What is Accessible Design

In light of proposed Ontario standards for accessibility in information and communications, there is an urgent need for guidelines and tools to achieve accessibility in every graphic design project. From Web Design to Cross-Cultural Design, this website aims to act as a tool that help to provide you with the resources required to transform your work so it can be accessed, understood and enjoyed by all audiences.

RGD Ontario enables change for people with disabilities

More than 1.85 million people in Ontario/4.4 million people in Canada have a disability. This number is on the rise as our population ages.

Accessibility is no longer an option. It’s a necessity.

The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario) is helping to lead the way to a more accessible province for everyone through a partnership with the Ontario government.

Through the EnAbling Change Partnership Program, RGD Ontario will work with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario to develop tools that will educate the design community on accessible design.

These resources, which will be finalized by June 2010, will help graphic designers meet requirements in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

“This partnership will help the graphic design industry to improve accessibility so people with disabilities have more opportunities to work, live, buy products and access services across Ontario,” says Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur.

Through this partnership, RGD Ontario will help make Ontario accessible by 2025.

“We are proud to play this important role to improve accessibility — it means more customers for our businesses and more talent for our workforce,” says Hilary Ashworth, Executive Director, RGD Ontario.

Do you have an accessibility success story you’d like to share? Tell your story by contacting RGD Ontario Access Ability using our online contact form.