What you need to know
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is Ontario's landmark legislation enacted in 2005 with the goal of making Ontario fully accessible by 2025.
The AODA sets out comprehensive accessibility standards that organizations in Ontario must follow to identify, remove, and prevent barriers for people with disabilities.
Non-compliance with AODA requirements can result in significant penalties. Organizations can face fines of up to $50,000 per day for individuals and up to $100,000 per day for corporations for major violations.
How does it apply?
The AODA applies to all organizations in Ontario with one or more employees, including businesses, non-profits, and public sector organizations. Digital accessibility requirements are specifically outlined in the Information and Communications Standards.
The act addresses accessibility needs in various areas including:
- Visual impairments and blindness
- Hearing loss and deafness
- Physical and motor disabilities
- Cognitive and learning disabilities
- Speech and language impairments
The AODA requires compliance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards for web content, which has been specifically incorporated into the legislation. Organizations must ensure their websites and web-based applications meet these technical requirements.
Ensuring compliance
To meet AODA requirements, organizations must implement the following measures:
- Develop and maintain an accessibility policy
- Create multi-year accessibility plans
- Ensure websites meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards
- Provide accessible formats and communication supports
- Train staff on accessibility requirements
- File accessibility compliance reports
- Implement accessible feedback processes
Compliance with AODA is not just about meeting legal requirements—it's about creating an inclusive digital environment that serves all Ontarians and sets a standard for accessibility across Canada.
Next steps with DevAlly
Meeting AODA requirements requires ongoing commitment and expertise, particularly for organizations managing multiple digital properties.
DevAlly can support your AODA compliance efforts with:
- Thorough accessibility audits to assess compliance with AODA standards and WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements
- Customized remediation plans and technical recommendations for addressing accessibility barriers
- Regular monitoring and testing to maintain compliance as digital content evolves
- Support in developing and implementing accessibility policies and multi-year plans
Note: The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.