AODA Website Compliance: Understanding the Accessibility Law in Canada
What Is AODA?
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is Ontario's accessibility law. It ensures organizations remove barriers so everyone - including people with disabilities - can access services and information.
For websites, AODA compliance means meeting WCAG 2.2 AA standards to provide an inclusive, easy-to-use online experience.
Who Must Comply with the AODA Accessibility Standards?
AODA applies to public sector bodies in Ontario and most private and nonprofit organizations with employees in the province. If you operate a website that serves Ontarians or receives Ontario funding, you are expected to meet AODA web accessibility requirements and file required accessibility reports when applicable.
How Does AODA Relate to WCAG 2.2 AA?
AODA uses the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines as the benchmark for web accessibility. Meeting WCAG 2.2 Level AA is the accepted standard for AODA website compliance. Aligning to WCAG 2.2 AA improves real-world access and helps you satisfy legal expectations in Ontario.
What Are the Main AODA Website Accessibility Requirements?
To comply with AODA and WCAG 2.2 AA, ensure your digital content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
- Provide alt text for meaningful images and icons.
- Maintain sufficient color contrast and readable text sizes.
- Support full keyboard navigation and visible focus states.
- Add captions for videos and transcripts for audio.
- Use clear headings, labels, and error messages in forms.
- Export accessible PDFs with tags, reading order, and alt text.
How to Make Your Website AODA-Compliant Step-by-Step
- Audit: scan pages and review templates against WCAG 2.2 AA.
- Fix: remediate code, content, PDFs, and media issues.
- Test: validate with keyboard only and common screen readers.
- Monitor: recheck new releases and key templates regularly.
- Document: keep accessibility statements and reporting up to date.
Why AODA Compliance Benefits Your Organization
Accessible websites reduce legal risk in Ontario, improve user experience, and reach more customers. Clear structure, faster navigation, and better text alternatives also support SEO and conversions. Investing in AODA compliance builds trust and demonstrates a commitment to inclusion across Canada.
AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) Explained in Simple Terms
This video explains how the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) ensures digital accessibility by breaking down its core principles for all viewers to understand easily.
How to Test for AODA Compliance (Free Tool)
The easiest way to check if your website meets AODA and WCAG 2.2 AA standards is to run a quick accessibility scan. Automated testing tools help detect issues like missing alt text, low color contrast, or keyboard barriers.
Start by using tabnav's Free Accessibility Checker. It instantly analyzes your site for accessibility problems and provides clear steps to fix them - helping you stay compliant with AODA and build a more inclusive website.
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