Accessibility

The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) is committed to excellence when providing service to all ODA members and members of the public, including those with disabilities.

Pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the ODA has established an Accessibility Plan and Policy Statement. This document can be downloaded in Adobe Portable Document Format (.pdf) by clicking here. A copy of all print documents and information provided to the public on www.oda.ca will be provided to individuals in an accessible format, on request.

The ODA is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. As required, we will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs.

Note: If you need an HTML or a Microsoft Word version for any document on the website, please contact us at webmaster@oda.ca.

Your Feedback is Important

Feedback from the public, ODA dentists and staff regarding this Accessibility Plan and Policy Statement is welcome and can be provided in any method, (e.g. in person, by mail, by email, by telephone or other appropriate medium). To provide feedback, contact the ODA at 4 New Street, Toronto ON M5R 1P6. Tel: 416-922-3900; Fax: 416-922-9005; Email: access@oda.ca. Please address your communication to the attention of the ODA Professional Affairs Policy Manager.

The ODA will respond to any complaints about the ODA’s manner in providing goods and services to persons with disabilities, within a reasonable time. The ODA will also assist any individual who informs the ODA that he or she needs assistance in preparing a complaint. Complaints may be submitted to the ODA Professional Affairs Policy Manager through the feedback mechanisms provided above.

Notice to ODA Members

The AODA is a law passed by the Ontario Legislature that lays the framework for the development and enforcement of mandatory Accessibility Standards, which collectively aim to identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessibility. On January 1, 2012, the first of the five Accessibility Standards came into force: the Customer Service Standard. All organizations – including dental offices – with at least one employee in Ontario must:

  • Create a plan – establish policies, practices and procedures governing the provision of goods or services to persons with disabilities

  • Provide training – train all staff and volunteers on accessible customer service

Additionally, organizations with more than 50 employees must:

  • Put it on paper – keep a written copy of your plan and let your customers know it is available, and keep a log of the training you’ve provided

  • Report it – report that you’ve met the requirement

Compliance reports can be filed through ServiceOntario’s ONe-key website.

The ODA’s Health Policy and Government Relations (HPGR) Advisory Committee approved a number of resources to help dental offices comply with the Customer Service Standard. These resources are currently being updated to reflect the changes that came into effect on July 1, 2016, and will be available again shortly.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the above resources or the AODA in general, please do not hesitate to contact the ODA at 416-922-3900 or access@oda.ca.