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AODA

Accessibility Compliance 101

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This in-depth training has been created for staff who are responsible for their organization’s AODA implementation and compliance. We will review the legislation, discuss in detail your legal requirements, provide you with a multitude of resources, and share best practices for ensuring your organization’s successful compliance. There will be time during the webinar to ask the presenting AODA expert questions about how the legislation affects your particular organization.

100% of past webinar participants said that their understanding of the AODA and their compliance obligations improved as a result of this webinar series.

Who: Management Team Staff, including Executive Directors/CEOs, Directors & Managers (HR, Communications, Policy Development, and Volunteer Coordinators).

Why: Organizations of all sizes (1+ employees) and types (nonprofit, businesses, and public sector) must be compliant with the AODA requirements, including policy development and training of all staff. AODA compliance reports must be submitted to the government by December 31, 2020.

“The webinar highlighted the most relevant information in an easy to understand format and provided great examples to further enhance understanding.”

 “It was broken down into manageable units. Also great resources.”

  INCLUDED IN THE VIRTUAL TRAINING:

  • High quality instruction by an AODA Expert
  • Presentation slides (.pdf)
  • A chance to ask all your questions
  • Customer Service Standard Policy Template
  • Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy Template (includes Information and Communications, Employment and Design of Public Space Standards requirements)
  • Multi-Year Accessibility Template
  • Resources, best practices, tips and tools
  • A chance to network with other professionals

“It was easy to understand and having the materials accessible afterward for reference was very important & helpful.”

“Being online is a great way to learn that is flexible for our team.”

“This course has been incredibly informative, easy to digest, and I feel much more equipped to do my work now!” 

“Very clear presentation with lots of specific examples.”

Course Outline:

Part #1- AODA Overview and the Customer Service Standard

Break

Part #2 – General Requirements and the Information and Communications Standard

Break

Part #3 – Employment Standard and Design of Public Spaces Standard

 

More comments from participants on what they liked about the series:

Covers a lot of information in an organized manner.

Love that this training can be completed online remotely.

Good take away documents to share with managers.

The takeaways, such as the bonus handouts and templates.

The detailed information provided during the webinar and the resources provided.

Examples given to illustrate the standards.

Trainer is engaging and easy to understand; answers all questions.

Interactive to get participants involved.

Clearly stated and easy to follow – allowed for follow up with the attendees via the recordings.

Technically it was easy to access the seminar.  Topics thoroughly covered.

Clear and straightforward information.

Very good and engaging trainer.

Nice concise review, good examples & resources – thank you!

Website Accessibility Requirement (AODA)

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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 1.2.5 Audio Descriptions (Pre-recorded).

“Internet website” is defined in the AODA as a collection of related web pages, images, videos or other digital assets that are accessible to the public.  “Web content” includes documents such as Word, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations. 

The requirements apply to:

  • internet websites and web content, including web-based applications, that an organization controls directly or through a contractual relationship that allows for modification of the product; and
  • web content published on an internet website after January 1, 2012.

Private/non-profit organizations with less than 50 employees in Ontario are not required to meet this requirement.

Request a quote to get a website accessibility audit.

 

Accessibility Compliance Report

By December 31, 2020, all designated public sector organizations, as well as private and nonprofit organizations with 20 or more employees in Ontario, must file an Accessibility Compliance Report.

The purpose of the report is to confirm for the Government of Ontario that your organization has met its current accessibility requirements under the AODA.  It contains such questions as:

  • Does your organization have written accessibility policies and a statement of commitment?
  • Does your organization provide appropriate training on the AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation and the Human Rights Code as it pertains to people with disabilities?
  • Does your organization have a process to provide accessible formats and communication supports to people with disabilities in a timely manner and at no extra cost?

Learn more about how to submit your Compliance Report.

AODA Train-the-Trainer Certification

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This webinar will provide you with an overview of the AODA Standards and how this information can be delivered in an interactive and fun training session to your staff and volunteers. The AODA Train-the-Trainer webinar qualifies as mandated training and will equip you to meet your organization’s AODA training requirements. Areas covered will include:

  • Customer Service Standard
  • General Requirements
  • Employment Standard
  • Information & Communication Standard
  • Transportation Standard
  • Design of Public Spaces Standard
  • Ontario Human Rights Code

I liked how you provided examples of activities to keep it fun to teach and learn. Often these courses are boring. Your course gave me lots of ideas! And I liked the group which included a diversity of industry people.

Instructor is an excellent and knowledgeable speaker!

Great training! What I expected to be a dry and long info session ended up being a good time. Thanks!

Fantastic! Great length. Exactly what I needed to stay on track.

