Overview
New public websites and all content on those sites must meet WCAG 2.0 Level A requirements. All websites and content must initially meet Level A requirements and eventually Level AA. Ontario legislation states that unless it is not practicable, this requirement applies to all websites and content published on or after January 1, 2012. The requirement also applies to Web-based applications and to content controlled directly by uOttawa or through a contractual relationship that allows for changes to the content.
Who is subject to this standard?
- All contributors, providers, designers and developers of content for uOttawa intranet and extranet websites
Requirements
Beginning on January 1, 2014:
All new uOttawa websites and all content on those sites must meet WCAG 2.0 Level A requirements. All uOttawa Web content providers are responsible for ensuring that content meets all accessibility requirements
- The University of Ottawa’s Information Technology department is responsible for ensuring that the content management system commonly used by the University of Ottawa’s faculties and services allows the University to meet its legal requirements under Ontario’s laws for accessible websites
Beginning on January 1, 2021:
- All uOttawa websites developed after January 1, 2012, and all content on those sites must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements
Not required
- Archived pages posted before January 1, 2012, do not have to meet the accessibility requirements
- Live captioning and pre-recorded audio descriptions are exempt from WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements
Where can I learn more?
- uOttawa Accessibility Hub
- uOttawa Human Rights Office
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview
- Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES)
- A Guide to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (PDF)
- Government of Ontario accessibility laws information site
- Ontario Regulation 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards
IT assistance
Social media
Overview
The information posted on a social media platform must be as accessible as possible. Posting information on a social media site that does not support accessibility is authorized, but the post must include a link to an accessible version (inserted in the description at a minimum but preferably within the video or audio content).
Who is subject to this standard?
Requirements
All University content providers must provide and publish accessible content to the University of Ottawa’s official social media platforms, in as much as those external social media platforms allow.
Tips
What if the social media platform is not accessible?
You are not prohibited from posting content on a social media site that does not support accessibility, but the post must include a link to an accessible version (inserted in the description at a minimum but preferably within the video or audio content).
Where can I learn more?
IT assistance