AODA - Information and Communications Standards Policy

Revision #:	Rev2.1	Document ID:	125
Last Updated:	2026-02-06	Status:	Published

Description

Tyndale is committed to the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity described in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely manner.

Purpose

Provide a framework within which accessibility plans and initiatives are to be created in order to achieve the goal of improved accessibility for persons with disabilities, specifically with regard to the Information and Communications Standards in the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation.

Scope

This policy applies to all Tyndale Community Members.

Exceptions

Special collections, archival materials, rare books and donations are exempt from this requirement.

Terms and Definitions

Term	Definition
Accessibility Committee	a committee set up to create policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation.
Accessible	capable of being entered or reached, approachable; easy to get at; capable of being influenced, obtainable; able to be understood or appreciated.
Community Member	includes full-time and part-time faculty and staff (including student workers), instructors, secondees, volunteers, contractors, consultants and students.
Disability	any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis amputation, lack of physical coordination, blindness or visual impediment deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device; a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability; a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language; a mental disorder, or an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997;
The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation	is a set of regulations enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) establishing accessibility standards to be complied with in the areas of information and communication, employment, and transportation.
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)	are the recommendations of the World Wide Web Consortium (the international standards organization for the World Wide Web).

Regulations

Policy Provisions

Training
- Tyndale community members will receive accessibility awareness training through Tyndale’s online in-service training program.
- Faculty will receive additional training by Tyndale's Accessibility Services so they can create inclusive environments in their classrooms and increase the opportunities for learning for students with disabilities.
- Web accessibility training will be provided for all Community Members who have access to post website content.
- Training records will be maintained for all community members.
Emergency Procedures, Plans, or Public Safety Information
Tyndale’s emergency response procedures and plans required by law will consider the needs of persons with disabilities and will be made available in an accessible format or with communication supports, upon request.
Accessible Websites and Web Content
Tyndale will develop all websites and website content in compliance with the Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.0 Level AA standard. All in-page components will be developed to adhere to WCAG 2.0 Level AA and include variable heading size options where required, other than success criteria 1.2.4 Captions (Live) and success criteria 1.2.5 Audio Descriptions (Pre-recorded).
- All new content templates will undergo accessibility audits prior to use.
- All new website content will undergo an accessibility audit prior to being posted to the website.
- Accessibility audits of previously posted website content will be completed on an ongoing basis and corrections will be made where errors are detected.
Automated accessibility tools will be provided for non-technical users for simplified testing and a deeper understanding of accessibility issues.
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
Tyndale will provide accessible or conversion-ready formats of digital, multimedia, print resources and materials, including course and training materials, student records, and program information, upon request by any member of the public, including students, with disabilities.
Accessible Feedback Process
- Feedback regarding the manner in which Tyndale provides accessible formats and communication supports to people with disabilities can be provided using the Accessibility Standards Feedback Webform.
- Feedback can also be provided in person, by telephone, through email, or by other means as appropriate.
  
  Employees should contact Human Resources:
  Address: Tyndale University 3377 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M2M 3S4
  Telephone: 416 226 6620 – Ext. 2234
  E-mail: hr@tyndale.ca
Students should contact the Accessibility Specialist:
Address: Tyndale University 3377 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M2M 3S4
Telephone: 416 226 6620 – Ext. 2189
E-mail: accessibilityservice@tyndale.ca

All feedback received will be evaluated by the Accessibility Committee and the relevant department(s). If an individual provides their name and contact information, Tyndale will follow up with a response within 5 business days.

Primary Author / Owner

HR Director
hrdirector@tyndale.ca