AODA – Information and Communications Standard

The Information and Communications Standards of the AODA list rules for organizations to create, provide, and receive information and communications that people with disabilities can access. The standards give all people an equal chance to learn and be active in their communities.

Accessible Formats and communication supports

Organizations must provide or arrange accessible formats and communication supports when providing information to people with disabilities, upon request. 

Accessible formats, sometimes called alternate formats, are ways of presenting printed, written, or visual material so that people with  can access it.  For instance, accessible formats include:

• Braille
• Large print
• Accessible digital files, such as:
  • Html
  • Microsoft Word
• Audio
• Text transcripts of visual or audio information

Communication supports are ways for people to access audio information visually. For instance, communication supports include:

• Sign language interpretation
• Writing, email, or texting
• Captions
• Audio description
• Assistive listening systems
• Augmentative or alternative communication devices, including:
  • Letter, word, or picture boards
  • Devices that convert text to speech
• Reading aloud
• Rephrasing in clear language

Accessible formats and communication supports must be given in a timely manner when requested. Moreover, organizations cannot charge more for accessible formats or communication supports than for the original format. Organizations should work with the person asking for the information to find out what format or support the person needs. If conversion to a certain accessible format or communication support is not technically possible, the organization must explain why and summarize the information.