There are many different types of disability laws. You may need to navigate the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
There are also a variety of regulations and statutes regarding the long-term disability insurance program.
However, no matter which disability law, there’s likely a type of law that can help by taking the services of disability insurance lawyers.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is an important law enacted in 2005 to ensure equal access to services, facilities, and employment for persons with disabilities.
The goal of the Act is to make Ontario a barrier-free environment by 2025. It is mandatory for all businesses and non-profit organizations to provide accessible facilities, including access to information and the Internet.
According to the AODA, accessibility standards must be reviewed every five years to ensure they are still applicable and meet current accessibility standards.
The university must create and publish a multi-year accessibility plan (MYAP) as a public record of its accessibility plans. This plan outlines the changes necessary to make McMaster accessible to people with disabilities. It also sets accessibility standards that businesses must meet or exceed.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
While most Canadian provinces operate under the human rights model, the ADA protects individuals with disabilities. You can file a complaint with your provincial human rights commission.
Some people think the ADA is a cure-all. But in reality, there is still a long way to go. Many individuals continue to face delays in enforcing the law.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when seeking assistance for disability-related issues.
In Canada, a strong history of disability advocacy has been created. The 1970s saw the emergence of disability organizations in the country.
Various landmark pieces of legislation were passed, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504, and the Accessible Canada Act.
These laws protect people with disabilities and ensure equal opportunity. Several Canadian provinces have implemented disability-specific legislation within the past few decades.
Fair Housing Act
A new federal law is set to take effect on May 1, 2018, that will make it easier for people with disabilities to find housing and other services. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in housing, employment, and other areas.
The law applies to private housing, as well as housing provided with Federal, State, or local government assistance. It also prohibits discrimination against disabled individuals in the financing, zoning practices, and new construction design.
As of the date of the new legislation, landlords can’t ask about a disability when making an application. However, they can include language about accessibility in the lease. If they don’t, the landlord can take steps to enforce the law.
This new law will make it easier for disabled tenants to secure affordable housing. However, it’s also important to note that a landlord can still refuse to house if they believe that the disability will prevent them from being able to live on a property.
Long-term disability insurance
If you are receiving benefits from your long-term disability insurance plan, you may have several options for appeal. Internal appeals are handled by employees of the insurance provider and must be requested in writing.
External appeals are handled by an independent party, usually a judge from your province. Different plans have different procedures for external appeals. To determine if you have a valid claim, contact a disability insurance lawyer.
It is important to remember that long-term disability insurance policies vary widely. Each company has a different definition of disability. This means that the benefits are paid out depending on your disability, so if you become disabled and cannot perform any occupation, you may not receive the full benefits of your policy.
However, if you are unable to work or are permanently incapacitated, long-term disability insurance is an excellent option.