Why use a Train the Trainer Model:

  • Trainers are an accessible resource for staff and volunteers with an organization.
  • Organizations can do training when it works for them, using a variety of approaches best suited to their situation.
  • It is a model that is cost and time effective for organizations.
  • It is a model that helps to support discussion and further development within an organization.

Excellent and well organized content and delivery. Respectful and inclusive presenter who created an inclusive and safe environment. Everyone participated and was engaged.

Participants in this training will receive:

  • Information on each of the Standards and OHRC
  • A customizable copy of Accessibility Services Canada’s 90-minute training PowerPoint presentation
  • Training workshop handouts and interactive activities
  • A live demonstration of a training workshop
  • Ideas on how adapt the training for your organization’s needs

Participants will receive access to Accessibility Services Canada training materials for use in internal training only (staff and volunteers of their own organization).

Training is valid for two years and updates on the AODA will be sent to participants as they arise.

Good review of the AODA and requirements. Training suggestions were great. Enjoyed the practice opportunity.

I liked how collaborative the training was. I learned a lot from other people’s experiences and knowledge. I also liked that the training comes with a certificate.

Really good at getting me to think of applying this to my own work. I would recommend the training to anyone!

Prerequisite: Participants must have knowledge of the AODA prior to attending this webinar as we do not cover the details of the AODA. This training focuses on how to design and deliver an engaging training session for your organization’s staff and volunteers. For detailed information on the AODA, look for our “Accessibility Compliance 101” webinar series being held in April. 

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by an AODA Specialist
  • AODA Training Kit
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Official recognition for your participation (that you can share on LinkedIn, Facebook or your resume)

Fantastic facilitator! The afternoon went by very quickly (too quickly). Fantastic insights and resources. Very varied group with varied backgrounds. Feeling confident about training and liked the variety of training tools provided.

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

This workshop truly focused on preparing us to train staff. I appreciate all the resources we have been given.

The materials provided was excellent – everything we require for training in our own work place.

Excellent trainer! Lots of expertise!

Great dialogue and examples.

Very welcoming space. Felt safe and encouraging.

Clear, good balance of lecture and activities.

Accessibility Compliance 101

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The Accessibility Compliance 101 Webinar Series has been designed with the recognition that you have limited time and need the most up-to-date information. These 1-hour webinars are an ideal way for busy leaders to engage in an interactive online experience from the convenience of their own desk. 

This series of three webinars has been specially designed for staff who are responsible for their organization’s AODA implementation and compliance. We will review the legislation, discuss in detail your legal requirements, provide you with a multitude of resources, and share best practices for ensuring your organization’s successful compliance. There will be time during each webinar to ask the presenting AODA expert questions about how the legislation affects your particular organization.

100% of past webinar participants said that their understanding of the AODA and their compliance obligations improved as a result of this webinar series.

Who: Management Team Staff, including Executive Directors/CEOs, Directors & Managers (HR, Communications, Policy Development, and Volunteer Coordinators).

Why: Organizations of all sizes (1+ employees) and types (nonprofit, businesses, and public sector) must be compliant with the AODA requirements, including policy development and training of all staff.

“The webinar series highlighted the most relevant information in an easy to understand format and provided great examples to further enhance understanding.”

When: Every Tuesdays, for 3 weeks, from 11:00 am-12:00 pm 

Where: Online webinar via your computer

 “It was broken down into manageable units. Also great resources.”

Webinar Recordings: Participants can choose to get access to the webinar recordings. A link will be sent the same day as the live session and viewing will be available for 7 days. 

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by an AODA Expert
  • Copies of each of the webinar (.pdf)
  • Access to the recorded sessions for 7 days (optional)
  • A chance to ask all your questions
  • Customer Service Standard Policy Template
  • Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy Template (includes Information and Communications, Employment and Design of Public Space Standards requirements)
  • Multi-Year Accessibility Template
  • Resources, best practices, tips and tools
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Registered participants will receive a digital Certificate of Completion

“It was easy to understand and having the materials accessible afterward for reference was very important & helpful.”

“Being online is a great way to learn that is flexible for our team.”

“This course has been incredibly informative, easy to digest, and I feel much more equipped to do my work now!” 

“Very clear presentation with lots of specific examples.”

Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and instructions for accessing each session will be sent the week prior to commencement.

Schedule:

Webinar #1- AODA Overview, the Customer Service Standard, and new legislative developments

Webinar #2 – General requirements and the Information and Communications Standard

Webinar #3 – Employment Standard and Design of Public Spaces Standard

 

More comments from participants on what they liked about the series:

Covers a lot of information in an organized manner.

Love that this training can be completed online remotely.

Good take away documents to share with managers.

The takeaways, such as the bonus handouts and templates.

The detailed information provided during the webinar and the resources provided.

Examples given to illustrate the standards.

Trainer is engaging and easy to understand; answers all questions.

Interactive to get participants involved.

