AODA stands for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It's legislation aimed at making all aspects of public life in Ontario more accessible to people with disabilities. For businesses, this means ensuring your services, including your digital platforms, are accessible.

Most businesses operating in Ontario, especially those with 50 or more employees, are required to be AODA compliant. This includes both public and private sectors.

Compliance deadlines vary based on the size of your organization and the sector you operate in. Generally, there have been several key deadlines since 2011, with new standards introduced periodically.

Non-compliance can result in penalties ranging from fines for your business to personal fines for directors or officers of corporations.

Digital accessibility involves designing your website and digital content so that it can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. This includes considerations for visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.

You can start by following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA, which is a part of AODA's Information and Communications Standards.

Yes, there are several tools and services available online that can help evaluate your website's accessibility, such as WAVE or the Axe accessibility checker.

Common barriers include lack of alt text for images, inadequate contrast ratios, reliance on mouse-only navigation, and videos without captions or transcripts.

Yes, the AODA standards apply to mobile applications as well as websites.

There are very few exemptions, mostly related to the size of the organization or the nature of the content. It's best to consult with an AODA expert to understand if any exemptions apply to you.

Regularly audit your digital content, provide staff training on accessibility, and establish policies for maintaining accessibility in new content.

Beyond legal compliance, making your services more accessible can expand your customer base, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance your brand's reputation.

The Government of Ontario provides guides and resources. Additionally, there are private consultants and non-profit organizations that specialize in accessibility services.

AODA is legislation that requires compliance with accessibility standards, including digital accessibility. WCAG provides detailed guidelines on how to make web content accessible.

It's a good practice to review your website at least annually or whenever you make significant updates to your digital content.

Address the complaint promptly, review the accessibility issue mentioned, and make necessary adjustments. Keeping a record of complaints and actions taken is also advisable.

There have been various programs and incentives offered by government bodies and private organizations to help businesses improve accessibility. It's worth researching current opportunities.

An Accessibility Report is a document that organizations are required to file with the government, detailing their compliance with AODA standards. Requirements vary by business size and type.

Your online store must be navigable and usable for customers with disabilities, which includes accessible product descriptions, checkout processes, and customer service options.

You can contact the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario or seek assistance from professional consultants who specialize in AODA compliance and web accessibility.