The AODA includes standards in five key areas:
- Customer Service;
- Built Environment;
- Information and Communication;
- Employment; and
- Transportation.
The first key area: Customer Service Standards came into force on January 1, 2008. As a designated public organization, the Town of Amherstburg must work to comply with all of the requirements set out under this Standard by the deadline, January 1, 2010.
The Accessible Customer Service Standards Policy (approved by Town Council in November 2009) ensures that the goods and services provided by the Town are provided in a way that respects the dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity for all people.
All Town of Amherstburg employees are receiving training on providing accessible customer service.
For more information on Accessible Customer Service Standards click on the following:
Town of Amherstburg Accessible Customer Service Standards Policy Brochure
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario/accesson/compliance/customer/
http://www.accesson.ca/ado/english/business/standards/customer
Business Compliance with Accessibility
Businesses and individuals that the Town of Amherstburg has contracted to provide goods or services to customers must ensure that their employees are trained on providing accessible customer service. This includes agents, third parties, construction workers, and more. In general, any person or organization that does business with the Town should receive training before January 1, 2010.
There are many training resources available that can be used at no charge:
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario’s Serve-Ability Training Video
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario’s Talk To Me Video
Other Resources from the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
There are also many private organizations that can be contracted to provide accessible customer service training to employees.