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AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation – Information & Communication Standard Policy

Intent

This policy is intended to meet the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11 for the Information and Communications Standard set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This policy applies to the manner in which DAC Group communicates with the public in the province of Ontario.

Definitions

Accessible Formats – may include but not limited to large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille and other formats usable by persons with disabilities.

Communication Supports – may include but not limited to captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications.

Conversion Ready – an electronic or digital format that facilitates conversion into an acceptable format.

Information – includes data, facts and knowledge that exists in any format, including text, audio, digital or images, and conveys meaning.

Internet Website – a collection of related Web pages, images, videos or other digital assets that are addressed relative to a common Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and are accessible to the public.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines – refers to the World Wide Web Consortium Recommendation, dated December 2008, entitled “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.”

General Principles

In accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11, this policy addresses the following:

  1. Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
  2. Accessible Websites and Web Content
  3. Emergency Procedures, Plans or Public Safety Information
  4. Exceptions
  5. Feedback

A. Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

As of January 1, 2016, upon request DAC Group will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities in a timely manner and at no additional cost to the individual. DAC Group will take into account the person’s accessibility needs when customizing individual requests.

B. Accessible Websites and Web Content

As of January 1, 2021 all departments governed by DAC Group will make its web content conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 at Level AA. Web content includes any information which resides on an internet web site.

C. Emergency Procedures, Plans or Public Safety Information

If DAC Group prepares public emergency procedures, plans or public safety information we will provide the information in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports as soon as practicable, upon request.

D. Exceptions

The Information and Communications Standard does not apply to products and product labels; unconvertible information or communications; or information that DAC Group does not control directly or indirectly through a contractual relationship. If DAC Group determines that information or communications are unconvertible, DAC Group will provide the person requesting information or communication with the following:

  1. An explanation as to why the information or communications are unconvertible;
  2. A summary of the unconvertible information or communications;
  3. Information is regarding as unconvertible if it is not technically feasible to convert the information or communications; or if the technology to convert the information is not readily available.

E. Feedback Process

As of January 1, 2015 DAC Group’s processes for receiving and responding to feedback will be accessible to persons with disabilities through the provision of accessible formats and communications supports, upon request. DAC Group will notify the public about the availability of these accessible formats.

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