Free Resources

When you start designing for accessibility, remember that you need to consider the law, timelines, and technical requirements. You can find many free resources on the internet to help you create accessible material. Government websites and educational institutions offer tips and help clarify information. I use the following resources:

Accessibility Websites

25 Accessibility Testing Tools

  • The Dynomapper website includes a blog post that evaluates 25 Accessibility Testing Tools.
  • Tips: It ‘s a good idea to try more than one accessibility testing tool because not all testing tools reveal the same problems . For example, you can test two different websites and get slightly varying results. Read reviews for each of the tools and determine which ones are free and which require payment.

About Accessibility Laws

  • The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) web pages are found on the government of Ontario About Accessibility Laws website. This site explains the law, the overall plan for Ontario, and your requirements. It basically covers the who, what, when, where, and why of accessibility. The site includes a brief history of accessibility in Ontario and explains how accessibility regulations got started in 2005 and where we are headed by 2025. The site contains links to the AODA and current updates or changes.
  • Tip: Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the information on this government website. It covers five areas of accessibility including transportation and public spaces. Scan the web page for information pertaining to creating accessible material. Read the Information and Communications Standards in part 2 for information about accessible material.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Access Forward

  • The Access Forward website provides free training modules regarding accessibility. The modules are provided by the Ontario government.
  • Tip: The modules cover all accessibility laws and not just accessible material. If you don’t have time to look at them all, view the information and communications standard module.

Accessibility Laws Information Page

  • The Ontario Government Accessibility Laws Information Page is found on the government of Ontario website. This section provides an overview of the requirements of different types of institutions. It explains the regulations for businesses of different sizes and organizations of various types. You can sign up for a newsletter or register for accessibility sessions.
  • Tip: If you’re not sure which regulations apply to your business, send them an information request. You want to talk to someone in the legal field when it pertains to legal matters because you are responsible for complying with the law. As a consultant, I can guide you to information or offer suggestions but I cannot give you legal advice.

Essential Accessibility

  • The Essential Accessibility website has information for both Canadians and Americans including impending deadlines. This site gives a good overview of how to create accessible websites and presents the current 2018 deadlines on the front page. It also points out that technical requirements may be updated in the middle of 2018.
  • Tip: This website focuses on accessible websites and might not include all of the information you need to create accessible material.

Free Accessibility Software

  • The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in the United Kingdom provides a list of Free Accessibility Software that you can use to test your site for accessibility.
  • Tip: You can try out software for different things like magnification or screen reading. Some software you can use online but other software you need to download to your computer. Read reviews online and ask other people what they use.

Monetary Penalties

  • The Monetary Penalties website outlines the infractions and the related penalties for each in Ontario, Canada.
  • Tip: Although the information on this page is very interesting, please note that it was posted in 2011 so some of the dates and monetary amounts may have changed. You can sign up with the website for updates.

W3C Accessibility Testing Tools

  • The Word Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has a list of available Accessibility Testing Tools.
  • Tip: The W3C does not recommend any particular tool. However, they do provide a list of criteria for selecting a tool.

 

Accessibility Checklist

Coming soon!

Like anything else, accessible design takes time to learn. The internet is full of helpful information but if you would like to speed up the process, get help from those already designing with an accessibility mindset. Contact me for more information at info@michelebrannonhamilton.com.