The AODA has requirements for web accessibility, as well as requirements for the procurement of self-service kiosks. However, the third review of the AODA recommends that future AODA standards should align with existing standards in other parts of the country.
For instance, Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) has adopted European standards for accessibility in information and communication technology (ICT). Future AODA standards may include some or all of these guidelines and requirements to make ICT products and services more accessible. In this article, we explore guidelines in the federal standards for accessible documentation.
Accessible Documentation
Any ICT product must include documentation that explains the product’s accessibility features. Some products integrate documentation in the features of the products. For example, as someone uses a self-service kiosk, step-by-step instructions could tell the user how to proceed. Once the ICT recognizes that the person is using assistive technology, the instructions could include guidance specific to that technology. For instance, the ICT could tell someone using voice recognition which words or phrases will lead to the next step of the transaction. Similarly, if someone uses a keypad with tactile features, the ICT could tell the person which button to press to continue or cancel a transaction.
Alternatively, other products offer documentation that is external to the product, such as:
- An accessibility statement or help page
- A manual in a separate document
- A user guide on a website
- Instructions in hard copy print or Braille
Documentation within or outside a product should explain how to use all accessibility features. These features may be part of the product, or available through assistive technology. For example, some web browsers include features for people to enlarge text. On the other hand, a browser may not include this feature, but be compatible with screen magnification software.
ICT Support Services
In addition, people should be able to receive information about the accessibility of ICT products from ICT support services. For example, ICT support services include:
- Training services
- Technical support
- Help desks
- Call centres
- Relay services
Staff of these support services should know how to help people who have questions and need to learn more about the accessibility of the products they use. Moreover, staff should know how to communicate with customers in ways that take their disabilities into account.
Furthermore, documentation from a product or a support service should conform to requirements for accessible websites and documents. This documentation may also be available in other formats that are less accessible, such as hard-copy print. In addition, documentation can be available in formats that are accessible to certain readers, such as Braille or plain language. However, documentation must be accessible in at least one web or electronic document format.