Information and Communications Standard (IASR)
The Information and Communications Standard outlines how organizations must create, provide, and share information in ways that are accessible to people with disabilities. This standard ensures that communication barriers are removed across digital content, public information, feedback processes, and emergency messaging.
These requirements apply to public, private, and nonprofit organizations operating in Ontario and help create inclusive access to information in workplaces and customer service environments.
What This Standard Covers
This IASR standard includes requirements for:
Accessible feedback processes
Accessible formats and communication supports
Accessible emergency information
Website and digital accessibility
Educational and training resources (for applicable sectors)
Library materials (for applicable sectors)
Why This Standard Matters
Clear communication is essential for equal participation. When information is not accessible, people with disabilities may be excluded from job opportunities, customer services, workplace updates, or critical emergency notifications.
This standard helps organizations ensure their information is understandable, perceivable, and usable by everyone. It supports independence and ensures that communication barriers do not prevent individuals from receiving or sharing information.
Key Requirements for Organizations
1. Accessible Feedback Processes
Organizations must ensure that their feedback systems (such as surveys, contact forms, or complaint processes) are accessible and can be provided in alternate formats upon request.
2. Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
Upon request, organizations must provide or arrange accessible formats and communication supports in a timely manner. Examples include:
Large print
Braille
Audio formats
Screen-reader-friendly digital versions
Captioning or sign language interpretation
Organizations must also inform the public that these options are available.
3. Emergency Information
If an organization prepares emergency procedures, plans, or public safety information, it must provide this information in accessible formats upon request.
4. Website and Digital Accessibility
Organizations must ensure that their public websites and web content follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, Level A and AA requirements.
This includes:
PDFs and documents
Webpages
Online tools
Video and audio content
5. Educational and Training Materials (Applicable Sectors)
Educational and training institutions must provide accessible learning materials, resources, and student records when requested.
6. Library Materials (Applicable Sectors)
Libraries in educational and public sectors must offer accessible formats for key materials, including digital or conversion-ready formats.
Examples of Compliance in Action
A company provides captions and transcripts for training videos
An organization announces on its website that accessible formats are available on request
A business posts content using accessible document formatting and heading structure
Emergency plans are offered in large print or read-aloud formats
Job postings and internal documents are provided in screen-reader-accessible PDFs
Website updates follow WCAG 2.0 Level AA guidelines
Examples of Compliance in Action
- Publishing inaccessible PDFs or images with no alt text
- Not informing the public that accessible formats are available
- Uploading videos without captions or transcripts
- Treating digital accessibility as optional instead of required
- Providing only one format for feedback or communication
- Not testing website updates for accessibility compliance