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

Image of an open dictionaryThe AODA: Key Concepts

What does “disability” mean?

As we mentioned earlier, the AODA uses the Ontario Human Rights Code definition of disability. It includes disabilities of different severity, visible as well as non-visible disabilities and disabilities of which the effects may come and go. It also includes sensory disabilities (e.g., hearing and vision), learning disabilities and physical disabilities.

Note that the Code has always included learning disabilities explicitly, in distinction from some other provincial human rights codes. This has afforded many Ontario students with learning disabilities the rightful access to higher education.

The Code defines disability as:

Did You Know?

Understanding something about disabilities is helpful in learning about accessibility.

It is important to note, however, that accessibility focuses not on the person and his or her disability but on recognizing and removing barriers.

It is about looking at the “environment” — buildings, activities, services and practices — and making changes so that persons with disabilities can participate more fully.

 


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