AODA Compliance Deadline Fast Approaching: Key Information and Steps for Retirement Communities in Ontario
As managers and stakeholders of retirement communities in Ontario, it's crucial to stay informed and prepared for upcoming legislative deadlines, specifically regarding the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
The AODA's aim is to create a more accessible Ontario by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for people with disabilities, and it includes critical compliance dates that directly impact our communities.
Upcoming Deadline: December 31, 2023
Who Needs to File an AODA Compliance Report?
All businesses in Ontario, including retirement communities, with 20 or more employees must file an Accessibility Compliance Reporting Form every three years. The next due date for this Compliance Report is December 31, 2023. For organizations with fewer than 20 employees, other AODA obligations remain, though filing this particular report isn't one of them.
Why It Matters?
Web and Multi-Year Planning Requirements
For larger organizations (with 50 or more employees), there's an emphasis on online accessibility. Since January 1, 2021, these organizations must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Level AA. This involves ensuring your digital content is accessible to all, including those with disabilities. Additionally, developing a multi-year accessibility plan is part of your obligations.
Compliance Report: A Closer Look
A Full Compliance Report includes more than online accessibility requirements. We highly encourage you to read more about that on the AODA website. Completing the Compliance Report requires that you confirm that all provided information is accurate, and it must be signed by a management member. A director of human resources or equivalent executive is often best suited to lead this task.
Public and Private Sector Compliance
Public-sector organizations have a biennial reporting requirement, while private sectors, including most retirement communities, report every three years. It’s important to remember: there will be no extensions beyond December 31, 2023.
What Should You Do?
How We Can Help: Get a Fully Accessible Website in Minutes!
Preparing for AODA compliance might seem overwhelming, but you're not alone in this journey. Digital Seniority offers a Free Compliance Audit and an introduction to our partner's innovative AI web accessibility solution.
We will help you streamline your process, ensuring you not only meet the compliance deadline for online accessibility.
Web Accessibility done manually requires a significant outlay of web development investment and constant upkeep. Through AI technology you not only gain a compliant website instantly, your website is kept compliant automatically at a fraction of the cost.
Through our partnership with accessiBe, we proudly offer a 10% discount off their listed sales price with a 7-day free trial. Moreover, we provide additional hands-on support, making your website's transition to full web accessibility as seamless as possible.