By: Mubina Jaffer
Is your organizations facing challenges like disengaged employees, high turnover, or a lack of productivity and team cohesion? If so, you’re not alone. Like many others, you may have attempted to implement various strategies to address these issues, yet the underlying causes often remain unaddressed. These struggles are rarely isolated events; rather, they signal deeper, systemic gaps within your organization’s culture. More often than not, these gaps stem from the absence of reflective conversations about accessibility and inclusion strategies—or the lack thereof. Only by addressing these gaps head-on, can your organization create meaningful, lasting change.
Addressing gaps in accessibility and inclusion is not just about following guidelines - it's about laying the foundation for empowering everyone to reach their full potential. True accessibility goes beyond compliance; it is about creating environments where everyone, regardless of ability, feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to thrive within the organization. By removing barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in society and including them as valuable members, we foster inclusion, build stronger connections, and create a culture where everyone feels valued.
Increased partnerships with disability organizations and employment agencies serving disability groups, for consultation and recruitment.
—Highlight from an organization after completing Accessibility Consulting
But accessibility isn’t just a checkbox or a regulatory hurdle — it's a mindset shift that can transform both workplaces and communities. Abilities Centre’s Training and Education department offers Accessibility Consulting to support organizations to explore and address these gaps, weaving accessibility and inclusion into every aspect of their business, going beyond minimum compliance with standards set by the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Accessibility Consulting Can Support Your Organization
Accessibility Consulting is a two-day, facilitated self-assessment process where Abilities Centre provide organizations with the expertise and support needed to successfully embed accessibility and inclusion strategies within their systems and culture. This goes beyond just checking for compliance — it’s about making accessibility and inclusion a core part of every department, function, and role. We focus on three core business areas: Organizational Management, Organizational Resources, and Organizational Delivery.
Interested in learning more about Accessibility Consulting? Connect with our Training & Education department at edu@abilitiescentre.org.
In a world where we often work in silos, accessibility needs to become a shared priority across all departments, not an afterthought. We work with teams to assess their current accessibility and inclusion efforts, then guide them through the changes needed to create truly inclusive spaces. This process empowers organizations to meet not just legal requirements, but the real, human needs of their employees and the people they serve, while generating economic and social returns on investment.
Enhanced cross-departmental ownership and collaboration on accessibility and inclusion.
—Highlight from an organization after completing Accessibility Consulting
Take the First Step Today
If your organization is ready to move beyond compliance and create an environment where accessibility and inclusion are at the core of everything you do, we encourage you to fill out the Accessibility Consulting Application. Through this process, we identify strengths and areas for improvement. Based on these insights, we then provide a customized improvement plan to help close any gaps and ensure that accessibility and inclusion are part of your organization’s long-term strategy.
As there are opportunities for funding support through Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), we encourage early applications to secure your place. Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your workplace culture and ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.
The LEAD [Accessibility Consulting] Process we embarked on with Abilities Centre has moved our Accessibility and Inclusion initiatives forward
—Township of Uxbridge on their experience with Abilities Centres Accessibility Consulting
Beyond AODA Compliance
Going beyond AODA compliance is not just about following the rules - it’s about actively challenging biases and creating a workplace where everyone can contribute meaningfully. This leads to greater performance, lower turnover, and higher innovation (Alshaabani et al., 2022; Boston Consulting Group, 2018; Gomez & Bernet, 2019; Lorenzo et al., 2017). Incorporating accessibility into every department is crucial for building a truly inclusive organization. When accessibility is embedded across all roles and functions, it fosters a culture of belonging where employees feel valued and supported, which in turn promotes collaboration and engagement across teams (Alshaabani et al., 2022; Boston Consulting Group, 2018). By going above and beyond AODA compliance and making accessibility a shared responsibility, organizations can create a workplace where diverse perspectives are embraced and valued.
Create Change Today for a Better Tomorrow
The time to act is now. There is no perfect moment, waiting for compliance deadlines loom is a missed opportunity to create a more inclusive and accessible organization today. As Maya Angelou said, “When you know better, you do better.” Awareness of accessibility gaps gives you the power - and responsibility - to act. With 2025 quickly approaching, now is the time to embed accessibility and inclusion into your organization’s culture, ensuring that everyone is valued and supported from the start.
Embedded LEAD improvement plan in our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
—Highlight from an organization after completing Accessibility Consulting
If you’re interested in learning even more about how organizations have successfully embedded accessibility and inclusion into their culture, take a look at our Impact Report, which highlights the tangible changes made and the positive outcomes experienced by businesses that have embraced these strategies.
Ready to Make a Lasting Change
Creating a more inclusive and accessible workplace can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Abilities Centre’s Accessibility Consulting process offers the guidance and expertise you need to identify gaps and make meaningful changes. Just like the Township of Uxbridge, your organization can experience the benefits of fostering a truly inclusive environment. Apply today to being your journey toward lasting, impactful change.
.... The Township of Uxbridge wholeheartedly supports Abilities Centre Training and Education offerings and services for the above reasons.”
— Emily Elliot, Deputy Clerk, Township of Uxbridge
About The Author
Mubina Jaffer
Manager, Training & Education
Mubina began her journey with the Abilities Centre in 2023 and is very motivated by the organization’s mission and vision. She holds a BA in Sociology & Economics from the University of Toronto along with multiple mindset coaching certifications and brings years of professional experience in the IDEA space and in the coaching industry. Furthermore, Mubina brings significant intersectional lived experience to the team as she uses a wheelchair and is a single mom of a teenager, enhancing her expertise in accessibility and inclusion. The time Mubina has spent engaging in the multitude of projects has strengthened her abilities as a manager, facilitator, and trainer. Mubina has worked with people across the globe from different backgrounds and varying ages, including athletes and youth. Serving others and working with people is a true passion of Mubina’s, and she has come to realize this is indeed her true purpose in life - and she loves every minute of it!
Mubina is an athlete and participated in many competitive parasports in her younger days. Today, she spends her free time with her son and at local arenas watching him play hockey.
References:
Alshaabani, A., Hamza, K. A., & Rudnák, I. (2022). Impact of diversity management on employees’ engagement: The role of organizational trust and job insecurity. Sustainability, 14(1), 420. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010420
Boston Consulting Group. (2018). How diverse leadership teams boost innovation. https://www.bcg.com/publications/2018/how-diverse-leadership-teams-boost-innovation
Gomez, L. E., & Bernet, P. (2019). Diversity improves performance and outcomes. Journal of the National Medical Association, 111(4), 383-392.
Lorenzo, R., Voigt, N., Tsusaka, M., Krentz, M., & Abouzahr, K. (2017). How diverse leadership teams boost innovation.