Which Provider to Choose for AODA and Canadian Accessibility Law Compliance?

• The 2026 AODA declaration is mandatory for organizations with 20+ employees in Ontario.
• No provider can file the report on your behalf: it is a self-certification.
• Prices range from 690 CAD/year to over 6,000 CAD depending on service level and audit depth.
• Some providers include manual audits, others offer widgets or automated kits.
• Beware of hidden fees: retests, support, or training may be charged separately.
• Significant fines exist for non-compliance or false declarations.

Updated 1 November 2026 · 9 sources checked

Providers compared

Prices as published on each provider's website on 1 November 2026, excluding VAT unless stated. Each row links to its source.

What the Law Requires: AODA and Canadian Accessibility Law Obligations

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) imposes specific obligations on businesses and non-profits operating in Ontario. Sections 4 to 19 of the law and regulation O. Reg. 191/11 define thresholds and requirements. Any organization with 20 or more employees in Ontario must file a compliance report by December 31, 2026, and then every three years. This report is a self-certification signed by an executive. Obligations vary by size:

• 20 to 49 employees: Written accessibility policy, staff training, accessible feedback process, alternative formats on request, mandatory compliance report.
• 50 employees and more: All above plus: published multi-year plan reviewed every 5 years, public website and content compliant with WCAG 2.0 AA (except live captions and audio description), individual accommodation plans and documented return-to-work process.

These requirements apply to any organization employing staff in Ontario, regardless of headquarters location. Web obligations cover all public content published after January 1, 2012. Non-compliance penalties can reach 100,000 CAD/day for a company and 50,000 CAD/day for an executive (sections 21–25).

Any failure, false declaration, or lack of evidence can trigger investigation and immediate sanctions. It is crucial to keep all supporting documents (policy, plan, audit report, training evidence, etc.).

How to Choose Your Provider: Essential Criteria and Comparison Table

Choosing a provider depends on several factors: organization size, site complexity, budget, desired support level, and evidence requirements. A file signed in Ontario (e.g., AccessibilityStatement.org) provides local probative value. Manual audits are recommended for transactional or complex sites, while widgets or automated scans suit simple or low-risk sites.

• Local vs international provider: An Ontario-based provider understands local requirements and can provide a locally signed file.
• Manual vs automated audit: Manual audits detect complex barriers and provide detailed reports, while automated solutions (AI widget, scan) offer a quick but incomplete first analysis.
• Support and documentation: Some providers draft policy, plan, and evidence file; others provide only a technical report or compliance badge.
• Price and transparency: Check package details: page count, retests, support, monitoring, training, etc.

Tip: favor providers offering a complete file, locally signed, and clearly detailing inclusions and exclusions.

What the Price Really Includes: Detailed Analysis and Hidden Fees

AODA compliance offers vary widely in price and content. Some packages include only an automated scan or widget, others a full manual audit, document drafting, training, or technical support. Here's how to decode pricing:

• Manual vs automated audit: Manual audits (e.g., PDV Expert, CodexMotive, A11y Consultants) cost more but provide detailed, defensible reports. Automated solutions (e.g., Accessibility Compliance Canada, AODACheck) are cheaper but less comprehensive.
• Included documentation: Some providers draft policy, multi-year plan, and evidence file (e.g., AccessibilityStatement.org), others provide only a technical report or badge.
• Support and monitoring: Technical support, ongoing site monitoring, or retests are often extra (e.g., CodexMotive, A11y Consultants).
• Training: Access to training platforms or e-learning modules may be included or not depending on the package (e.g., Accessibility Compliance Canada).

Common hidden fees:

• Retests charged separately after fixes
• Limited or paid technical support
• Monthly or annual monitoring fees
• Remediation or code fixes not included

Example: AccessibilityStatement.org offers a single price (890 CAD/year) with no per-page or retest fees, and renewal at the same rate. Other providers charge initial audit plus separate monitoring or remediation. Always request a detailed quote, especially for complex sites or extended support needs.

How the Service Works: Steps, Checklist, and Practical Tips

AODA compliance follows a structured process, adaptable by provider. Typical steps and a practical checklist to ensure nothing is missed:

1. Verify headcount: Precisely count your employees in Ontario (full-time, part-time, seasonal). Thresholds of 20 and 50 employees determine your obligations.
2. Choose provider: Select based on organization size, risk level, and budget. Prefer a local provider for a file signed in Ontario.
3. Website audit: Order a WCAG audit (manual or automated). Complex or transactional sites require thorough manual audits.
4. Document drafting and collection: Prepare or update your accessibility policy, multi-year plan (if 50+ employees), training evidence, and audit file.
5. Barrier correction: Apply audit recommendations. Some providers offer technical support or retests.
6. Obtain signed file: Receive a complete, locally signed file including all supporting documents.
7. File report: An internal executive signs and submits the report via Ontario's official portal before December 31, 2026.
8. Archive and monitor: Keep all documents and stay alert to regulatory changes.

Checklist to follow today:

1. Count your employees in Ontario.
2. Identify obligations based on thresholds.
3. Gather existing policies and plans.
4. Order an audit or scan.
5. Fix identified barriers.
6. Obtain signed file.
7. File report before deadline.

Plan ahead: a full manual audit and barrier correction can take several weeks.

Risks, Sanctions, and What Providers Don’t Always Say

Non-compliance with AODA exposes you to major financial and legal risks. Sanctions under law (sections 21–25) include:

• Fines up to 100,000 CAD/day for a company
• Fines up to 50,000 CAD/day for an executive or individual
• Immediate administrative sanctions for false declarations or missing reports

Filing the report is self-certification: no prior audit is required, but authorities may demand proof of compliance anytime. In case of a client or employee complaint or inspection, you must provide policy, plan, audit report, and training evidence. A file signed by a local provider facilitates defense, but final responsibility rests with the signing executive.

What providers don’t always say:

• The report must be signed and filed by an internal executive, never by a provider.
• AI widgets do not replace manual audits for complex or transactional sites.
• Support, monitoring, or retest fees may apply after the initial audit: read terms carefully.
• Provider liability is often contractually limited: in disputes, defense depends on file quality.
• There is no official AODA "certification" issued by government or private parties: any such claim should be treated cautiously.

In summary, the best protection is a complete, locally signed file and up-to-date documentation kept for at least three years after each filing.

Decision: Who Needs What? (Decision Matrix and Concrete Scenarios)

AODA compliance depends on size, organization type, and presence of employees in Ontario. Here is a decision matrix and three concrete scenarios to guide you:

Concrete scenarios:

• US SaaS company with 25 employees in Toronto: Must file AODA report, audit public site (WCAG 2.0 AA), prepare policy and plan. Solution: file signed by local provider (e.g., AccessibilityStatement.org), filing by executive.
• Chinese seller on Amazon with no Ontario employees: No AODA obligation, no service required.
• UK online store with 10 employees in Ottawa: No report obligation, but good practice to comply with WCAG. Automated or manual audit advised but not mandatory.

Tip: if in doubt about thresholds or obligations, conduct a situation audit with a provider or consult official regulations.