Accessibility Statement

 

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

CoatingsAcademy.ca, operated by the Canadian Coatings Association (CCA), is committed to ensuring that our online learning platform is accessible to all learners, including individuals with disabilities. We believe every person has the right to access digital education with dignity, equality, comfort, and independence.

Our accessibility efforts align with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which requires organizations operating in Ontario to make web content accessible and conform to WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements as a minimum standard. Current AODA guidance also anticipates future updates reflecting WCAG 2.1 and 2.2, as Ontario continues improving its Information and Communications Standards. [accessdesk.com] [aoda.ca]

Because CoatingsAcademy.ca serves users across Canada and internationally, we also monitor emerging global guidelines such as WCAG 2.2, which introduces nine additional criteria focused on mobile usability, cognitive accessibility, and low‑vision needs (published by W3C in October 2023). [w3.org]

 

2. Accessibility Features on CoatingsAcademy.ca

To enhance accessibility across our e‑learning platform, CoatingsAcademy.ca utilizes the UserWay Accessibility Widget, powered by an accessibility AI server. This tool helps improve compliance with WCAG standards, including WCAG 2.1 and elements of WCAG 2.2, by providing features such as:

• Text resizing
• Increased contrast options
• Keyboard navigation support
• Screen‑reader enhancements
• Dyslexia‑friendly options

UserWay is widely used to support compliance frameworks such as AODA and WCAG 2.0 Level AA, which remain the required standard for Ontario organizations in 2026. [accessdesk.com]

 

3. Enabling the Accessibility Menu

The accessibility menu can be activated in two ways:

1. Press the TAB key once when the page first loads
2. Click the accessibility icon, visible in the bottom corner of every page

Please allow a moment for the menu to fully load after activation.

 

4. Ongoing Accessibility Improvements

CCA is committed to continuous improvement of accessibility on CoatingsAcademy.ca. We regularly audit and monitor accessibility using:

• UserWay’s Accessibility Scanner, which identifies and flags accessibility barriers for remediation [aoda.ca]
• Internal reviews of new e‑learning features, course content, documents, and interactive modules
• Under AODA, accessibility is an ongoing obligation requiring proactive evaluation and maintenance to meet compliance expectations. [accessdesk.com]
• We also monitor emerging regulatory updates, including Ontario’s forthcoming 2026 accessibility compliance reporting cycle for organizations with 20+ employees. [ontario.ca]

Despite our best efforts, some content may not yet fully meet the most current accessibility standards (including WCAG 2.2), especially when technological solutions are still evolving. We welcome feedback to help us address gaps.

 

5. Limitations and Areas for Improvement

Certain content types—such as legacy documents, third‑party integrations, or user‑generated course materials—may not fully conform to WCAG 2.1 or 2.2. The AODA acknowledges that organizations may face challenges when adapting complex digital content, but still requires organizations to work toward removing barriers whenever possible. [accessibe.com]

We are actively evaluating all learning materials to improve structure, add alternative text, enhance keyboard operability, and ensure compatibility with assistive technologies.

 

6. If You Need Assistance

We are here to support all learners.

If you experience difficulty with any feature on CoatingsAcademy.ca, or if you need help accessing training materials, assessments, or interactive modules, please contact us during business hours.

Accessibility Support

Email: info@canpaint.com
Phone: 613-231-3604

We will respond promptly and work with you to provide accessible alternatives or resolve accessibility issues.

 

7. Reporting Accessibility Issues

If you would like to:

• Report a barrier
• Request an alternative format
• Provide suggestions to improve our accessibility practices

Please contact our support team using the details above. Your feedback helps us improve accessibility for all learners.

 

8. Policy Review and Updates

This Accessibility Statement is reviewed annually and updated as required to reflect:

• Updated AODA requirements
• New WCAG standards, such as WCAG 2.2 (released in 2023 and increasingly recognized internationally) [w3.org]
• Enhancements to our learning platform and accessibility technologies

By continuing to use CoatingsAcademy.ca, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this Accessibility Statement.