Is your housing organization fully AODA compliant? With approximately 1 in 4 Ontarians living with a disability and penalties reaching up to $100,000 per day for serious violations, ensuring compliance isn't just the right thing to do – it's essential for your organization.
This comprehensive checklist covers the key areas where housing providers need to meet AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) requirements.
Why AODA Compliance Matters for Housing Providers
Beyond avoiding substantial penalties, AODA compliance ensures that:
- All tenants can access your services equally, regardless of ability
- Your communications reach everyone in your community
- Your digital platforms serve all users effectively
- You demonstrate commitment to inclusion and equity
- You attract and retain a diverse tenant base
Digital Accessibility Checklist
Your website and digital platforms must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards:
Website Requirements
- Keyboard Navigation: All features accessible via keyboard alone (Tab, Enter, Arrow keys)
- Focus Indicators: Visible outlines showing which element is focused
- Alt Text: Descriptive text for all images and graphics
- Color Contrast: Minimum 4.5:1 ratio for normal text, 3:1 for large text
- Headings Structure: Logical hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3) for screen readers
- Form Labels: Clear, associated labels for all input fields
- Link Text: Descriptive text (not "click here")
- Error Messages: Clear identification and correction guidance
Documents & PDFs
- All PDFs tagged for screen reader accessibility
- Alternative formats available (Word, HTML, large print)
- Reading order properly structured
- Tables with proper headers
- Forms with fillable fields and labels
Communication Accessibility
Tenant Communications
- Multiple format options (email, phone, in-person, mail)
- Plain language wherever possible
- Clear, sans-serif fonts (minimum 12pt)
- Sufficient white space and margins
- Translation services for non-English speakers
Emergency Communications
- Accessible emergency notification systems
- Visual and auditory alarms
- Clear evacuation procedures
- Backup communication methods
Physical Accessibility
While physical accessibility requirements vary based on building codes and timelines, consider:
- Barrier-free entrance and pathways
- Accessible parking spaces
- Elevators and ramps where multi-level
- Accessible washrooms in common areas
- Visual and tactile wayfinding signage
- Accessible meeting and amenity spaces
Policy & Training Requirements
Required Policies
- Accessibility Policy: Documented commitment to accessibility
- Multi-Year Accessibility Plan: Goals and action items
- Feedback Process: How tenants can report accessibility barriers
- Service Animal Policy: Welcoming service animals
- Support Persons Policy: Allowing support persons to accompany tenants
Staff Training
- All staff trained on AODA requirements
- Training on how to interact with people with various disabilities
- Training on use of assistive devices
- Training on accessible customer service
- Training records maintained
Tenant Services
- Application process accessible in multiple formats
- Accommodation requests process clearly communicated
- Maintenance request system accessible
- Tenant portal (if applicable) fully accessible
- Community events with accessibility considerations
- Accessible payment options
Testing & Monitoring
Compliance isn't a one-time achievement – it requires ongoing attention:
- Regular website accessibility audits (automated and manual)
- Tenant feedback collection and response
- Annual accessibility plan review and update
- Staff training refreshers
- New content/feature accessibility review before launch
Common Mistakes to Avoid
"The most common mistake is assuming compliance is complete after initial website updates. AODA is an ongoing commitment that requires attention whenever you add content, create documents, or modify services."
Other frequent issues include:
- Removing keyboard focus indicators for "aesthetics"
- Using images of text instead of actual text
- Posting inaccessible PDF documents
- Not providing alternative formats upon request
- Inadequate staff training
- No clear process for tenants to request accommodations
Getting Started: Your Action Plan
If you're not sure where your organization stands:
- Conduct an Audit: Review website, documents, communications, and policies
- Prioritize Fixes: Address high-impact, high-risk issues first
- Create a Plan: Document goals, timelines, and responsibilities
- Train Staff: Ensure everyone understands requirements
- Implement Changes: Make improvements systematically
- Test and Monitor: Verify effectiveness and maintain compliance
Resources
Need help ensuring compliance?
- AODA Standards: ontario.ca/accessibility
- WCAG Guidelines: w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/quickref
- Web Accessibility Testing: wave.webaim.org
At AI Advantage Solutions, we specialize in helping Ontario housing providers achieve and maintain AODA compliance. From website accessibility audits to staff training and policy development, we make compliance straightforward and sustainable.
Contact us to discuss your AODA compliance needs and ensure your organization is serving all Ontarians equally.