Inspired by the passing of the 2001 Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was passed in 2005. This act set standards that public and private organizations in Ontario must follow for website accessibility. Using the WCAG 2.0, the AODA helps you identify, remove, and prevent barriers to people with disabilities who want to access your digital platforms!
This can ensure greater access to people who are living with disabilities such as:
- Blindness and low vision
- Deafness and hearing loss
- Learning disabilities
- Cognitive impairments
- Mobility impairments
- Speech impairments
Failure to comply with the AODA can lead to financial penalties: corporations can be fined up to $100,000 per day until resolution, while an individual or unincorporated organization can face up to $50,000 per day.
Businesses can prioritize accessibility by providing training to staff and volunteers, developing an accessibility policy, and creating a multi-year accessibility plan that’s updated regularly. The goal is to be barrier-free by 2025!
Help reach that goal by making your Canadian business as accessible as possible! DigiHype Media has experts that can help your website reach AODA standards.
APA Referencing:
- AODA.ca. (2018). Guide to the Act. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). https://www.aoda.ca/guide-to-the-act/
- Kovac, L. (2018, June 15). Complying with AODA WCAG 2.0 Distinguishable Content. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). https://www.aoda.ca/complying-with-aoda-wcag-2-0-distinguishable-content/
