Website accessibility is no longer just a recommendation — it’s a legal requirement in Canada. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) mandates that websites must be accessible to people with disabilities. Not only does compliance help you avoid fines, but it also improves user experience and boosts SEO. In this guide, we’ll explore what AODA compliance means, how to achieve it, and how Evergreen Digital Marketing uses AccessiBe to streamline the process for clients.
What is AODA?
The AODA was enacted to create a barrier-free Ontario by 2025, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to websites and digital content. The law aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), focusing on principles of:
- Perceivability: Ensuring that information is presented in a way that users can perceive, such as text alternatives for images.
- Operability: Making navigation and interface elements functional via keyboard or assistive devices.
- Understandability: Ensuring content is clear and easy to comprehend.
- Robustness: Content must be compatible with various assistive technologies.
For more information, visit the Ontario Government’s AODA Resources and WCAG 2.1 Guidelines.
Why AODA Compliance Matters for SEO
AODA compliance is more than a legal obligation — it’s also an SEO opportunity. Here’s how:
- Improved User Experience: Accessible websites provide a better user experience for all visitors, reducing bounce rates and increasing engagement.
- Increased Search Engine Visibility: Search engines favor sites with accessible content, as it is often more structured, organized, and keyword-optimized.
- Expanded Audience Reach: Making your website accessible opens it up to a broader audience, including those with disabilities, increasing traffic potential.
- Enhanced Reputation and Brand Image: Demonstrating commitment to inclusivity can strengthen brand credibility and foster customer loyalty.
Learn more about how accessibility affects SEO in this guide from Moz.
How to Ensure AODA Compliance on Your Website
- Audit Your Website:
Start by conducting a comprehensive audit to identify accessibility gaps. Tools like WAVE, Axe, and AccessiBe can scan for issues like missing alt text, improper heading structure, and keyboard navigation barriers. - Implement WCAG Guidelines:
Focus on core WCAG criteria, such as:- Text Alternatives: Ensure all images have descriptive alt text.
- Keyboard Accessibility: All interactive elements must be accessible via keyboard.
- Color Contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between background and text.
- Accessible Forms: Provide clear labels, instructions, and error messages for forms.
- Optimize Media and Content:
- Add transcripts and captions to videos.
- Provide alternative text for images.
- Ensure PDFs and other documents are accessible.
- Test with Assistive Technologies:
- Screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA)
- Speech recognition tools
- Keyboard navigation testing
- Create an Accessibility Statement:
- Include a statement outlining your commitment to accessibility, contact information for assistance, and feedback options for users encountering issues.
For a comprehensive checklist, refer to AODA’s Web Accessibility Requirements.
How Evergreen Digital Marketing Uses AccessiBe to Achieve AODA Compliance
At Evergreen Digital Marketing, we understand that ensuring accessibility is not a one-time task — it’s an ongoing commitment. That’s why we use AccessiBe to help our clients achieve and maintain AODA compliance effectively and efficiently.
How We Use AccessiBe:
- Automated Scanning and Remediation: We implement AccessiBe’s AI-driven platform to continuously scan websites for accessibility issues. The tool automatically adjusts alt text, form labels, and keyboard navigation.
- Custom Accessibility Interface: AccessiBe provides a customizable accessibility interface, allowing users to adjust font size, contrast, and other display settings to meet their needs.
- Compliance Certification and Reporting: We generate AODA and WCAG compliance reports for our clients, providing transparency and peace of mind.
- 24/7 Monitoring and Updates: AccessiBe scans the website every 24 hours, identifying new issues and providing updates to ensure ongoing compliance.
By integrating AccessiBe, we make it easier for businesses to provide inclusive digital experiences while minimizing the risk of legal action. Learn more about how we can help your business become AODA compliant by contacting us here.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
AODA violations can lead to significant fines:
- Up to $100,000 per day for corporations.
- Up to $50,000 per day for directors and officers of a corporation.
Additionally, non-compliance can result in legal action and reputational damage. Ensuring your website meets AODA standards is not just about avoiding penalties — it’s about fostering inclusivity and accessibility.
More information about AODA penalties is available on the Ontario Government’s website.
Conclusion: Make Accessibility a Priority
AODA compliance is more than a checkbox; it’s an opportunity to create a more inclusive online experience for all users. Implementing WCAG guidelines, auditing your website, and leveraging tools like AccessiBe can streamline the process and minimize risk.
Are you ready to make your website AODA compliant? Evergreen Digital Marketing can help you implement effective, sustainable accessibility solutions that benefit both your users and your business. Get in touch with us today.
