Accessibility Consulting

By January 1, 2021, all public websites and web content in Ontario posted after 2012 will need to be AODA “AA” compliant. With hefty penalties for a non-compliant site, build a web presence using Inclusive design principles.

What we do best

We have helped companies assess their digital accessibility
and bring about new training, planning and roadmapping the path to compliance.

Development Assessments for AODA violations

action plan to become WCAG 2/AODA compliant

Training your next accessibility champion

Development Assessments for AODA violations

Ensuring your digital platforms comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is crucial for inclusivity and avoiding legal pitfalls. Our development assessments rigorously audit your website or app to identify AODA violations and pinpoint accessibility barriers. Using the latest tools and expert analysis, we deliver a comprehensive report that highlights issues, their impact, and practical steps for remediation, enabling your team to build more accessible experiences.

Action plan to become WCAG 2/AODA compliant

Achieving compliance with WCAG 2.1 and AODA doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We create tailored action plans designed to guide your organization through the compliance process. From prioritizing fixes to introducing best practices for sustainable accessibility, our step-by-step strategies help you meet legal requirements while enhancing usability for all users, including those with disabilities.

Training your next accessibility champion

Empower your team to lead accessibility initiatives with our Digital Accessibility Champion training. This hands-on program equips developers, designers, and project managers with the knowledge and skills to integrate accessibility into every phase of the digital development lifecycle. By fostering a culture of accessibility, you’ll build a team capable of creating inclusive, user-friendly experiences that align with AODA and WCAG standards.

What is Inclusive Design?

In a world of stairs, let’s build ramps.

Stairs are cheaper but have limits. They work for the majority of people, but not all. Ramps take a bit more planning and budget than stairs but can be used by everyone.

Picking ramps when stairs will do is an inclusive design choice. People who use stairs don’t even notice a ramp. People who use ramps will absolutely notice it’s not stairs.

  • Accessible design is good design.

  • Good design is rarely noticed.

The true R.O.I. from accessibility is to not only make your website more accessible but to also market to people with disabilities using accessibility as a market differentiator.

Inclusive design methods (designing with rather than for excluded users) can create elegant solutions that work well and benefit all.

Common AODA Questions

Need Answers?

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, or AODA , aims to identify, remove, and prevent barriers for people with disabilities.

Government of Ontario

https://www.aoda.ca/the-act/

If you’re in Ontario, most likely.

The requirements and deadlines you need to follow depend on the type and size of your organization. You are exempt if you are self-employed and do not have employees. We can help you navigate digital compliance issues for the following sectors:

What some companies don’t know is that they already need to be compliant! Don’t get caught with a beautiful website, but it’s not accessible to a majority of Ontarians.

  • Beginning January 1, 2014: new public websites, significantly refreshed websites and any web content posted after January 1, 2012, must *meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level A *

  • Beginning January 1, 2021: all public websites and web content posted after January 1, 2012, must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA other than criteria 1.2.4 (live captions) and 1.2.5 (pre-recorded audio descriptions)

* “Accessibility rules for businesses and non-profits” (Source: https://www.ontario.ca/page/accessibility-rules-businesses-and-non-profits)

Not yet.

WCAG 2.0 was published in 2008, and the latest iteration — WCAG 2.1 — was published ten years later, in 2018. WCAG 2.2 is expected to be published in 2023, and WCAG 3.0 is still a few years away. One of the primary goals of WCAG is “harmonization” — to provide a comprehensive, globally-recognized set of standards, which is crucial to making online content more accessible everywhere.

Depending on the region or country, there may be laws and regulations requiring businesses to make their digital content accessible to people with disabilities. Non-compliance can lead to legal consequences.

Let

All

Customers

Reach You

Many businesses don’t know that they’re required to be “AA” compliant as of January 1st, 2021.

  • Get an assessment for AODA violations

  • Get an action plan to become WCAG 2/AODA compliant

  • Let’s build some ramps

Let's find out...

Are you doing enough?

Web accessibility is a cornerstone of inclusive design. It ensures that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with websites effectively. From individuals with visual impairments who rely on screen readers to those with motor disabilities who utilize alternative input methods, accessibility considerations empower users to access information and engage with your website seamlessly.

To achieve an accessible website, it is crucial to adhere to widely recognized guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for addressing accessibility concerns and creating a more inclusive digital environment.

Inclusive website design goes beyond accessibility; it focuses on creating an exceptional user experience for all visitors. By considering your target audience’s diverse needs and preferences, you can tailor your website to accommodate various user profiles, ensuring that everyone feels valued and engaged.

Adaptive Design for Dynamic Experiences

Adaptive design plays a pivotal role in providing personalized experiences to different users. Your website can adapt seamlessly to various devices, screen sizes, and interaction methods by leveraging responsive layouts, flexible content structures, and intelligent technologies. This adaptability ensures a consistent platform experience, enhancing user satisfaction and minimizing frustration.

Visual Appeal with Universal Appeal

Visual design elements significantly contribute to the overall user experience. When designing an inclusive website, creating visually appealing interfaces that accommodate individuals with different visual abilities is essential. Consider providing high-contrast options, clear typography, and alternative text for images, enabling users to perceive and appreciate your content regardless of their visual capabilities.

Streamlined Navigation and Information Architecture

Navigating a website should be intuitive and effortless for all users. A well-structured information architecture and clear and concise navigation menus allow individuals to locate desired information efficiently. Implementing descriptive link texts, breadcrumb trails, and search functionalities empowers users to find what they need quickly, enhancing overall satisfaction and reducing user abandonment.

Embracing inclusive website design not only demonstrates your commitment to accessibility and user experience but also yields tangible business benefits. Here are some key reasons why investing in inclusive design can give you a competitive edge:

Expanding Your Audience Reach

Creating an inclusive online environment extends your reach to a broader audience. Individuals with disabilities, their friends, families, and supporters are a substantial market segment that values companies that prioritize inclusivity. Catering to their needs through an inclusive website design can increase traffic, engagement, and conversions.

Boosting SEO Performance

Search engines, like Google, prioritize websites that provide a great user experience and valuable content. An inclusive website design aligns with these ranking factors, making it more likely for your website to appear higher in search engine results. By outranking competitors, you gain greater visibility, attract more organic traffic, and strengthen your online presence.

Building Brand Reputation and Loyalty

Inclusivity is a core value that resonates with users. When individuals feel welcomed and valued on your website, they are more likely to form a positive perception of your brand. Word-of-mouth recommendations, social media advocacy, and repeat visits from satisfied users contribute to building a solid brand reputation and fostering customer loyalty.