Ensuring equal access for all individuals, including those with disabilities, is essential for an equitable and inclusive society. Accessibility is necessary in all facets of life, from online interactions to public spaces, digital transactions to in-person employment. In Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) serves as a cornerstone of inclusivity and accessibility across the province. Let's talk about the significance of the AODA, its requirements, and the path to compliance — particularly within the digital realm of the Information and Communications Standard.
Understanding the AODA
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is a pivotal legislation enacted in 2005 with the ambitious goal of making Ontario fully accessible by 2025. It sets out standards and regulations aimed at removing barriers for individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life. The AODA encompasses five key standards: Customer Service, Employment, Information and Communications, Transportation, and Design of Public Spaces, each addressing specific areas to improve accessibility and inclusivity.
Our primary focus in this article, the Information and Communications Standard, applies to making information and communication systems accessible to individuals with disabilities across various formats. Under the Employment Standard, employers are required to create inclusive workplaces and provide accommodations for employees who need them. The Customer Service Standard mandates that organizations provide accessible customer service, ensuring equal access to goods and services. The Transportation Standard aims to improve accessibility in public transit and transportation services, ensuring safe and independent travel. Lastly, the Design of Public Spaces Standard outlines requirements for barrier-free design in public spaces. Together, these standards work to remove barriers and promote inclusivity for all Ontarians.
Digital Compliance Requirements
AODA compliance is not merely a recommendation but a legal requirement, particularly for organizations operating in Ontario. Websites and digital content must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA to ensure accessibility. Failure to comply can result in substantial penalties, with corporations facing fines of up to $100,000 per day and individuals or unincorporated organizations facing fines of up to $50,000 per day.
The AODA implemented phased deadlines for compliance, with government websites mandated to achieve accessibility compliance by January 1, 2016, to ensure equitable access to public services and information; for other organizations, the deadline was set for January 1, 2021. These phased deadlines aimed to provide organizations with adequate time to implement necessary changes to meet the accessibility standards outlined in the legislation.
New websites must be compliant with AODA from the moment they are launched. Unlike phased deadlines for existing websites, which had varying compliance deadlines based on the type of organization, there is no grace period for new websites. Therefore, organizations must ensure that any new websites they develop adhere to the accessibility standards outlined in the AODA from their inception, ensuring accessibility for all users from the outset.
The Benefits of AODA Compliance
While the primary aim of AODA is to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, the benefits extend beyond mere compliance. Approximately 27% of Canadians have disabilities, and meeting their accessibility needs is an ethical imperative. Denying individuals with disabilities access to essential services due to inaccessible environments — or important information because of digital barriers — perpetuates systemic discrimination, limits participation in economic and social activities, and denies individuals their basic human rights.
Prioritizing accessibility also makes good business sense and can lead to indirect benefits beyond compliance and ethics. By ensuring that products, services, and digital content are accessible to all individuals, organizations tap into a larger market segment, increasing their reach and potential customer base. Digital accessibility can often improve search engine optimization (SEO) and organic growth, as accessible websites tend to rank higher in search results. Accessible design often leads to better user experiences for all users, regardless of ability, and it improves innovation, by encouraging organizations to think creatively and develop solutions that benefit everyone.
Steps to Achieve AODA Compliance
To achieve AODA compliance in the digital realm for employees and customers, businesses can follow these systematic steps:
- Conduct Comprehensive Audits: Begin by conducting thorough audits of website design, content, functionality, and user experience to pinpoint areas that may not meet accessibility standards.
- Implement Necessary Adjustments: Implement accommodations such as redesigning website layouts, adding alternative text to images, ensuring proper color contrast, providing keyboard navigation options, and making multimedia content accessible.
- Meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA Standards: Ensure that all adjustments align with the WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards, including websites, applications, and other digital content.
- File Compliance Reports: Once adjustments are made, file compliance reports to document the steps taken to achieve compliance; they may be necessary for demonstrating adherence to legal requirements.
- Regularly Review and Update Accessibility Measures: Accessibility is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update accessibility measures to ensure ongoing adherence to AODA requirements and to address any new accessibility challenges that may arise.
The Path Forward with AODA and EasyLlama
As Ontario progresses towards its goal of full accessibility by 2025, challenges still remain. EasyLlama recognizes the importance of AODA compliance and is committed to supporting organizations on their journey toward accessibility. Our AODA course provides practical insights, best practices, and guidance to help businesses navigate the complexities of AODA compliance effectively. With interactive quizzes and real-life video scenarios, EasyLlama’s fully online (and fully accessible) training can help your organization build a more equitable workplace culture. Claim your free course preview today to learn more!
