The Goal of AODA

Under the new AODA rules, there are four principles one must consider when providing services: independence, dignity, integration, and quality of opportunity. Our software ensures these core principles are achieved.

The importance of AODA Compliance for Website Owners

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a law passed in 2005 that sets out a process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards.

Under the AODA, the government must create accessibility standards that businesses, non-profit, and public sector organizations must follow. Implementing and enforcing these standards will help us work together to make Ontario more accessible and inclusive by 2025.

The Scope of the Problem

How Many People Are Disabled?

In Canada, 18% of the population lives with a disability, making it difficult to view websites. This is expected to rise to 20% by 2036.

But Less Than 4% of All Websites Are Accessible! This creates a huge disparity adversely impacting those who have a disability that impairs their ability to view and interact with websites.

Try It Yourself

Click on the Handicap Icon. The accessibility options menu will appear.

VIDEO: Web Accessibility From a User's Standpoint

Accessibility from a users standpoint

VIDEO: Summary of the Accessible Canada Regulation

Summary of the Accessible Canada Act - ASL Version

AODA Covers Websites

The law includes standards for Information and Communication so that organizations make their information accessible. The law states that all websites conform to the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The current minimum standard is WCAG 2.0 Level AA

Who Must Meet This Standard?

Public and Private Sector Organizations, including

  • The Government of Ontario and the Legislative Assembly
  • Public Sector Organizations
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Commercial Businesses

Public Sector Organizations include: 

  • school boards
  • hospitals
  • colleges and universities
  • public transportation

Lookit Design’s Solution for AODA Compliance

Lookit Design uses a web-based solution on any website platform and content management system. The accessibility solution connects with a fully managed SaaS (software as a service) platform on Amazon Web Services (AWS), the largest global cloud computing platform. The service is provided through a subscription. 

Using Lookit Design’s solution, you can be sure that your website complies with the latest AODA standards. The solution uses AI-assisted technology (Artificial Intelligence) to automatically scans your website and continuously make changes and adjustments to ensure compliance. This includes adding alt text to images, improving navigability, and more accessibility features. AccessiBe’s solution is always up-to-date with the latest AODA standards, so you can be confident that your website will always be compliant. Lookit Design can transform any website into an AODA-Compliant site, giving special tools for visually-impaired visitors and those with other disabilities, including motor skills impairment, ADHD, and Epilepsy. All site visitors can see your Accessibility Statement, which is updated daily.

Ready to Start? 

If you’re ready to make your website AODA-compliant, Lookit Design can help. Schedule a free 30-minute virtual consultation. The consultation includes a scan of your website and a complimentary report with an accessibility score and a list of areas for improvement, which can be helpful when completing the AODA accessibility reports required by the Province of Ontario.

Report Filing Deadline

The law establishes a reporting requirement and a specific timetable for businesses and organizations to inform the government.

January 1, 2021
Initial Report Deadline
Organizations with 50 or more employees residing in Ontario must submit their initial accessibility compliance report.
January 1, 2021
June 30, 2021
First Report Deadline
Organizations with 20 - 49 employees residing in Ontario must file their initial accessibility compliance report.
June 30, 2021
December 31, 2023
Business 2nd Report
All business or non-profit organizations with 20+ employees must file a complete accessibility compliance report.

Organizations include:
  • private businesses and partnerships
  • employment agencies
  • retail organizations
  • restaurants
  • wholesale manufacturing
  • construction companies
  • charity foundations
  • all other organizations that are not ‘designated’ public sector organizations
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2023
Public Sector 2nd Report
Designated Public Sector Organizations, municipalities and other organizations must file a complete accessibility report.

Public Sector includes: 
  • school boards
  • hospitals
  • colleges and universities
  • public transportation
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2025
Public Sector Supplemental
Designated Public Sector Organizations, municipalities and other organizations must file an updated accessibility report. and every 2 years thereafter.
December 31, 2025
December 31, 2026
Business Supplemental
All business or non-profit organizations with 20+ employees must file an updated accessibility report by this date, and every 3 years thereafter.
December 31, 2026

How to Submit a Compliance Report

How To File Your Compliance Reports