Background information on the Accessibility Toolkit
What is the Accessibility Toolkit?
The Accessibility Toolkit is an online platform that provides common tools, resources and adaptable templates to assist universities in meeting the goals and requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
Who are the partners?
- Council of Ontario Universities
- The University of Toronto
- Government of Ontario
How was the development of the Accessibility Toolkit funded?
The Government of Ontario provided direct funding for the development of the Accessibility Toolkit through the EnAbling Change Partnership Program. COU and the University of Toronto provided in-kind contributions as partners in the development of this project. COU is appreciative of the funding provided by the provincial government and would like to thank the University of Toronto for its partnership in this project.
What are the goals of the Accessibility Toolkit?
1. Support consistent and effective implementation of the AODA Standards on Ontario university campuses
2. Build a capacity and readiness for AODA compliance in the university sector
3. Strengthen the culture of accessibility across the Ontario university sector
Why was the Toolkit created?
To minimize duplication of efforts across the sector, Ontario universities agreed to work collectively to gather and develop resources. This toolkit also provided an opportunity to create a common platform for sharing resources that had previously been developed.
Who oversees the project?
The Project Advisory Group, comprised of senior administrators and experts in the field, who provide guidance and strategic oversight. Members of the group also review materials and approaches to ensure the practicality and viability of all project outcomes and deliverables.
Membership includes:
- Vice-President of the Human Resources & Equity, University of Toronto
- Co-Chairs of the COU Reference Group on Accessibility for People with Disabilities
- President of Nipissing University
- Director of the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
How were the resources developed/gathered?
The development of the resources for the toolkit has been a highly collaborative process. AODA Administrators/Co-ordinators from across the province formed five working groups in the areas of Information & Communications, Employment, Built Environment/Transportation, Accessible Instruction and Foundational Resources. Together, they worked with project partners to gather and develop the resources for this toolkit.