The financial benefits of accessible design

There are a lot of reasons to jump aboard the accessible design bandwagon. Accessible design will make your business and your work more… well, accessible. And as such, you’ll reach more people. Of course, you could always argue that keeping accessibility in mind is the ethical choice. But putting that aside, did you know that accessible design is now mandated by law? That’s right. And if you don’t get in line, you just might find yourself on the wrong side of the law, and out of pocket in fines and redesign fees.

Here’s the deal: Back in 2005, the provincial government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). According to the Guide to the AODA, standards in the Act apply “only to a person or organization that does at least one of the following activities:

• provides goods, services or facilities


• employs people in Ontario


• offers accommodation


• owns or occupies a building, a structure or a premises


• plays a part in a business or other activity that the regulations may identify."

In other words, the standards apply pretty much to every organization.

So far, the standards have not been fully enforced, but according to a recent article in Design Edge magazine, that’s soon to change.

By the end of 2011, enforcement will go into effect and if you don’t comply, you may face fines.

Besides avoiding possible fines, the financial benefits of moving forward with accessible design now are significant. You’ll avoid redesign costs down the road. After all, it’s always better to do these things right the first time. Nyman Ink remains an early adopter and applier of accessibility standards and if you’re not sure where to begin, don’t fret. We’re well-poised to help. First, check out the Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario’s Access Ability handbook. One of our web-design projects is featured to give you an idea of what an accessible site looks like.

And of course, you should also have a look at your print materials, to ensure they are also accessible.

Getting a handle on accessible design and all that it entails (from consciousness of red/green colour blindness to the inclusion of Braille, to environmental considerations) might seem complicated, but your current materials might not be as far off the mark as you fear. nmchughen [at] nymanink [dot] com (Drop us a line) if you’d like help evaluating your current site, brochure, or annual report. And read up on the AODA. Implementing accessible design now will save you time and money later.