GTHA Partners with new employment service for Members
The Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) together with the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) have announced a new partnership with the Job Opportunity Information Network (JOIN). For more information and contacts Click here.
GTHA Partners with Enabling Change Program
The Greater Toronto Hotel Association acknowledges the support of the Government of Ontario through its EnAbling Change Program. The program seeks partnerships with organizations like the GTHA that have the vision, leadership and commitment to improve accessibility for people with disabilities through the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities. EnAbling Change Program Info
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
In 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) became law. Under this legislation, the Ontario government is developing mandatory accessibility standards that will identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities in key areas of daily living. The goal is to make incremental improvements to achieve an accessible Ontario by 2025.
The AODA applies to all persons and businesses in the public and private sectors that provide a good, service, facility, or accommodation to the public. . Click here for Ontario Regulation 429/07 that states the requirements of the customer service standard.
On January 1, 2012 all restaurants, hotels, motels and tourism establishments are legally required to comply with the Accessible Customer Service Standard.
Resources:
Compliance Toolkit (Policy Templates, Practical Guide, Checklist, Case Studies, Additional Resources)
Accessibility Standards for Customer Service: Summary of Requirements
2010 Accessible Customer Service Standards Report
Customer Service Standard Compliance Toolkit
Accessible Information and Communication
In May 2009 a proposed Information and Communication Standard (ICS) was submitted to the Minister of Community and Social Services for review and approval. Once approved the ICS will require the private sector to have policies and procedures to ensure all information and communication is developed and available in accessible alternate formats. The GTHA will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Accessible Employment
The Employment Standard is currently in development and once finalized, may place specific requirements on all employers with regard to the recruitment, retention and accommodation of persons with disabilities. The GTHA will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Accessible Built Environment
The Built Environment Standard is currently in development. The GTHA has participated in the standard development process and will provide formal comments once the standard is released for public consultation.
Accessible Transportation
The Transportation Standard is awaiting final approval from the government. The standard is to ensure that all public transportation systems, vehicles and services are accessible to persons with disabilities. This standard may have implications for hotels that own or operate shuttle services. The GTHA will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Resources:
Government of Ontario / Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
ACCESS Ontario (Resources provided by the Government of Ontario)