Clearly stated and easy to follow – allowed for follow up with the attendees via the recordings.

Technically it was easy to access the seminar.  Topics thoroughly covered.

Clear and straightforward information.

Very good and engaging trainer.

Nice concise review, good examples & resources – thank you!

Social Media – Do it Accessibly!

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Do you wonder how accessible your organization’s social media posts are? Would you like to make your tweets, Instagram stories and Facebook posts inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities? In this webinar we’ll cover some general guidelines for creating accessible social media posts, review common pitfalls, and discuss both accessibility features available on different platforms and some workarounds you could use when built in accessibility features are not available. 
 
Topics include:  
  • General recommendations for accessible social media content 
  • Common accessibility pitfalls in social media posts 
  • Accessibility features and workarounds 

Thank you – I learned a few things that will help!

Some really great tips, especially the alternative text options.

Who should attend this webinar

Anyone who posts content on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Optional Webinar Recordings: Participants have the option of purchasing access to the webinar recording for 7 days following the live event.

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Digital Certificate of Completion for registered participants

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

Mobile Accessibility

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This webinar provides an introduction to mobile accessibility. Participants will gain understanding of the hardware and software available to enhance mobile accessibility, how the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) can be applied to mobile. and the ways in which people with disabilities interact with different types of mobile technology.

What You Will Walk Away With:

At the end of this webinar, participants will have an understanding of:

  • Handset accessibility features
  • Accessibility Apps
  • Types of mobile app architectures
  • How accessibility makes better mobile
  • How WCAG 2.1 and other guidelines apply to mobile

“Very informative. Thank you for offering these webinars!”

Who should attend this webinar

Anyone who is responsible for mobile design and development, content creation, and content posting, as well as anyone who oversees the work of such staff.

Optional Webinar Recordings: Participants have the option of purchasing access to the webinar recording for 7 days following the live event.

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Digital Certificate of Completion for registered participants

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request. 

Web Accessibility for Content Managers

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It can sometimes be challenging to know what accessibility efforts can be implemented on a content level vs. those that are dependent on the platform where your content exists. In this 60-minute webinar, we will differentiate between platform and content level issues and dive deeper into techniques you can use to make your content more accessible. This is a high-level, platform agnostic information session.

High level overview that also provided specific, useful examples. Gave us tools to learn more on our own, without bogging down the session.

Good range of examples for discussion. Very informative. Thanks for the resource links, too!

Topics include:

  • How WCAG applies to web content issues.
  • Accessibility considerations for Text (eg. reading level), Images (eg. Text alternatives), and Multimedia (eg. Captioning + descriptive transcripts).
  • Interactive exercises to identify potential accessibility barriers in content and how these can be addressed.

It was interactive. Thanks for asking US questions!

Take Away:

Participants will be given a handout listing website accessibility tools and other key references.

Wide range of content presented with images to make it easy to follow.

Optional Webinar Recordings: Participants have the option of purchasing access to the webinar recording for 7 days following the live event.

  INCLUDED IN THE WEBINAR:

  • High quality instruction by a Web Accessibility Specialist
  • A chance to ask questions
  • Digital Certificate of Completion for registered participants

 

How to Make Accessible PDFs

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The task of creating an accessible document goes farther than just correctly formatting the text in your original file. When importing documents, whatever the source application, some elements “get lost in translation” and additional remediation has to be done in Adobe Acrobat.

This workshop is Part 2 of our “Accessible Word” and “Accessible InDesign” training sessions and will teach you how to create an accessible PDF, including diverse content such as complicated tables, lists and acronyms. Questions it addresses include:

  • How do I make a PDF accessible when I don’t have the source document?
  • How can I figure out whether it is faster to remediate an old PDF or create a new, accessible source document?
  • How do I make tables with merged cells more accessible?
  • What do I do with complicated drawings and charts?
  • When should I use the auto tag feature in Acrobat?
  • How do I fix incorrect reading order?
  • We use a lot of abbreviations – how do I make them accessible?

Great training – lots of new information! Well structured session.

So much to learn and use immediately. The workshop exceeded my expectations!

Who should attend this workshop

  • Anyone who attended the “How to Make Accessible Word Documents” workshop or our “How to Make Accessible InDesign Documents” webinar/workshop provided by Accessibility Services Canada.
  • If you are currently creating accessible content and need a refresher or an upgrade, including Communication or Accessibility Coordinators, Website Content Managers, Marketing staff and Administrative Assistants.

