Working Together – The Code and the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)
Course Description
Understanding how human rights and accessibility legislation work together is essential for building inclusive workplaces in Ontario. Working Together – The Code and the AODA is a mandatory e-learning course developed by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC). It explains the vital relationship between the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), demonstrating how both laws support accessibility, equity, and inclusion.
Through real-life scenarios and plain-language instruction, learners will explore how to fulfill their legal obligations and foster respectful, accessible environments. The course is delivered via Merit Ontario’s Learning Management System under formal collaboration with the OHRC. The content remains the intellectual property of the OHRC.
Prerequisites
Learners must complete Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) – Basic before beginning this course.
Who should take this course:
This course is recommended for individuals in both public and private sectors who want to improve their understanding of accessibility and human rights. This includes:
- Employees, volunteers, and board members of Ontario organizations
- Front-line staff and management teams
- HR professionals, accessibility coordinators, and program administrators
- Educators, service providers, and policymakers
- Anyone seeking to strengthen their understanding of human rights and accessibility obligations in Ontario
Who must comply:
Under Ontario law:
- The Ontario Human Rights Code applies to all individuals and organizations in the province and takes legal priority over other legislation, including the AODA.
- The AODA applies to public, private, and non-profit sector organizations, setting mandatory standards for accessibility in employment, customer service, information, and communication.
Organizations and their representatives are required to comply with both laws. Understanding their intersection is essential when accommodating individuals with disabilities.
Course Content
This course explores key legal concepts and best practices, including:
- Introduction to the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA
- Understanding the legal primacy of the Code over the AODA
- Definitions of disability, discrimination, and accommodation
- Responsibilities of employers, service providers, and organizations
- Scenarios showing inclusive, rights-based responses in practice
- The duty to accommodate, including the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion
- Best practices for compliance and accessible service delivery
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the relationship between the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA
- Recognize the legal primacy of the Human Rights Code
- Define key terms such as disability, discrimination, and accommodation
- Identify legal responsibilities related to accommodating individuals with disabilities
- Apply human rights principles to real-world scenarios in workplaces and service settings
- Demonstrate knowledge of inclusive practices that align with both the Code and AODA standards
Delivery Mode
Self-directed online learning with 24/7 access through a personalized learner account on a user-friendly LMS.
Platforms
The course is accessible on:
- Laptops, desktops, and mobile devices
- All major browsers
- The Brightspace Pulse App (available via the App Store and Google Play)
Assessment
To receive a certificate of completion, learners must achieve a minimum score of 80% on the final assessment.
Certification
Upon successful completion, a digital Certificate of Completion will be automatically stored in the LMS. A downloadable and printable PDF version is also available.
Duration
Approximately 15–30 minutes