AODA testing- What do you need to know?

 The accessibility standards lay the foundation of the inclusive and diverse digital landscape of businesses. Different regions have different accessibility guidelines for ensuring inclusive digital content based on the respective audience needs. One such accessibility act is AODA. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) aims to create accessible Ontario by 2025.


This write-up delves into the role of AODA testing for ensuring smooth compliance and inclusivity in digital content. We’ll go through the basics, its types, and dedicated steps focusing on its complete process for optimizing the benefits of this testing.



AODA testing- What is it?

AODA or the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act was enacted in 2005 with the motive to achieve accessibility for Ontarians by 2025. It mandates accessibility standards for the built environment, transportation, employment, communications, information, and customer services. AODA serves people suffering from different impairments by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility while promoting equal participation in society.


AODA compliance testing is the dedicated testing process focused on the evaluation of the accessibility standards set by the AODA Act. The purpose of this testing is to focus on information, communication, customer services, employment, transportation, and the built environment.


Types of AODA testing

After having a quick overview of AODA testing, below are it different types adopted according to the digital content needs:


  • Website accessibility testing

It covers the assessment of the website to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It covers checking for different features like keyboard navigability, alternative texts, subtitles, captions, and compatibility with assistive technologies.


  • Document accessibility testing

It evaluates the accessibility of digital documents like Word documents, PDFs, and others. Further, it covers verifying the documents to have proper alternative text, reading order, readable fonts, and proper headings.


  • Software and application accessibility testing

It covers dedicated AODA testing of different software and applications for accessibility standards. It covers ensuring proper color contrast, compatibility with the screen readers, and navigability using a keyboard.


  • Hardware and device accessibility testing

It refers to testing the physical devices and equipment to ensure that these are usable by people suffering from impairments. It covers the evaluation of compatibility with alternative input methods, ergonomics, and tactile indicators.


  • Compliance audits and reporting

AODA compliance testing helps to assess compliance with AODA standards and documentation of the findings and recommendations for remediation purposes. Not to miss is reporting the accessibility efforts and progress toward compliance management.


Process of AODA testing

Moving ahead, here are the key steps defining the process of AODA testing:


  • Step 1: Preparation for AODA testing

To start with, the first step covers the identification of the applicable standards based on the company’s size and type. The different resources for testing are allocated along with the timelines.


  • Step 2: Initiating the testing process

It conducts the initial assessments using automated testing tools. It is accompanied by manual testing to verify the results and address the common accessibility issues.


  • Step 3: Reporting of testing results

AODA compliance testing must focus on documenting findings, prioritizing the remediation, and categorizing the issues by severity. Reporting capabilities cover maintaining records for auditing and compliance reporting.


  • Step 4: Accessibility remediation measures

Moving ahead, it is essential to address the key accessibility issues based on priority. It covers the active participation of the developers, content creators, and designers to implement the accessibility fixes.


  • Step 5: Validation of testing

It covers the re-testing of the digital assets to confirm the accessibility fixes and offer end-to-end compliances. It covers soliciting feedback from people suffering from different impairments. It helps in real-world validation of the accessibility fixes.


Summing Up

To sum up, AODA testing is an essential component for achieving a fully accessible Ontario by 2025. It covers systematic evaluation of the hardware, software, websites, and documents to ensure high levels of accessibility. 


Not to miss is that embracing the AODA testing is much beyond the regulatory compliances and is focused on the creation of an inclusive society ideal for the participation of a wide audience.



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