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A person using a laptop displaying a 'Digital Accessibility' webpage, with a modern workspace featuring a plant and notebook in the background, navigating AODA compliance.
Blog

Navigating AODA Compliance: Success Stories from Ontario Municipalities

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.

A woman in a wheelchair and a man in a suit are engaged in a conversation, with a screen displaying a translation service in the background, highlighting the importance of accessibility in hiring and recruitment.
Blog

The Importance of Accessibility in Hiring and Recruitment

In today’s evolving marketplace, accessibility in hiring is a legal requirement. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) alongside other Canadian legislations, such as the Canadian Human Rights Act and provincial codes, mandate and set the framework for inclusive recruitment practices. But the implications of these policies stretch well beyond compliance; they pave the way for a diverse, innovative, and adept workforce that is imperative for sustainability.

A modern office showcasing work models from an accessibility perspective, featuring a wheelchair user at a desk, surrounded by accessible workspaces and employees collaborating overhead.
Blog, Compliance, News

Work Models from an Accessibility Perspective

The seismic shift in our work culture post-2020 has turned long-held assumptions about the workplace upside down. Organizations are now more open to a spectrum of work models, from fully remote to the traditional office, and everything in between. With these changes, it’s imperative to examine how each model caters to the needs of the entire workforce, including individuals with disabilities. In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll probe into the core concepts of accessibility and its implications for remote, in-person, and hybrid work models.

A diverse group of professionals, including members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, is seated around a large table in a modern conference room, with a wheelchair symbol on the wall.
Blog

Why You Should Establish an Accessibility Advisory Committee

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:

Workers construct and assemble accessibility ramps outside a building with a sign reading, "Accessibility Compliant through Funding and Resources for AODA Compliance," as a person in a wheelchair observes.
Blog, Compliance, News

Funding and Resources for AODA Compliance

For many organizations, particularly small businesses and non-profits, the costs associated with becoming compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) can seem daunting. However, a variety of funding opportunities and resources are available to help ease this burden. This blog outlines key sources of financial support and guidance that can assist organizations in meeting AODA standards.

A modern office lobby bustling with professionals, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and various workstations, reflecting the new accessibility requirements for the B.C. public sector.
Blog

New Accessibility Requirements for the B.C. Public Sector

In an era where inclusivity is not just valued but essential, the public sector in British Columbia is stepping up to the challenge. Recent legislation has introduced new accessibility requirements, marking a significant step towards a more inclusive society. This blog post explores these new mandates and how Accessibility Partners can play a pivotal role in aiding public sector organizations to meet these evolving standards.

A diverse group of people holds signs advocating for values such as equality, respect, justice, and integrity, promoting unity and harmony, highlighting the dangers of euphemisms in disability language and the importance of authentic representation.
Blog, Compliance, News

The Dangers of Euphemisms in Disability Language

Language is a powerful tool; it can inspire, comfort, and unite, but it can also oppress, demean, and divide. For the disability community, language plays a crucial role in the fight for inclusivity. It is especially significant in shaping public perception and personal identity.] In a society where words reflect and sometimes dictate our collective beliefs and behaviours, the careful selection of terminology is paramount. Yet, all too often, disability is discussed in a way that is euphemistic, reducing complex human experiences to seemingly innocuous terms.