The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act  (AODA), is a law passed by the Ontario legislature that allows the government to develop specific standards of accessibility and to enforce them. The standards are made into laws called regulations, and they provide the details to help meet the goal of the Act. The AODA is the foundation on which the standards are built.

The purpose of the accessibility standards is to move organizations in Ontario forward on accessibility. The standards will set requirements in a number of key areas and will be reviewed at least every five years. New requirements may be added. Ontario will move step by step towards accessibility that is widespread and commonplace, accessibility that people with disabilities can count on, on a daily basis. In this way Ontario will fully benefit from the contributions, involvement and spending power of people with disabilities.

Further, increasing accessibility will help prepare Ontario for the future. As the population ages, the number of people with disabilities will increase. Visitors and tourists, along with their friends and family will need to travel, shop, use programs, services, and information and to access buildings, parks, and other places in a way that is accessible to them.

Customer Service

The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service became law on January 1, 2008.  It is the first accessibility standard under the Accessibility for Ontarian with Disabilities Act.  This standard is an important step to create a barrier-free and accessible Ontario by 2025.

Accessible customer service is not about ramps or automatic door openers. It’s about understanding that people with disabilities may have different needs.   Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is committed to excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities.   We will make every reasonable effort to ensure that its policies, practices, and procedures are consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.