Introduction
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is one of North America's first comprehensive accessibility laws. Passed in 2005 and progressively implemented since, the AODA requires all organizations serving the public in Ontario—including private businesses, non-profits, and government—to remove accessibility barriers and make digital content accessible. Unlike federal accessibility laws, the AODA is proactive and prescriptive, requiring ongoing accessibility improvements rather than only addressing complaints. Organizations can face penalties of up to $100,000 per day for non-compliance.
What is AODA?
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is Ontario provincial legislation that mandates barrier removal in all sectors. It covers private businesses, non-profit organizations, public sector bodies, and public transportation systems. The AODA requires organizations to treat accessibility as an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time project. All organizations must: Official information: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (Ontario e-Laws)
Develop accessibility policies
Create accessibility plans
Report on progress annually
Provide feedback mechanisms
Technical Requirements: WCAG 2.0 Level AA
The AODA Information and Communication Standard requires web content meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA accessibility standards. Learn more: WCAG 2.0 Quick Reference
All new websites must be WCAG 2.0 AA compliant
Existing websites must be remediated to WCAG 2.0 AA
Web applications and digital tools must be accessible
PDF documents must be tagged and accessible
Video content must have captions and audio descriptions
4.5:1 color contrast for text (minimum)
Keyboard navigation throughout
Screen reader compatibility
Perceivable: Content must be distinguishable from background
Operable: All functionality keyboard accessible
Understandable: Clear language and predictable navigation
Robust: Compatible with assistive technologies
Scope and Coverage
The AODA applies broadly to organizations operating in Ontario that provide goods, services, or facilities to the public. Compliance requirements by organization size: Ontario AODA Compliance Guide
Private businesses (all sizes)
Non-profit organizations
Educational institutions
Healthcare providers
Government agencies
Public transportation (Metrolinx, TTC, etc.)
Any organization with 50+ employees
Microenterprises (fewer than 50 employees) have extended timelines
Some government services covered under different requirements
Undue hardship provisions (rarely granted)
Compliance Timeline and Deadlines
The AODA has progressive implementation deadlines that have largely passed, but ongoing compliance remains mandatory:
January 1, 2012: All new websites must be WCAG 2.0 A compliant
January 1, 2014: All websites must be WCAG 2.0 AA compliant
January 1, 2015: Public websites fully accessible
All digital content must maintain WCAG 2.0 AA compliance
New websites/content must be accessible from launch
Accessibility statements required on websites
Annual progress reporting mandatory
Feedback mechanisms must be in place
Enforcement and Penalties
The AODA is enforced by the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Accessibility Standards Development Council (now Service Ontario). Non-compliance carries significant penalties. Filing a complaint: Ontario Human Rights Commission
Daily fines up to $100,000 for individual violations
Daily fines up to $100,000 for corporate violations
Orders to remediate accessibility barriers
Injunctions preventing business operations
Public reporting of non-compliance
Complaints filed with Ontario Human Rights Commission
Ministry of Labour investigations
Private civil lawsuits for damages
Proactive compliance inspections (rare)
Steps to Achieve AODA Compliance
Organizations operating in Ontario should implement a structured accessibility program: AODA implementation resources: Ontario AODA Standards
Audit all websites and digital content against WCAG 2.0 AA
Identify accessibility barriers
Assess organizational capacity
Set realistic remediation timeline
Develop accessibility policy
Create multi-year accessibility plan
Allocate resources and budget
Assign accessibility coordinator
Publish accessibility statement
Fix identified accessibility issues
Train staff on accessibility
Update procurement policies
Establish feedback mechanisms
Maintain accessibility in new content
Regular accessibility audits
Respond to accessibility feedback
Annual reporting and updates