What do you need to know for January 1, 2014?

Private sector

There are upcoming obligations for large private sector organizations. Small private sector organizations do not have any upcoming compliance obligations for January 1, 2014.
Upcoming requirements for large private sector organizations:

• Accessibility Policy: Organizations must create an Accessibility Policy pertaining to their obligations under the Integrated Accessibility Standard. This policy is in addition to the Customer Service Standard Policy, as that policy only addressed the requirements under the Customer Service Standard.
• Accessibility Plan: Organizations must craft an Accessibility Plan which outlines how they intend to meet the requirements under the Integrated Accessibility Standard. The plan must be reviewed every 5 years. Since the compliance deadlines for the requirements under this standard are staggered, this is a useful tool to keep your organization on track.
• Self-Serve Kiosks: Organizations that have self-serve kiosks must have regard for accessibility features when designing, procuring or acquiring any self-serve kiosks. Organizations are not required to replace existing kiosks. This requirement only applies where new kiosks are being .procured or acquired.
• Web Accessibility: Organizations launching a new website or are making changes to an existing website must meet the accessibility criteria in the WCAG 2.0 Level A (please click here to access the WCAG).  With respect to existing websites, this applies where the existing website is undergoing a “significant refresh”. Unfortunately this term is not defined in the legislation. Organizations should seek legal advice if they are making any website changes in the coming year in order to determine whether they must be compliant. From a customer service standpoint, a more accessible website will open up your organization to a wider audience and should be encouraged even if this requirement does not yet apply.  By January 1, 2021, all websites and web content, regardless of whether it is new, must be compliant with the WCAG 2.0 Level AA (except for success criteria 1.2.4 pertaining to live captioning and success criteria 1.2.5 pertaining to pre-recorded audio descriptions).

Is your organization compliant with all requirements? ?

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 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca or visit www.accessibilitycompliance.ca