How to Compare Accessibility Services for Businesses in Canada?

• Obligations vary depending on size, province, and sector.
• Prices and services vary significantly among providers.
• Only some services include a locally signed file (e.g., Ontario AODA).
• Beware of hidden fees (retests, training, additional documents).
• The AODA report must be signed by an internal executive, never by a third party.
• Check exclusions, liability limits, and termination conditions.

Updated 3 November 2026 · 5 sources checked

Providers compared

Prices as published on each provider's website on 3 November 2026, excluding VAT unless stated. Each row links to its source.

What the Law Requires: Obligations, Articles, and Deadlines

In Canada, the Canadian Accessibility Act (enacted June 21, 2019, effective September 21, 2026) imposes obligations on regulated entities, including:

• Prepare and publish a progress report on the implementation of their accessibility plan (art. 11).
• Establish a process to receive and handle accessibility feedback (art. 9).
• Consult persons with disabilities when preparing the report (art. 11(1)).
• Inform the CRTC of the report’s publication (art. 11(2)).

In Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires businesses with 20+ employees to file a compliance report every 3 years, next deadline: December 31, 2026. Obligations vary by size:

The AODA report is a self-declaration: it must be signed by a company executive and filed online. No provider can file it on your behalf. Non-compliance risks administrative sanctions and post-audit checks. No official third-party certification exists.

For businesses outside Ontario but with employees in the province, AODA obligations apply from 20 employees regardless of head office location. Third-party sellers on marketplaces without Ontario staff are not affected.

How to Choose an Accessibility Provider? Criteria and Pitfalls

Choosing an accessibility provider depends on several practical criteria:

• Jurisdiction and local experience: Some services, like signing an AODA file, must be performed by an Ontario-based entity. Check the provider’s location and sector experience.
• Included services: Compare what is truly included: WCAG audit, action plan, policy, signed report, training, filing support, technical assistance. Some providers offer only audits or training, others full support.
• Transparency and quote detail: Request a detailed quote listing each service, exclusions, and possible extra fees (retests, changes, training, travel).
• Deliverable format: Signed report, action plan, online support, onsite or remote training: choose based on your actual needs.

Comparison table of services:

Also compare the provider’s ability to provide written, dated, and signed evidence and to assist in case of audits or complaints.

What the Price Really Includes (and What You Cover)

Price differences often reflect major differences in included services. Here’s what to expect from main providers:

• AccessibilityStatement.org: 890 CAD/year (price verified), includes: policy, plan, WCAG test, Ontario-signed file, assistance preparing the AODA report, unlimited retests. Staff training and multi-year plan management remain client responsibilities. The report filing must be done by a company executive.
• KM Accessibility Consulting Firm: Price on request, includes audit, customer experience redesign, creation of accessible environments. Details on signed report delivery, filing management, or training are not publicly specified.
• Aequum Global Access: Price on request, includes training, assessment, planning, mentoring, coaching, resources. Signed report delivery or filing support are not detailed.

Table of included/excluded/extra fees:

It’s essential to request a detailed quote and clarify what remains the company’s responsibility, especially training, complaint management, and policy updates.

Hidden Fees and Common Exclusions: What Providers Don’t Say

Many providers do not always detail all fees or exclusions. Watch out for:

• Retests or additional audits: Some charge for each site modification or update. At AccessibilityStatement.org, retests are included in the annual price.
• Staff training: Often not included in base offers. Check if training is offered, its format (online, onsite), and cost.
• Legal support or complaint management: Generally not included. Complaint or audit management remains the company’s responsibility.
• Local report signing: For AODA compliance, the file must be signed in Ontario. Some providers are not authorized to provide this service.
• Travel or onsite consultation fees: May be added for physical interventions, especially outside major cities.
• Termination deadlines and liability limits: Check termination conditions and warranty or liability exclusions.

Table of included/excluded/extra fees:

Always request the list of exclusions and termination conditions before signing.

How the Service Works: Key Steps and Practical Tips

The compliance process involves several steps, whether you choose external support or internal management:

1. Initial assessment: Count your employees in Ontario (for AODA) or identify your regulated entity status (federal). Include part-time and seasonal workers, exclude contractors.
2. Provider selection: Choose a provider suited to your size, sector, and location. Verify they can sign locally if needed.
3. Accessibility audit: Analyze website, documents, internal processes (recruitment, feedback, communication).
4. Delivery of signed report and action plan: Provider delivers a signed file (if applicable), detailed action plan, and correction recommendations.
5. Update internal policies and plans: Integrate recommendations into policies, multi-year plans, and HR procedures.
6. Staff training: Organize training on accessibility standards and the Human Rights Code.
7. Report filing: The AODA report must be signed and filed by a company executive, never by a provider.
8. Follow-up and feedback management: Handle feedback, complaints, or accessibility requests via the established process.

Buyer checklist:

1. Count your employees in Ontario or identify your regulated entity status.
2. Gather your existing policies and plans.
3. Request detailed quotes from each provider.
4. Verify the location of the report signer.
5. Plan internal training if not included.
6. Keep copies of all signed documents and filing dates.

Risks, Sanctions, and Points of Vigilance

Non-compliance with accessibility obligations exposes you to several risks:

• Administrative penalties: For incomplete or false declarations, fines may be imposed (federal law).
• Post-audit checks: Even if the report is not verified at filing, it may be audited on request or following a complaint.
• Customer or candidate complaints: A faulty feedback process or inaccessible site can lead to complaints, investigations, and bad reputation.
• Warranty exclusions: Most providers assume no responsibility beyond delivering the file or audit. The burden of proof remains with the company.

What providers don’t always say:

• The AODA report must be signed by an internal executive, never by the provider.
• Web compliance does not cover all obligations (policy, plan, training, feedback, etc.).
• No "official certification" is issued by a third party in Ontario.
• Provider liability ends at file or audit delivery unless expressly stated.

If in doubt, keep all written and dated evidence and be prepared to justify every report point in case of audit or complaint.

Quick Decision: Needs Matrix Based on Your Situation

Use this matrix to quickly determine your obligations and the type of service suited to your situation. When in doubt, request an initial audit or targeted consultation.

Concrete Scenarios: Obligations and Simple Solutions

• US SaaS company with 25 employees in Toronto: AODA report mandatory, file prepared by AccessibilityStatement.org, signed by a Toronto executive, filed online by the company. Policy, plan, training, and feedback process to be updated.
• Chinese seller on Amazon with no employees in Canada: No AODA obligations, no report or plan required. Only platform or country-of-origin obligations apply.
• UK online store selling to Canada but no office: No AODA obligation unless employees are present in Ontario. If opening a subsidiary or hiring locally, AODA applies from 20 employees.

In each case, the key is to accurately count local staff and verify applicable jurisdiction. For international businesses, Ontario employee presence is the trigger criterion.