What is AODA stands for and What does it mean for your Website?

What is AODA?

Basically, AODA stands for Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accessibility standards are strategically set by organizations in Ontario. AODA is focused on ensuring that Ontario is made inclusive and accessible for disabled people. Barriers need to be identified, removed and prevented for disabled people. AODA is focused on making sure that Ontario be made accessible by 2025. 


The implication of AODA on websites: 

Organizations use AODA standards to develop practices and policies that are inclusive to all Ontario citizens. Everyone, including the disabled community should be able to access employment, information, buildings and services.

AODA compliant websites means that websites should be able to align with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) framework. It is outlined in “the Information and Communication Standards.” It states that organizations “shall make their intranet and internet websites and web content conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, at Level AA.” It includes success criteria 1.2.5 Audio descriptions (pre-recorded) and success criteria 1.2.4 Captions (Live). 

AODA website compliance applies to the following private, public and governmental organizations:

  • Designated public sector organizations
  • The legislative assembly and the Government of Ontario
  • Large organizations (with 50 or more employees in Ontario).  

Meeting AODA compliance:

In order to meet AODA compliance, organizations must be able to follow the rules mentioned in the 5 AODA standards. The 5 AODA standards are Transportation standards, Design of Public Spaces Standards, Employment standards, Information and Communication Standards and Customer service standards.

Following are the general requirements that need to be incorporated by organizations:

  • A multi-year accessibility plan should be developed and updated every five years
  • An accessibility policy needs to be developed
  • Training should be provided to volunteers and staff
  • Accessibility should be considered in buying and when buying or designing self-service kiosks.
For a website to be considered accessible and in line with WCAG, it should ensure that the four principles which are Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust should be duly fulfilled. 
Location: Ontario, Canada

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What are the five AODA standards?

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Following are the five AODA standards: 1. The information and communication standards: Specific rules are listed for organizations to provide, create and receive information and communications that disabled people can access. An equal chance is given to all people through this standard so that they can be active in their communities. Accessible formats and communication support: Accessible formats and communication supports should be arranged or provided by organizations when information to disabled people is provided upon request. 2. The employment standards: The employers must make sure that their workplace provides working environments for disabled workers/employees also. This standard doesn’t apply to volunteers and is only applied to paid workers. Hiring and recruiting: Accessibility should be made a normal part of the hiring and recruitment process. Applicants are notified by employers that accommodation is available. 3. The transportation standards: This standard...
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