2022 AODA annual status update

On this page:

Vision and commitment

We are committed to meeting the requirements outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), and to:

  • treating all people in a way that supports the maintenance of their dignity and abilities
  • supporting integration and equal opportunity
  • meeting accessibility needs in a timely manner by identifying, preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation (IASR)
  • working together to promote a culture of respect and acceptance for accessibility in Ontario

The AODA is intended to enable the development, implementation and enforcement of accessibility standards to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities. The IASR establishes the accessibility standards for the following areas:

  • information and communication
  • employment
  • design of public spaces
  • customer service
  • transportation

We are committed to customer service excellence. Our programs and services are delivered in ways that reflect our values:

  • Be compassionate
  • Always be helpful
  • Do our work with integrity
  • Earn people’s trust

Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation

In accordance with the standards in the IASR, we have completed the following actions:

Part one – general

Actions taken

  • Continued our annual reporting to the WSIB Governance Committee, covering key accessibility metrics and compliance findings
  • Provided accessibility recommendations, requirements and best practices to our staff and vendors
  • Conducted ongoing consultations with internal stakeholders and with contracted vendors of the WSIB on projects and contracts to ensure accessibility requirements and considerations are incorporated
  • Continued to apply the WSIB’s Accessibility Policy
  • Published WSIB’s Multi-year Accessibility Plan for 2022 to 2025
  • Partnered with employees who have lived experience of disability to share their personal stories and raise awareness about disability and the ongoing importance of inclusion and equity in the workplace

Part two – information and communication standard

Accessible formats and communication supports.

Actions taken

  • Produced and published an on-demand Microsoft Word document and PowerPoint training showing employees how to create accessible documents in those applications; more than 200 employees used these training aids
  • Maintained our accessibility resources on our internal SharePoint site
  • Provided alternate formats such as large font and braille upon request
  • Provided communication supports such as captioning, transcripts and sign language interpretation
  • Maintained and monitored our feedback process relating to accessibility

Part three – employment standard

The Accessibility Office continued to work with Human Resources and business leaders regarding inclusive recruitment, employment and talent management practices.

Actions taken

  • Reviewed and provided accessibility testing for internal communications, learning materials and software that WSIB employees use
  • Worked with internal partners to develop resources and tip sheets for assistive software users working with new software and applications
  • Consulted with employees with lived experience of disability on physical space considerations, signage, meeting room technology and sound systems; held multiple focus groups with employees in 2022
  • Shared WSIB job postings with Connexions Newsletter, which is designed to help jobseekers with disabilities find meaningful employment within the Ontario Government, the broader Public Sector or other sectors; nine per cent of our 2022 summer students identified as living with a disability
  • Upon hiring and prior to their start date, provided new employees with their manager’s contact information in case they need accommodation

Part four – customer service standard

Actions taken

  • Continued to promote and monitor completion rates of AODA and human rights training courses for all WSIB employees, volunteers and Board members
  • Continued to work with internal partners to ensure accessible forms and products are being developed and tested for accessibility
  • Continued to develop and provide accessibility reference materials within knowledge management tools for customer-facing roles at WSIB
  • Continued to provide stakeholders with materials in alternative formats such as large font and braille upon request
  • Continued to support WSIB divisions regarding accommodation requests for people receiving WSIB benefits and services

Accessibility feedback

We are committed to improving our services for people with disabilities. Your feedback is important to help us identify barriers that limit or prevent you from interacting with us or receiving our services in an accessible format.

You can provide your feedback by filling out an alternate format and feedback request form, by emailing us at accessibility@wsib.on.ca or by calling us at 416-344-4350.

You can also mail your feedback to us at:
WSIB
Accessibility Office
200 Front Street West
Toronto, Ontario  M5V 3J1