AODA Signage Requirements Ontario 2026 — What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires all Ontario businesses open to the public to have accessible signage with Braille and tactile characters. Here's what you need, where to put it, and how to avoid penalties up to $100,000/day.
📅 Compliance Deadline Passed
As of January 1, 2025, all public spaces in Ontario must meet AODA Design of Public Spaces Standards (O.Reg 413/12). The Accessibility Directorate actively enforces compliance through inspections and complaint-driven audits.
Which Signs Need to Be Accessible?
Washroom Signs
Men's, Women's, Universal, Family washrooms
Entrance Signs
Accessible entrances and main entrances
Exit Signs
Emergency exits and accessible exit routes
Stairwell Signs
Floor identification at each landing
Room Signs
Meeting rooms, offices, and service areas
Elevator Signs
Floor numbers and direction indicators
Braille Specifications (O.Reg 413/12)
Tactile Character Requirements
- Height: Characters must be raised minimum 0.8mm from the sign surface
- Font: Sans-serif (e.g., Helvetica, Arial). No decorative fonts
- Character Size: 16mm to 50mm height
- Contrast: Minimum 70% contrast ratio between text and background
- Finish: Matte or eggshell — no glossy finish (causes glare)
- Case: Title case or upper case for room identification
Mounting Height & Placement
- ✅ Centre of sign: 1200mm to 1500mm from finished floor
- ✅ Adjacent to latch side of door (not hinge side)
- ✅ NOT mounted on the door itself
- ✅ Mounted on wall beside door, within 150mm of door frame
- ✅ If no wall space available, mount on nearest wall perpendicular to door
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Get Compliant AODA Signs
Our AODA signs include Grade 2 Braille, raised tactile characters, and meet all O.Reg 413/12 specifications. Available as individual signs or as a 6-pack starter kit with everything you need for a basic office or retail space.