Your business may already meet legislative accessibility requirements, but the tools below provide useful tips and information that can take you beyond minimum legal requirements and help to better serve and attract more people with disabilities and their families.
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Resource links
Accessibility fundamentals
Universal design
- The 7 Principles of Universal Design – 7 principles compiled by advocates of universal design, funded through The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research U.S. Department of Education (The Centre for Universal Design, North Carolina University).
Ontario.ca ministry fundamentals
- AODA Toolbox – Online subscription to the ministry’s monthly newsletter where you can read about accessibility news in Ontario, access helpful tools and resources, and learn about upcoming deadlines.
- Rules for businesses and non-profits – Learn about the rules that businesses and non-profit organizations must follow to meet accessibility standards.
Human rights and social
- Ontarian Human Rights Code Resources – Training modules, brochures, and policy guides.
- Accessibility standards checklist – A self-assessment tool that will allow your organization to identify the requirements that apply to your organization.
Service and training
Online training
- AccessForward.ca – Free online training portal with modules and videos that you can use to train your staff on Ontario’s accessibility laws.
Downloadable PDF resources
- Making Your Business Accessible for People with Disabilities (PDF download) – Guide developed by the Conference Board of Canada helps small businesses employ and serve people with disabilities, attract customers and improve services.
- Planning Accessible Events: So Everyone Feels Welcome (PDF download) – Brochure with low-cost and no-cost tips for accessible events that can be used to create an inclusive place of business where customers with disabilities feel welcome.
Housing and built environments
Housing and residential
- Accessible Housing by Design (PDF download) – The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
- Elements for Accessible Housing (PDF download) – The CSA Group based on CSA/ASC B652:23, Accessible dwellings standard.
Facilities
- Canadian Standards Association CAN/CSA-B651 – Accessible design for the built environment standard which specifies technical requirements on how to make buildings and the exterior built environment accessible and safe for people with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities to use.
- Facility Accessibility Design Standards (PDF download) – A technical design document used by City of London staff to enhance accessibility beyond the minimal requirements. FADS is used when planning and designing municipal facilities as an aid to remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities.
- Facility Accessibility Design Manual (PDF download) – The City of Guelph manual for accessible design of facilities.
Digital accessibility
Websites and digital content
- How to make websites accessible
– Learn how to make new and existing websites accessible for people with disabilities.
Web users and digital assistive technology
- Stories of web users – User stories representing the experiences of some people with disabilities.
- Perspectives videos – Web accessibility is essential for people with disabilities and useful for all. Learn about the impact of accessibility and the benefits for everyone in a variety of situations.
Employment and hiring
Retail
- EnAbling Retail for Accessible Employment (PDF download) – Retail Council of Canada’s guide features tips and templates to help you find, hire and support employees with disabilities under Ontario’s accessible employment standard.
