Achieving AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) compliance is not just about meeting legal obligations—it’s about fostering an inclusive environment that ensures all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can access and benefit from your organization's offerings. Compliance with AODA is critical, especially as Ontario moves toward its goal of becoming fully accessible by 2025. Here’s a guide to the key steps your organization should take to achieve AODA compliance effectively.



1. Understand AODA Requirements

The first step in achieving AODA compliance is to thoroughly understand the requirements of the Act. The AODA mandates that organizations in Ontario adhere to specific accessibility standards in five key areas: customer service, information and communications, employment, transportation, and the design of public spaces. For most organizations, the focus will be on ensuring that digital content, particularly websites, is accessible. This means meeting the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, Level AA, which provide a framework for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.

2. Conduct an Accessibility Audit

Before you can make your organization fully compliant, you need to understand where you currently stand. Conducting an accessibility audit is a crucial step in this process. An audit involves reviewing your website, digital content, and other relevant services to identify areas that do not meet AODA standards. This should include evaluating the ease with which users can navigate your site using a keyboard, the availability of text alternatives for non-text content, and the overall user experience for individuals with different types of disabilities. Using tools like AccessiBe's AODA Compliance Checker can provide a detailed report on your current status and highlight specific areas for improvement.

3. Develop an Accessibility Plan

Once you’ve identified areas of non-compliance, the next step is to develop an accessibility plan. This plan should outline the specific actions your organization will take to address any issues found during the audit. Prioritize these actions based on the severity of the non-compliance and the impact on users. Your plan should also include timelines for implementing changes and designate responsible parties to ensure accountability. Remember, AODA compliance is an ongoing process, so your plan should also include regular reviews and updates to maintain accessibility as standards evolve.

4. Implement Necessary Changes

With a plan in place, it’s time to implement the necessary changes to achieve compliance. This may involve updating your website’s design, ensuring all content is accessible, and improving navigation features. For example, you might need to add alt text to images, provide captions or transcripts for video content, and ensure that your site is fully navigable via keyboard commands. Additionally, consider user testing with individuals who have disabilities to ensure that the changes you’ve made truly improve accessibility.

5. Train Your Team

Accessibility is not just the responsibility of your web development team; it’s something that should be integrated into every aspect of your organization. Providing training for your staff on AODA standards and best practices is essential to maintaining compliance. This training should cover the importance of accessibility, how to create accessible content, and how to use tools that help maintain compliance. Regular training sessions will help ensure that everyone in your organization understands their role in maintaining an accessible environment.

6. Regularly Monitor and Update

Achieving AODA compliance is not a one-time task—it requires ongoing effort. Regularly monitor your website and other digital content to ensure they continue to meet AODA standards. As technology evolves and new content is added, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest accessibility guidelines. Periodic audits and updates to your accessibility plan will help you maintain compliance and continue to provide an inclusive experience for all users.

Conclusion

Achieving AODA compliance is essential for organizations in Ontario, not only to avoid legal penalties but to demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity. By understanding the requirements, conducting thorough audits, implementing necessary changes, and maintaining regular monitoring, your organization can successfully meet AODA standards and contribute to a more accessible society.