WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

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Re: International Accessibility Laws and Standards

for

From: julian.rickards@ndm.gov.on.ca
Date: Nov 30, 2004 11:11AM

ODA was passed in December 2001 but Ministries of the Province of Ontario
had until December 31, 2002 to bring their web sites in compliance with
Priority 2 which was set as the standard to meet. I was one of those hired
to assist with this endeavour and have been able to maintain my position
here.

It should be noted, and any Canadians who know better should speak up, that
the Federal legislation does not extend beyond the Federal web sites, unlike
Section 508 which, if I remember what I have read, does at times extend to
college, university and other web sites which receive funding from a
particular envelope. Therefore, provinces may either enact similar
legislation to that of the Federal government, enact their own, or none at
all. It is my understanding that most provinces do not have legislation that
deals with web accessibility. I am however, uncertain as to the status of
the Territories who are under the jurisdiction of the Federal government.

Jules

-----Original Message-----
From: zara [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ]

Here is a little more info for Canada and France.

In Canada, the province of Ontario adopted the Ontarians with Disabilities
Act, 2001[1] on December 14th 2001.

Article 5 stipulates :

In deciding to purchase goods or services through the procurement process
for the use of itself, its employees or the public, the Government of
Ontario shall have regard to the accessibility for persons with disabilities
to the goods or services. 2001, c. 32, s. 5.

Article 6 stipulates :

The Government of Ontario shall provide its internet sites in a format that
is accessible to persons with disabilities, unless it is not technically
feasible to do so. 2001, c. 32, s. 6.