Website Accessibility Services

What is Website Accessibility?

Website accessibility describes how easily people can use a website. The international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) seek to eliminate barriers that prevent people with disabilities from using websites.

Examples of issues affecting website accessibility may include:

• Ability to read, hear or see web content in the absence of text alternatives
• Ability to navigate a website using only keyboard commands
• Ability to distinguish colors
• Avoidance of flashing animations or videos which may cause seizures
• Average reading level

Adhering to current website accessibility guidelines ensures websites are usable and navigable by differently abled people who are living with visual, hearing, motor, cognitive and neurological disabilities.

In the physical world, there are accessibility standards that businesses must follow. Examples include wheelchair ramps and minimum widths for building doorways. Like physical accessibility, website accessibility ensures equal access to information, products and services.

What are the benefits of an accessible website?

There are many benefits of an accessible website, including:

• Avoid financial penalties
• Set your brand apart from the pack. Less than 3% of websites are accessible!
• Accessible websites are ranked higher by search engines
• ROI – Disabled population represents $1.2 trillion in spending power and is the most brand-loyal population in the world
• Right thing to do

How much does an accessible website cost?

Building an ADA-compliant or AODA-compliant website may take longer and cost more than a website that isn't compliant.  Retrofitting accessibility later can be more expensive, but AI tools are helping to reduce the cost and time it takes to bring a website into compliance.

Can I use a plugin for accessibility?

While accessibility plugins can enhance site compliance, they are rarely sufficient on their own. Plugins can’t address all accessibility needs. For example, non-compliant assets that were created outside of the website such as PDF’s, graphic design images, and videos would still need to be audited, adjusted, and replaced. A comprehensive audit should be conducted to ensure full compliance and a better user experience.

What are the fines for not having an accessible website?

Financial penalties vary by location. In the U.S., non-compliance leads to lawsuits. Canada imposes fines up to $250,000, and some Canadian provinces have enacted mandates with fines ranging between $500 and $100,000 per day.

Accessibility mandates by province

As of May 2024, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia have mandated provincial accessibility standards. Some others have enacted guidelines and continue to hold space for ongoing discussions.

Click on the province below to see details.