WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

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Re: International Accessibility Laws and Standards

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From: julian.rickards
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