Web Accessibility: What is it and Why You Should Care

Are you searching for information on web accessibility? Not sure what you need to do to comply with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)? Look no more. This website is a hub of information geared to HR managers, business owners and anyone else seeking information on accessible websites.

What is Web Accessibility? A Free Executive Summary

Need a quick overview? We’ve put together a great summary of what you need to know to bring you up to speed on accessibility and the AODA.

Download our Free Executive Summary at the right of this page.

Why Care about AODA?

The AODA mandates accessible websites for larger organizations with 50 or more employees. But all organizations, no matter what size, will benefit from an AODA compliant website due to a number of reasons:

  • Better search engine optimization
  • Faster loading times
  • “Don’t make me think” flow
  • Well structured code resulting in quicker and less costly future updates
  • Prevents exclusion of valuable markets

Decision Makers: Request Your Website Be Built to WCAG 2.1 AA Standards

Can you tell if a website is built well? Most people can’t. For that reason hiring suppliers can be difficult and costly.

To ensure a well built website, request your website be built to web standards. Get it in writing.

We recommend that standard you request be WCAG 2.1AA. Although large companies will be required to adhere to WCAG 2.0 AA after January 1, 2021, we recommend you request WCAG 2.1AA. Why? Because it’s 2021. 2.0 is desktop only. It’s already old. 2.1 brings in accessibility for mobile as well as desktop.

Finally, many advertise that they build websites. But, not all are equal. Determine their skill level through your questioning. For example, ask what their process is for ensuring the websites they build are accessible. Agencies that don’t have processes won’t be able to answer. Those that do will probably talk your ear off, they’ll be so thrilled someone asked. Choose wisely.

Want to learn more?

You’ll find what you’re looking for on this site!