AODA Training
Welcome to the "Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act" Online Training on the Customer Service Standard.
What is the standard?
The standard is to ensure that goods and services are accessible to all people with disabilities.
Why is this training necessary?
The Ontario government passed the "Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act" in 2005. The public sector and government agencies were required to comply with the Customer Service Standard by January 1, 2010. As of January 1, 2012, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and not-for-profit organizations must also comply with the Act. Non-compliance could result in a $100,000 per day fine to the organization. As the body of Christ, we are instructed to submit to the governing authorities because they have been established by God.
Biblical Mandate
Romans 13:1-7
(Submission to Governing Authorities)
- Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
- Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
- For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.
- For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
- Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
- This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.
- Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
What do I need to know about these training modules?
There are 12 unit modules to the training under the "Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act: Customer Service Standard".
Start with the first module. Read the material provided and complete the quiz at the end. Go through each module in the same manner until you have completed all 12. When you take the test at the end of module 12, you will be asked to check a box indicating that you have read and printed the resource materials. The materials should be kept by you for future reference. The handout "Special Needs You May Come in Contact With" is lengthy. Speak to Valerie Williamson if you'd like a hard copy instead of printing it yourself. It gives you an overview of various disabilities you may see (both in children and adults) – some common and some less common. It also gives tips on how we can minister to their needs.
Once you have completed the online training, taken the quizzes and printed the resources, a notification of completion will be sent to Valerie Williamson. A certificate of training will be completed and given/sent to you.
We are required to train all paid staff, board members, elders, leadership, ushers, greeters, volunteers in children's and youth ministries and anyone who is a "front line volunteer" who meets the public when they come into our church. We must also train "third parties" who use the church.
Our training must include:
- The various components to the Act and its purpose.
- Requirements under the Customer Service Standard.
- How we will service people with disabilities who come to our church.
- We must provide training on:
- service animals
- support persons
- use of assistive devices.
- Feedback on our service to anyone who attends with a disability
Training must be completed prior to January 1, 2012 for those currently involved in our Church ministry to ensure our compliance under the Act. Volunteers etc. who begin working in our ministries after January 1, 2012, training must be provided as soon as possible after they begin. Our training will also be updated periodically as new aspects under the Act come into force.