The Discover Ability Network provides resources and training to help your business become more inclusive and connects you with the persons with disabilities talent pool.
When it comes to hiring people with disabilities, the business opportunity is irrefutable. The Discover Ability Network provides tools and supports through in-person workshops, webinars and online resources to help businesses understand the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, why and how to become a more inclusive employer, and how to hire and retain talent from the persons with disabilities labour pool.
Local chambers of commerce and boards of trade, industry associations, not-for-profit organizations, and businesses can request in-person and online training on a variety of topics related to accessibility, inclusion, and hiring from the persons with disabilities talent pool. Training is also available to staff of organizations that support job seekers with disabilities, such as post-secondary institutions and employment service providers, as well as training targeted to persons with disabilities to help them become more confident job seekers.
Webinars & Workshops
Join us for one of our virtual workshops. We provide online training on topics related to accessibility, inclusion, and hiring from the persons with disabilities talent pool.
Accessibility Reporting Deadline
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was passed in 2005, with the goal of making Ontario accessible by 2025. Businesses with one or more employees need to be compliant with Ontario’s accessibility laws.
For businesses and non-profits with 20 or more employees, the last reporting deadline was December 31, 2023. You are still required to file a 2023 report even though the deadline has passed. The next reporting deadline will be December 31, 2026. The compliance report is a series of yes or no questions. The report and additional information can be found at ontario.ca/AccessibilityReport.
What is Accessibility?
Accessibility means giving people of all abilities opportunities to participate in everyday life. One in seven people in Ontario has a disability. That’s 1.65 million Ontarians. By 2036, that number will rise to 1 in 5 as Ontario’s population ages. Businesses that are accessible will be able to better reach this massive segment of Ontario’s consumers and workforce.