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06 / 04 / 2025

AODA Website Compliance: What Ontario Businesses Need to Know

Web Design Web Development

Website accessibility rules in Ontario aren’t new, but many businesses are still catching up.

Since January 1, 2021, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires certain organizations to ensure their public websites are accessible to people with disabilities. Let’s walk through what AODA website compliance really means, who it applies to, and how to make your website more accessible for everyone.

What is AODA Website Compliance?

The AODA became law in 2005, with the goal of making Ontario fully accessible by 2025. One of its five mandatory standards is The Information and Communications Standard, which focuses on how information is shared physically and digitally.

AODA website compliance means your public-facing site must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA. These global standards ensure that websites can be accessed and used by people with a wide range of disabilities.

Do I Need AODA Compliance for My Website?

You need to meet AODA website requirements if you are a designated public sector organization or a private business or non-profit with 50 or more employees.

The rules cover all public website content published after January 1, 2012. Even if your website was built ages ago, if you’ve added new pages, blog posts, PDFs, or media since that date, they must meet current AODA web accessibility rules.

What Happens if a Business Is Not Compliant with AODA Web Requirements?

Failing to comply with AODA can result in serious consequences, including substantial fines. Individuals and unincorporated organizations found guilty of a major offence under the Act may face penalties of up to $50,000 per day for each day the violation continues. For corporations, the maximum fine can reach $100,000 per day. Beyond financial penalties, non-compliance can also damage your reputation and lead to a loss of customer trust.

How to Make a Website Accessible for People with Disabilities

Complying with AODA web accessibility guidelines doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A good first step is to evaluate your website using free tools like the WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool.

From there, you can begin addressing the core AODA website requirements, starting with the essentials:

  • Include alt text for images so screen readers can describe them
  • Use clear, legible fonts and high contrast for readability
  • Be navigable using just a keyboard
  • Provide captions or transcripts for audio and video content

While meeting WCAG 2.0 Level AA is mandatory under the Information and Communications Standard, there are a couple of exceptions: live video doesn’t need captions, and pre-recorded video doesn’t require audio descriptions.

Taking these steps not only helps with web accessibility but also improves your user experience for everyone who visits your site.

Check out our guide on web accessibility and WCAG levels.

Need Help With AODA Web Accessibility?

If you’re an Ontario business or organization unsure where to begin with web accessibility, we’re here to help. At Array, we design and develop beautiful, accessible websites that meet AODA website requirements. Whether you’re updating an existing site or starting from scratch, we’ll help you create a digital experience that’s inclusive, user-friendly, and fully aligned with Ontario’s website accessibility standards.

Let’s Get Started!

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