💡 Why AODA Training Is a Game-Changer for Nonprofits

For Ontario nonprofits, accessibility is about unlocking your full impact—starting with mandatory AODA training.

Running a nonprofit means wearing a lot of hats 🎩. But if you're not prioritizing accessibility, you might be unintentionally missing out on potential supporters, volunteers, and clients.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

🧠 What is AODA, anyway?

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is provincial legislation that aims to make Ontario fully accessible by 2025. It applies to all organizations, including nonprofits, that have at least one employee.

That means your nonprofit is legally required to provide AODA compliance training to staff, board members, and volunteers.

👉 Learn more about AODA requirements

🤔 Why should nonprofits care?

You might think of AODA training as just another item to check off your to-do list—but it’s actually a powerful tool you can use to boost your nonprofit’s reach, reputation, and funding potential.

1. 🧍‍♀️ You’ll reach more people

Think of accessibility like an open door. An accessible website, physical space, and communication strategy is a sign that you’re welcoming thousands of people in Ontario with disabilities.

2. 🤝 Accessibility builds trust

Your commitment to accessibility signals that your organization truly walks the talk. Being AODA-compliant helps you earn trust within your community that leads to stronger partnerships and engagement.

3. ⚖️ It’s the law

AODA compliance is mandatory in Ontario. That means failing to comply can have serious repercussions, such as hefty fines and reputational harm.

💸Assign this free AODA training from OWL - Open World Learning to your nonprofit team

4. 💬 It improves team culture

When everyone on your team understands the importance of accessibility, they will naturally foster a more respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment, both internally and externally.

5. 💰 It boosts your grant game

More grantmakers are asking: What’s your organization doing about accessibility and equity? Showing that your nonprofit is AODA-compliant helps you stand out and attract more funding.

🚀 How to get started with AODA training

Getting AODA training in place is simpler than you may think.

Start with these:

✅ Free AODA e-learning modules from OWL - Open World Learning 

✅ AODA resources and guides from Ontario Nonprofit Network
✅ An AODA compliance checklist for nonprofits

🧠 Pro tip: Add AODA training to your new staff (and volunteer) onboarding and refresh it annually to keep everyone updated.

🧡 Final thoughts

Accessibility isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s a “need-to-have.”

Whether you're a grassroots group or a national charity, AODA training helps you build a more inclusive, effective nonprofit.

So if you're a nonprofit in Ontario and AODA training hasn’t been on your radar, it’s time to get started!

✅ Take action today

• Complete your nonprofit’s AODA training
  
  
• Add AODA training to your onboarding checklist
  
  
• Review your accessibility practices—starting with your website
  
  
• Share this post with your team and board members!



📣 Let’s build nonprofits that include everyone