Plain-English guides
All our guides, in one place
We write these to answer the questions a regular Ontario business owner actually asks — in normal words, with the sources, and without the scare copy. Start with whichever one fits your situation. Every guide ends with the same free website check.
Who has to meet Ontario's website rules
Start hereWho the website rule actually covers — 50-plus staff and the whole public sector — which standard it names, and what it leaves out.
The WCAG 2.0 AA rules in four plain questions, and an honest note on which parts a scan can check for you and which parts still need a person.
The December 31, 2026 report
Due Dec 31, 2026Who files the accessibility compliance report, what it covers at your size, and where a website check honestly fits.
AODA fines and enforcement, honestly
The honest versionThe statutory maximums, the everyday penalty grid, why there's no meaningful enforcement, and the four things that actually create pressure.
Accessibility “overlay” widgets, honestly
Before you buyWhat the FTC settlement, the lawsuit data and accessibility specialists have actually put on the record about overlay widgets.
Accessibility rules in Ottawa
City guideHow the rules land on Ottawa businesses, the City as a public body, and the federally regulated organizations in town.
Accessibility rules in Toronto
City guideThe biggest market in the province — the City, the TTC, and why procurement is the real local lever.
Accessibility rules in Mississauga
City guideHead offices, the Region of Peel, and the federally regulated players near Toronto Pearson.
Accessibility rules in Hamilton
City guideHealthcare and education anchors, a mostly business-to-business base, and how procurement flows downhill from the big public buyers.
Accessibility rules in London
City guideInsurance and finance, two hospital systems, Western and Fanshawe — and who you're likely selling to.
Software, insurance and campuses — polished products, and marketing sites that quietly miss the basics.
Where this comes from
- O. Reg. 191/11 (Integrated Accessibility Standards) — ontario.ca/laws
- How to make websites accessible — ontario.ca
- Completing your accessibility compliance report — ontario.ca
We keep the wording on this page no stronger than the sources above. Nothing here is legal advice — check your obligations with a lawyer or at ontario.ca.
See where your site stands
A free, plain-English accessibility check — up to 25 pages, results in about 10 minutes. No account.
Check my website — free