What are the AODA website compliance requirements checklist?

• Posted by Riley Claire February 6, 2023 Filed in Technology #website AODA compliance  #accessibility testing  #AODA  313 views
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  Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a specific law that makes it mandatory for all the businesses (specific governmental and non-governmental) that fall under the  Ontario region to make their website or application accessible. To ensure that AODA is implemented effectively and productively by organizations, the AODA website compliance checklist should be used. In this article, you will get to know about the AODA website compliance checklist.
  
  

  

   

  What is the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)?

  AODA came into effect in 2005 for the purpose of ensuring that all Ontarians (including disabled people) have equal access to facilities, resources, services and products including those that are available online. Effective accessibility testing is also one of the key factors that can serve the purpose.
  
  

  The purpose of the AODA website compliance checklist:

  The objective of the website AODA compliance checklist is to ensure that all the aspects of this act are clear and simple to use and hence it’s not exhaustive or extensive. However, the key aspects of website AODA compliance are covered in this checklist.
  
  

  AODA Website Compliance checklist:

  1. The site should be compatible with assistive technologies: Assistive technology is required by many people to engage and access your site including keyboard navigation and screen readers. The legal requirements for web accessibility mention that the website needs to be compatible with the technology.
  
  

  2. Charts, tables and forms should be simplified using labels: Clear instructions and labels are needed by many disabled users to engage with specific elements of the site. Charts, tables and form fields need to be clearly labeled to provide visitors with an experience that is accessible.
  
  

  3. Correct color contrast ratios need to be applied: Websites should have a color contrast ratio of at least 3:1 for larger text and 4:5:1 for larger text as per the AODA color compliance.
  
  

  4. Bulleted and numbered lists need to be incorporated: If the content needs to be made easier to scan and read using assistive technology, it in turn helps in incorporating bulleted and numbered lists where it makes sense to do so.
  
  

  5. Think about CAPTCHA: Generally, CAPTCHA codes are visual in nature. But, if there are visually impaired people, then there should be availability for audio alternatives.
  
  

  6. Captions and Alt Text should be added: Website visitors should be able to engage with every website element including videos, audio files and images. The alternative text needs to be added to captions and images in audio and video files. The option of stopping audio output at any point in time should be provided to users.
  
  

  7. The tab eye functions should be enabled: People with neurocognitive conditions and mobility conditions often use eye-tracking devices for the purpose of engaging with online content. When specific parts of a screen are looked at by a visitor then a visitor can use on-screen keyboards, input fields and other technology that can be used by disabled users.
  
  

  8. Flashing content should be removed or limited: Flashing content can prove to be an issue for a certain group of users, hence, it is important to limit it to 3 seconds or less or remove it completely.
  
  

  9. Navigation should be standardized: The menu should be kept simple and across all pages, it should be standardized. In this manner, visitors can easily understand and can know what they can expect. 
             

  10. Zoom functionality is tested: If the user is using “zoom” functionality to zoom in on any elements or any of the text then the team should ensure that it does not become distorted. Visitors should be able to easily zoom on any elements of their interest that can be zoomed.
  
  

  Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing accessibility testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a globally acclaimed software testing services company that will provide you with a strategic testing blueprint that is in line with your project-specific requirements.