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Beyond the moral reasons to make your website accessible for people with disabilities, there is a legal obligation as well. But the myriad of legal and regulatory requirements — spanning not just accessibility, but also privacy, data protection and other considerations — can make it difficult to navigate the complex task of making your website compliant.

People with disabilities often face barriers in their everyday lives that prevent them from fully participating at work or in other aspects of society. With the goal of getting rid of this discrimination related to disabilities, the government began the development of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in 1994. 

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring that services and products are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, is not just a legal requirement but also a moral necessity. One of the most effective strategies to achieve this is by establishing an Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). Here are some compelling reasons why your organization should consider forming an AAC:

Accessibility Partners has been at the forefront of ensuring that municipal services and communications in Ontario are inclusive and accessible to all, aligning with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards. With our expertise, we have helped municipalities make significant strides towards AODA compliance, fostering greater community inclusivity. This blog covers our experiences with two (anonymous) municipal projects, shedding light on the intricacies and achievements involved in reaching AODA compliance.

Navigating the complex world of accessibility compliance can be a daunting task for any company. Consider accessibility laws like the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA), the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), all of which are evolving constantly. This means that staying compliant requires a proactive approach.

The Accessible Canada Act (ACA), enacted in 2019, represents a significant step forward in creating a barrier-free Canada. This legislation aims to identify, remove, and prevent accessibility barriers in areas that fall under federal jurisdiction. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the ACA and its impact on businesses and individuals.

Alt text is an essential element in making documents, images, and infographics accessible to individuals with visual impairments. It provides a textual alternative to visual content, enabling screen readers to convey the message to users who cannot see the images. However, the creation of alt text often presents challenges for organizations, leading some to seek external solutions.