Legislation & Related Information

The legal landscape is changing. Worldwide, a variety of factors are driving the demand for more universally usable and accessible products, environments and services. These include the competitive and global nature of business, the flourishing communications technology industry, the growth in the aging population and significant increases in the number of people with disabilities.

In Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), has set a goal to have Ontario accessible by 2025. What is this legal framework? What's required?

The AODA & Accessibility Standards

The Customer Service Standard is the first mandatory regulation to become law under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

The compliance date for meeting the requirements of this standard is January 1, 2012. The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation is also now the law. Compliance dates begin in 2011 and are phased until 2021.

Confused about what you have to do? Looking for free resources to help you understand the requirements and complete required staff training?

Accessible Information and Communications

Communications and information are at the heart of all business processes and transactions. All organizations are dependent upon oral, verbal and written communications to get their message out may it be through marketing materials, web-sites, product information, signage, telephone calls, contracts, meetings and more.

 Are your communications and information effective or are they inaccessible or unusable? Can people access the information they require to use your services or purchase your goods when they need it?

Find out and learn how to ensure your documents, web and other communications are accessible to people with a range of needs.

Planning Inclusive Meetings & Events

Meetings, special events, training workshops and conferences bring people together to share information, sell products, develop strategies, work towards common goals and to celebrate successes. It makes good business sense to ensure all attendees can fully participate and that your events are accessible.

The inclusion needs of people are often overlooked when meetings, events and conferences are organized.

What can you do to ensure you maximize participation of all who attend and to ensure a successful event? Are there specific resources that can help guide the planning of inclusive and accessible meetings and events?

Accessible Safety & Emergency Information

Public safety information can help keep people safe when an emergency happens. Have you planned for the safety of all your customers and employees including persons with disabilities? Do all your customers and employees, including persons with disabilities have access to information on your emergency procedures?

The following resources can help you understand how to plan for and meet the needs of your customers, visitors and employees in an emergency, as well as steps you can take to meet your emergency and public safety requirements under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation.

Website and Web Content Accessibility

Many web sites have accessibility barriers that make it difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to use the Web, and to find out about goods and services.

Delivering a website, that is usable, understandable, engaging, and easy to navigate makes good business sense. It's also now the law under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation and its Information and Communications Standard.

Make the move towards an accessible web presence. Start by finding out how accessible your website really is.