Supporting a culture of accessibility
Many nonprofit organizations serve and engage with vulnerable populations, so it’s no surprise that accessibility – in all its definitions – is of high importance to the sector. The resources below can help you understand the practices to make your organization accessible to people of all ages and abilities and help you comply with requirements under The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Accessibility Resources
Understanding Accessibility
- The Government of Ontario: Accessibility
- Podcasts from ONN’s first EnAbling Change project
- Accessibility Ontario
- A Way with Words and Images: Suggestions for the portrayal of people with disabilities
- Accessibility rules for businesses and nonprofits
- Releasing Constraints: Projecting the Economic Impacts of Increased Accessibility in Ontario
- Independent Living Canada
Accessibility Laws
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
- Accessibility Standards for Customer Service
- Integrated Accessibility Standards
- The Ontario Human Rights Code
- The Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA
Compliance & Reporting
- Timeline: Accessibility rules for businesses and nonprofits
- Accessibility Ontario: Compliance Timeline
- How to Complete your Accessibility Compliance Report
Employment & Training
- Business Benefits of Accessible Workplaces
- Employers’ Toolkit: Making Ontario Workplaces Accessible
- Access Forward: Training for an accessible Ontario
- Brock University: Myths About Hiring People with Disabilities
- Globe and Mail: How workers with disabilities give companies an edge
- Ontario Disability Employment Network: Dispelling the Myths
- Tips for Creating a Culture of Accessibility for Volunteers with Disabilities
- Accessibility Resources for Volunteer Management
Meetings & Events
- Planning Accessible Events
- A Guide to Accessible Public Engagement
- Guide to Conducting Accessible Meetings
- Guide to Planning Inclusive Meetings
- Checklist for Creating Accessible Presentations
- Canadian Hearing Services Accessibility Services including captioning and interpreting services
Built Environment
- Design of Public Spaces Standard
- Ontario Building Code
- Pathways to Recreation
- Webinar: Accessibility & the Built Environment
- DeafBlind Ontario Services: Guidelines for Sensory Loss
- The Illustrated Technical Guide to the Accessibility Standard for the Design of Public Spaces
Information and Communications
General
Graphic Design
- RGD: Graphic Design for a more Accessible World
- RGD: A Practical Handbook on Accessible Graphic Design
Electronic Documents
- Tip sheets and other guides for creating Accessible Electronic Documents
- Accessible Digital Office Documents
Print Documents
Website Compliance
- Making your website more accessible
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
- WebAIM: Web accessibility in mind
- Ontario Trails Council: Guide for Accessible Web Design
- 5 Infographics on Web Accessibility for Designers
Web accessibility checkers
Resources for Bilingual Nonprofits
The following list provides links to accessibility organizations and resources that are available in French:
- Government of Ontario
- Access Forward
- Canadian Hearing Society
- Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
- Ontario Human Rights Commission
- Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD)/ Le Conseil des Canadiens avec déficience (CCD)
- Independent Living Canada
- Community Living Ontario
- Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC)
- Conference Board of Canada: Employer’s Toolkit
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Le Phénix
- Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA). Guide to Conducting Accessible Meetings; Guide to Accessible Public Engagement