What you will walk away with…

  1. How to format an inaccessible PDF.
  2. Where relevant tools and menu items are in Acrobat.
  3. How to identify several issues that should be addressed in source formats rather than by editing the PDF document directly.
  4. The correct structure for lists and tables.
  5. Knowledge about new accessibility features in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
  6. Understanding of some of the limitations of making accessible content.
  7. A better understanding of creating and mending accessible content using Acrobat Professional.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will have and understanding of:

  • Working with accessible content tags
  • Manually tag or re-tagging content in a PDF
  • Modifying and edit tag properties
  • Removing tags from specified non-meaningful content
  • How to tag acronyms and bulleted lists
  • Tagging a table of contents
  • Creating tags for tables
  • How to deal with merged or split table cells.
  • Making scanned PDF content accessible.
  • Setting the document default page views
  • Setting reading order and reflow orfer
  • Adding bookmarks in a PDF document
  • Adding required document properties.
  • Using Accessibility Checkers and examining the results.

Take away

  • Participants will be given a handout with reference to the content covered including step-by-step procedures.
  • A full understanding of some of the limitations of making accessible content.
  • A better understanding of creating and mending accessible content using Acrobat Professional.

Detailed and great with examples and practices. (Reena)

Great examples and I appreciate the print out for future reference. (Deafblind Ontario Services)

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop (Mac or PC) and Mouse
  • Acrobat Professional, version 11 or DC (Primary focus will be on using Acrobat Professional DC).

Technical Notes

  • Please ensure that your Acrobat Professional (not Reader) has been installed correctly.
  • We suggest you do any installations a day or two before the workshop to ensure your programs are working properly.
  • A USB key will be used to transfer class files to laptops – ensure this can be done on your laptop before class.
  • A computer mouse is recommended since it will assist in the use of keyboard shortcuts.

Good quality presentation. Presenter is excellent! Learn, knowledgeable and great at keeping us engaged. Learned more than I anticipated! (Ontario College of Teachers)

  INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • A Step-by-Step Reference Guide
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Digital Certificate of Completion

Accommodations

Accommodations are available upon request.

How to Make Accessible Word Documents

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This hands-on workshop is designed to clearly explain how to create an accessible document using Microsoft Word. It will demonstrate converting documents to PDF format and examine the required structure for assistive technologies.

This workshop is a comprehensive review of how layout and design principles and practices influence the outcome in the construction of a document intended for accessibility.

Through exercises and group discussions, participants will review the background and theory of accessibility and how it affects document creation; the necessary changes to their current workflow and processes; and how to layout content in documents for those with vision, motor and cognitive impairments.

Microsoft Word will be used to build an accessible document, followed by using Adobe Acrobat Professional DC to inspect any conversion issues or errors.

Best training I have ever had in a session!    Ontario College of Teachers

I have taken a few training courses but this was by far the most in-depth and informative.   Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Learning outcomes

By completing this workshop, participants will:

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of accessible word document creation
  • Learn how to prepare all text content for accessibility
  • Will prepare graphical content for accessibility
  • Understand why navigation is important in a document
  • Review who is using accessible documents and their needs
  • Become familiar with content design best practices – the do’s and don’ts
  • Understand the importance of using accessible fonts
  • Learn about how to modify and create custom text styles
  • Understanding color blindness and the impact on graphic communications
  • How to make graphic, WordArt and charts accessible
  • Add custom bookmarks for navigation in their documents
  • Review how to add descriptive file properties to a file
  • Review the built-in accessibility checkers in both Microsoft and Acrobat
  • And much more!

Great practical, hands-on exercises. (City of Pembroke)

Content was great and good delivery! I am leaving feeling educated about accessible communications and inspired to apply my knowledge immediately. (Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada)

Take Away 

Participants will be given a handout with reference to the content covered including step-by-step procedures.

Workshop Requirements

  • Laptop and a Computer Mouse
  • Microsoft Word 2016 or 2013
  • Acrobat Professional Version DC or 11

Technical Notes

  • Please ensure that your Acrobat Professional (not Reader) has been installed correctly within your Microsoft Word application.
  • We suggest you do any installations a day or two before the workshop to ensure it is working properly.
  • A USB key will be used to transfer class files to laptops – ensure this can be done on your laptop.
  • A computer mouse is recommended since it will assist in the use of keyboard shortcuts
  • MAC users are welcome but must have the newest version of Microsoft Office and Acrobat Professional DC

NOTE: Laptops are optional, however, they will be needed to participate in the hands-on exercises that complement the lecture.

Great tips and tools to aid in the process of making docs accessible. Looking forward to Part 2!  (Niagara Parks Commission)

Perfect! Met the level of accessibility training I need in my job and I learned a few new tricks.  (Ontario Government)

INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

  • High quality instruction by a Document Accessibility Specialist
  • Small class size (maximum 10 participants)
  • A Step-by-Step Reference Guide
  • Complimentary coffee and tea
  • A chance to network with other professionals
  • Digital Certificate of Completion

Accommodations

Accommodations available upon request.