New Access Symbol Competition

New Access Symbol Competition

It’s been said many times that the current international access symbol is misleading. That’s because it makes people think of wheelchair users as the only people needing access considerations. But it’s so well recognized it’s been so difficult to change.  In January 2022, the International Union of Architects and Rehabilitation International launched an access symbol…

Funding: Call for Proposals

Funding: Call for Proposals

The Government of Canada has launched two calls for proposals totalling up to $5.6 million over two years through the Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP), Disability component. Funding will be provided through two distinct streams: The National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) stream will provide up to $1.6M in grants over two years to support projects that will…

Rich Donovan appointed to review the AODA

Rich Donovan appointed to review the AODA

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) requires that the legislation be regularly reviewed and the Ontario Government recently announced that they have appointed Rich Donovan to lead the fourth legislative review of the AODA. The review will focus on potential changes to improve the AODA and how to support better compliance and…

Accessibility and Heritage Conference

Accessibility and Heritage Conference

On October 20, 2021 the Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA) will be hosting a one-day, virtual conference to explore the topic of how heritage buildings can be made more accessible. The “Accessing Our Heritage” Conference will feature leading experts, from Canada and abroad, exploring what such as legislative changes, what has been done successfully in other…

First Working Draft of WCAG 3.0

First Working Draft of WCAG 3.0

The first draft of W3C Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 3.0 has been published. WCAG 3.0 provides a wide range of recommendations for making web content more accessible to users with disabilities. The guidelines will address many of the needs of users with blindness, low vision and other vision impairments; deafness and hearing loss; limited movement and…

AODA Report Deadline Extended to June 30, 2021

AODA Report Deadline Extended to June 30, 2021

Organizations across Ontario are required to comply with accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and its Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility recognizes that the COVID-19 outbreak has created challenges for many businesses and non-profit organizations. For that reason, as director authorized by the AODA, I…

Website Accessibility Requirement (AODA)

Website Accessibility Requirement (AODA)

By January 1, 2021, all designated public sector organizations, as well as private and nonprofit organizations with 50 or more employees in Ontario, must ensure their internet websites and web content on those sites conform with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, Level AA, other than: success criteria 1.2.4 Captions (Live); and success criteria…

Enabling Accessibility Fund – Now Open

Enabling Accessibility Fund – Now Open

The federal government recently announced a call for proposals for the Enabling Accessibility Fund. This is a great time for organizations who are looking to do accessibility improvements to apply for funding to help make our communities and workplaces more accessible. Eligibility To receive funding, your organization must be a: not-for-profit (an organization that does…