AODA Compliance
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires organizations in Ontario to make their websites and web content accessible to people with disabilities under the WCAG 2.0 Level AA standard.
Ontario, Canada
WCAG 2.0 Level AA Required
AODA compliance deadline has passed - All websites must now meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA
Who must comply?
AODA applies to organizations operating in Ontario with different requirements based on organization type and size
Private Sector
50+ employees in Ontario
- WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance
- Accessible feedback processes
- Accessibility policies and plans
- Accessible employment practices
Public Sector
All government organizations
- WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance
- Multi-year accessibility plans
- Accessible procurement
- Accessibility training for staff
Non-Profit
50+ employees in Ontario
- WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance
- Accessible customer service
- Accessible formats on request
- Accessibility compliance reports
Compliance timeline
January 1, 2014
New websites must meet WCAG 2.0 Level A
Applies to: Large organizations (50+ employees)
January 1, 2021
All websites and web content must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA
Applies to: All obligated organizations
Ongoing
New and significantly refreshed content must be accessible
Applies to: All organizations
WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements
AODA requires compliance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, which is based on four principles
Perceivable
- Text alternatives for non-text content
- Captions and audio descriptions for media
- Content is adaptable and distinguishable
- Sufficient color contrast (4.5:1 minimum)
Operable
- All functionality available via keyboard
- Users have enough time to read content
- No content that causes seizures
- Easy navigation and wayfinding
Understandable
- Text is readable and understandable
- Pages operate in predictable ways
- Users can avoid and correct errors
- Consistent navigation and identification
Robust
- Compatible with assistive technologies
- Valid HTML and proper ARIA usage
- Name, role, and value exposed properly
- Status messages announced to screen readers
Non-compliance penalties
The Ontario government can issue significant fines for AODA violations
Penalties can be issued daily until compliance is achieved
Exemptions & exceptions
- Organizations with fewer than 50 employees (limited requirements)
- Content published before January 1, 2012 (unless republished)
- Third-party content not under organization's control
- Live captions for live audio content (pre-recorded still required)
- Product information embedded in products
Compliance reporting
What to Report
- • Accessibility policies and plans
- • Multi-year accessibility plan progress
- • Training records for employees
- • Accessible formats and communication supports
- • Website and web content accessibility
Filing Requirements
- • File compliance reports every 3 years
- • Use the Ontario government online portal
- • Keep records for at least 7 years
- • Public sector: Annual status reports
- • Respond to accessibility complaints
Achieve AODA compliance
Compliable helps you achieve AODA compliance automatically with AI-powered accessibility solutions that meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards.