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…
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…
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…
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…
Businesses and non-profits with 20 or more employees must submit an Accessibility Compliance Report to the government by June 30, 2021 (extended from Dec. 31, 2020). Before Your Start To complete the form you need your organization’s: legal name business number (BN9 – found in your federal or provincial tax return) number of employees name…
The Rick Hansen Foundation, thanks to funding from the Ontario Government, is offering free building accessibility audits and certifications to nonprofits, businesses, and public sector organizations. The Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification rating scorecard will highlight specific areas where you can improve accessibility and your site may be certified at one of two levels: …
The Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA) is leading, in partnership with the Ontario Government, the 2020 Heritage and Accessibility Summit Project. The Summit, to be held in the fall of 2020, aims to inspire action and build awareness amongst planners, architects, engineers, heritage leaders, media, BIAs, businesses, people with disabilities, and more. This will be a…
Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) undergoes periodic reviews and updates. The Information and Communications Standards Development Committee — a group of representatives from various sectors, including business, municipalities and people with disabilities — has drafted some initial recommendations to improve the existing Information and Communications Standards and they would like…
With the adoption of An Act to Ensure a Barrier-free Canada (Accessible Canada Act), the Government of Canada is fulfilling its mandate promise to introduce new accessibility legislation. The Accessible Canada Act establishes a framework to create a barrier-free Canada through the proactive identification, removal and prevention of accessibility barriers. It will also ensure that persons…
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