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Module 1 — Understanding the AODA and the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service

Image of Jeannine Smith presenting the content for this pageGetting Started

This is Jeannine Smith, and she will be your guide through this first module, Understanding the AODA and the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, which focuses on the background of Ontario’s requirement for universities to provide accessible customer service. Jeannine is a staff member here at the university and she will be joined by one of our faculty members, Professor Hannah Cohen and by Lubos Novak, a graduate student. They will also guide you through the other two modules in this eLearning course.

In this module, you will review how you can make your services more accessible in the classroom, in the office and in campus facilities. As you will see, accessible service often begins with a simple question: May I help you? Other campus-related roles that involve “customer service” include campus tour guides, event and conference organizers, teaching assistants, career and academic counselors, orientation leaders, student union and government representatives, print-shop employees and campus security personnel.

Did you know?

Why is providing accessible service on campus important?

Persons with disabilities represent a growing segment of your university’s customers.

According to Ontario’s Ministry of Community and Social Services, for instance, 35,618 students with disabilities attended Ontario colleges and universities in 2007-2008.


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