AODA Compliance: Steps to Achieve Accessibility by 2025

As the 2025 deadline for full compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) draws near, organizations across sectors are focusing on meeting the required accessibility standards. With wide-reaching impacts across public, private, and non-profit sectors, it's essential to understand the steps involved in becoming fully AODA-compliant.

I am going to outlines the technical requirements and practical steps that organizations should take to ensure they meet the 2025 deadline for accessibility.

Understanding AODA Compliance

The AODA aims to make Ontario accessible by eliminating barriers for people with disabilities. It applies to all public and private organizations with 50 or more employees, as well as the non-profit sector. The act mandates compliance in several areas, including:

• Customer Service: Accessible customer service policies and training for employees.

• Information and Communications: Ensuring information is available in accessible formats (digital and non-digital).

• Employment: Establishing accessible recruitment, hiring, and workplace policies.

• Transportation: Accessible public transportation services.

• Design of Public Spaces: Ensuring buildings, walkways, and other spaces are accessible.

Steps to Achieve AODA Compliance

1. Assess Your Current Accessibility Status Start with a comprehensive accessibility audit. This includes evaluating physical spaces, digital platforms (websites and mobile apps), customer service policies, and employment practices. For digital assets, conduct a website audit using Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA, the standard mandated by AODA.

2. Develop a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Organizations must create a multi-year plan that outlines the steps to meet AODA standards. This plan should be publicly available and updated regularly. It should cover all aspects of accessibility: customer service, information and communication, employment, and public spaces.

3. Ensure Digital Accessibility One of the critical areas where organizations fall short is digital accessibility. Follow these steps to ensure your websites and digital platforms are compliant with WCAG 2.0 AA standards:

4. Provide Accessible Customer Service Training is key. Ensure your staff are trained in accessible customer service practices, including:

5. Ensure Employment Accessibility Accessibility doesn't stop at customer-facing services. Review recruitment, hiring, and workplace policies to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities. This includes:

6. Physical and Built Environment Accessibility Under AODA, the design of public spaces must be accessible. This includes:

7. Create Accessible Communications All public information should be accessible, including:

8. Engage with People with Disabilities Direct input from people with disabilities is invaluable. Involve them in the development and testing phases of accessibility initiatives. This can include focus groups, user testing for digital tools, and feedback on customer service practices.

9. Monitor and Report on Accessibility Progress AODA compliance is an ongoing process. Organizations are required to file accessibility reports at regular intervals, demonstrating their progress. Regular internal reviews of your accessibility plan are crucial to ensure continuous compliance and address any new barriers that may arise.

Meeting AODA compliance by 2025 is not just about adhering to legal requirements—it's about creating an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of ability. By taking these practical steps, organizations can ensure they are ready to meet the deadline while enhancing their services, workplace, and public spaces to accommodate all.

Investing in accessibility is an investment in broader customer engagement, improved employee satisfaction, and long-term sustainability. If your organization hasn’t started its compliance journey yet, now is the time to act.