Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Web Accessibility Requirements of the AODA



What are the AODA requirements for web accessibility? Under this legislation, websites must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0. WCAG 2.0 is an internationally accepted set of guidelines developed by a group of web accessibility experts from all over the world. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to make various components of a website fully accessible, as well as explanations about the importance of each criterion.
Under the AODA, websites and web-based applications must currently conform to the minimum level, A. But eventually, they must conform to most of the WCAG AA level criteria. Note that there are different AODA compliance deadlines depending on the standards and depending on the type and size of public, private or government organization. Deadlines are set out for developing the accessibility standards and then for implementing them.
Under Section 14 (web accessibility) of the Information and Communication Standards, all covered entities will need to meet almost all of the WCAG 2.0 Level AA criteria by the end of 2020. But for many groups, the deadlines to meet at least some of the criteria have already passed.
The compliance deadlines for Section 12, “Accessible Formats and Communication Supports,” have already passed for all sectors.
These are good reminders.  How far into compliance has your organization been?
If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 orsandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca

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