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Abilities Centre employs the highest accessibility practices at our facility through the design of our facilities and the development of our programs. We also prioritize accessibility in the digital sphere by complying to the highest AODA web standards.

Our digital journey as an organization is focused on the needs of our community members and visitors and in providing them with the best possible online experience.
The design, development and principle purpose of this website is based on the fundamental value we place on inclusion and accessibility within our digital communications. Our website is a virtual lab that will continue to evolve and enhance as we lead in the delivery of accessible content, information and services online.

What does an accessible website mean to Abilities Centre:


What are the AODA standards?

By law, a private, public, or non-profit organization with 50+ employees must meet Ontario’s website accessibility requirements by January 1st, 2021. (Ontario, 2018). These requirements are formatted by level and are referred to as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The must current version is WCAG 2.1. There are 13 standards that are organized under 4 principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. For each guideline, there are testable criteria, which are at three levels: A, AA, AAA.


Why use an accessible website?

An accessible website is vital to promoting our core value and mission statement of creating an inclusive atmosphere for people of all ages and abilities. This mission is just as important to pursue in the digital sphere as it is at our physical facility. Our vision is to implement not only an AODA compliant site but to exceed the regulations and incorporate additional strategies to offer our members the most inclusive digital experience possible. Further, we aim to set a new standard for information and communication technology accessibility.


The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requires public websites to meet the criteria for WCAG 2.0 Level A. We will aim to exceed this requirement to offer a leading edge, accessible platform that surpasses the minimum standards.

How does Abilities Centre’s website meet web accessibility standards?
Our website was designed according to WCAG 2.0 Level AA. We prioritize the following practices:

  • Screen Resolution

    • Our website is designed to respond to the size of your device’s screen (both desktop and mobile). Resize your browser to suit your needs.

  • Images

    • We provide alternative text for those who use screen readers to read the information on the page. Graphics that purely decorative in function have a empty ALT attributes to prevent them from displaying on screen readers. 

  • Distinguishable Content

    • Our content is designed to have contrast to separate the background from the foreground. This adheres to W3C Accessibility Guidelines.

  • Navigation

    • We provide a highly navigable site to allow for clear navigation from page to page. We also offer a detailed sitemap to ensure users can find the information they require.

  • Closed captioning and/or text files for audio/video content

  • Keyboard accessible content

    • Our site is designed to allow users to navigate through the use of their keyboard

  • Predictable webpages

    • Our web pages appear and operate in predictable ways (e.g. labels positioned to maximize predictability).

How to Use the Site?

Keyword Search
Many web browsers allow you to find text within a web page by searching for web pages by keyword.

  • For Windows operating systems, press Ctrl and F

  • For Mac operating systems, press Cmd and F

Magnify the Site
Most web browsers allow you to zoom in on web pages using simple keyboard controls. The magnifier allows you to focus on specific parts of the screen, enlarging the text and other page elements.

  • For Windows operating systems, press Ctrl and + to zoom in on a web page (Ctrl and – to zoom out)

  • For Mac operating systems, press Cmd and + to zoom in on a Web page (Cmd and – to zoom out)

Customize the Mouse Pointer
You can customize a computer mouse pointer in several ways. For example, you can slow down the speed of the mouse pointer for easier handling. You can also change its appearance so that it contrasts more with the screen content.
Learn how to change mouse settings for Windows operating systems:

Learn how to change mouse settings for Mac operating systems:

More Information About Digital Accessibility

Feedback

At Abilities Centre, we value your feedback. Please share your thoughts and questions about our facility and our website. We always aim to offer the most accessible information possible.

Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

Abilities Centre will provide accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities, upon request. Accessible formats may include large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, Braille and other formats used by persons with disabilities.

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