The first review of the AODA’s Information and communications Standards became public in 2020. In this review, the AODA Information and Communications Standards Development Committee outlines improvements to make information and communications accessible for people with disabilities by 2025. The Committee recommends changes to the Information and Communications Standards, to identify, remove, and prevent accessibility barriers in information. In addition, the Committee recommends an alternative system for developing, updating, and enforcing AODA standards. This new system would affect the Information and Communications Standards, as well as other existing and future standards. This article will discuss the Committee’s recommendations for a definition of educational and training institutions.
A Definition of Educational and Training Institutions
Several requirements in the Information and Communications Standards apply to educational and training institutions. For example, the Standards require:
- Accessibility training for educators
- Accessible textbooks and other learning resources, including school library resources
The Standards classify certain organizations as educational institutions, such as:
- Public and private schools
- Colleges and universities providing courses that lead to degrees or diplomas
In addition, the Committee states that other organizations, in the public and private sectors, provide formal education and training. However, the Information and Communications Standards do not require these organizations to provide accessibility training or accessible learning resources. As a result, these organizations may not meet the accessibility needs of students or trainees with disabilities.
In a survey for its initial report, the Committee asked the public for examples of educational and training organizations. According to the survey, educational and training institutions not currently covered under the Standards include organizations that:
- Issue learners with certificates at the end of courses or programs
- Provide tutoring
- Offer recreational learning programs, such as:
- Art
- Music
- Physical activity
- Charge fees for training
- Have education or training departments serving external clients
Therefore, the Committee recommends expanding the definition of educational and training institutions to include more organizations. As a result, these organizations would need to meet the accessibility needs of students and trainees with disabilities.