AODA Information and Communications Standards Compliance Guide for Vendors
This webpage serves as a guide to understanding compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Information and Communications Standards for vendors working with the City of Vaughan. It aims to provide vendors information on their obligations regarding accessible communication practices and resources to support their efforts in achieving compliance.
Understanding AODA Information and Communications Standards
Overview
The AODA Information and Communications Standards aim to make information and communication accessible to people with disabilities. This includes formats such as websites, documents, multimedia and other forms of communication.
- Purpose: The standard aims to remove barriers and ensure equal access to information for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities.
- Applicability: It applies to all designated organizations, including vendors, that provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the City of Vaughan.
- Principles: Accessibility principles include perceivability, operability, understandability and robustness.
Requirements for vendors working with the City of Vaughan
Scope of compliance:
- Vendors must ensure all communications, including documents, webpages and multimedia, that are posted on behalf of the City of Vaughan, meet the accessibility requirements outlined in the AODA Information and Communications Standards.
- Compliance extends to all stages of communication, from creation to delivery.
Documentation and reporting:
- Vendors must maintain documentation demonstrating efforts to comply with accessibility standards.
- Reporting requirements may vary, but vendors should be prepared to provide evidence of compliance upon request.
Training and awareness:
- Vendors are responsible for training employees involved in creating or disseminating communications on accessibility standards.
- Increasing awareness among staff about accessibility issues and the importance of compliance is crucial.
Tips for ensuring compliance
Accessibility testing:
- Regularly test communications for accessibility using tools such as screen readers, color contrast checkers and keyboard navigation.
- Conduct audits to identify and address accessibility barriers.
User feedback:
- Encourage feedback from users with disabilities regarding the accessibility of communications.
- Actively incorporate user feedback into improvements to ensure ongoing accessibility.
Continuous improvement:
- Stay updated with changes in accessibility standards and guidelines.
- Implement a process for ongoing evaluation and improvement of accessibility practices.
Resources and support
Accessibility guidelines:
Contact Information
Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer – Accessibility
Phone: 905-832-2281
Fax: 905-832-8575
Email: accessibility@vaughan.ca
Location:
Vaughan City Hall, Level 100
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request.