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AODA Compliant website

Why Your Website Need AODA Compliant in Ontario

The Act was enacted in 2005, with its purpose being to develop, implement and enforce accessibility standards related to “goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises” no later than January 1, 2021. The goal of the legislation, as it relates to websites, is simply to make website content accessible to everyone including Ontarians with disabilities.

Imagine the following scenario: you’re blind and you need to send an e-transfer, but you’re unable to access your bank account online because your bank’s website hasn’t been made accessible to the visually impaired.

Examples like this remind able-bodied people of how many things we take for granted, and why we need legislation like the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This is the sole reason why your website must be the AODA compliant website.

AODA Compliant website

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This act deals with a wide range of aspects related to accessibility.  But for the purpose of this blog, we are going to focus solely on websites. The rules that apply to websites in the act are referred to as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

WCAG Principles of Accessibility

These guidelines are based on four principles that outline how web content can be made accessible to everyone.

1. Perceivable

User interface (UI) components and information on the web must be perceivable for all users.

2. Operable

All users must be able to operate navigation and UI components, and the interface should not necessitate actions that users can’t perform.

3. Understandable

Every user must be able to understand the information on websites and how to operate their UI.

4. Robust

Content on the web should be interpretable by all users, should be compatible with assistive technologies and the content should remain accessible as these technologies advance.

A Guide To AODA Compliant Website In Toronto

AODA stands for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This law was first passed in 2005 to help the province establish greater accessibility in all public, private, non-profit, and government organizations. The AODA’s ultimate goal is to create a fully accessible Ontario by 2025.

While the AODA is a multi-faceted piece of legislation that covers just about every aspect of running an organization, the part that is relevant to you at this time concerns website development. If you have a website, it must be considered accessible by AODA standards by the first day (January 1st) of 2021. The same rules will apply to any websites you create past that date. If you don’t know whether your website to AODA compliant website refer to https://cudest.com/aoda-compliant-website/ so that experts can tell you.

AODA Compliant website

Image Source: Google

What is an Accessible Website?

An accessible website can be used effectively by any person, regardless of their location, the device they are using, or any disabilities they may have. This requirement applies to all aspects of the site, including:

  • Website design.
  • Written content.
  • Visual components.
  • Website functions.
  • User interface and navigation.

The prospect of accommodating every possible impairment may sound like a daunting challenge, but there are website design standards you can refer to for help. The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) provide an outline of all web design accommodations a site must make to be considered fully compliant with accessibility regulations. The current version of the WCAG was published in 2018, with additional updates set to be released in 2021.

Why Is Accessibility Important?

One in seven Ontario residents currently lives with a disability, and this number is likely to rise as the population grows older. Many of these disabilities make it difficult or impossible to navigate standard websites. These impairments include but are not limited to:

  • Visual and hearing impairments.
  • Susceptibility to seizures.
  • Difficulties with fine motor control.
  • Learning disabilities that make complex reading difficult.

If you do not account for these conditions when designing your website, people with disabilities may be unable to enjoy the site you have worked so hard to create. It is considered unacceptable to restrict them when they can be accommodated with accessible website design.

There is also a strong practical case to be made for accessible website design. If certain users cannot access your website, they cannot research your products or brand, find your location or contact information, or enjoy any of the content you post to promote your business.

All these site functions are critical marketing touchpoints that help you nurture a lead toward becoming a customer. Accessible website design prevents these problems and ensures that your website can fulfil its marketing purpose, regardless of who uses it.