To Table of Contents
participate socially and economically ,” adds Demers .
Together , CNIB Frontier Accessibility and Craft & Crew have partnered to provide businesses with expert information about the accessibility of their digital properties , with an added lens on design and user experience .
Who benefits ?
People with disabilities use technology – like telephones , smart TVs , websites , mobile apps , software , and interactive service screens – every day . They have the right to do so freely without barriers and have equal access to information , products and customer services online . Many people have invisible disabilities or may not selfidentify as having a disability . Populations are aging and people will continue to need simple , clear and effective interactions and communication . Cognitive disabilities and diverse neuroabilities such as dyslexia , autism , ADHD and dyspraxia are being recognized in youth earlier .
Being accessible helps everyone
An accessible website must go beyond ensuring proper colour contrast for users surfing the web . While Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ( WCAG ), are promoted across Canada , the province of Ontario has the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act ( AODA ). It ’ s an act that aims to ensure that Ontarians living with disabilities have equitable access to goods and services , digital materials , accommodations , employment , buildings , premises , and more .
The act aims to level the playing field for people with disabilities and is based on the international standards set by WCAG . AODA plays an especially important role in the push for accessibility , as it is part of a larger provincial goal of making Ontario accessible by 2025 . Craft & Crew also recently partnered with Siteimprove , a software provider who offers accessibility checks and tools , to hold a webinar on AODA guidelines for B2B businesses . See the recording
here .
When universal design is prioritized , everybody wins .