What is Website Accessibility?

Website accessibility describes how easily people can use a website. Website accessibility guidelines 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 slightly more. It may cost less if it is integrated into the total effort of website construction. 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.

Which provinces have an accessibility act?

Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia are all provinces that have mandated provincial accessibility standards.

Click on the province below to see details:

• Ontario – AODA
• Quebec – Standard sur l’accessibilité des sites Web (SGQRI 008 2.0)
• British Columbia – ABC Act
• Alberta – the Government of Alberta is working to make its websites more accessible and convenient for visitors
• Manitoba – AMA
• Saskatchewan – Passed The Accessible Saskatchewan Act in 2023 and is currently in the process of building a compliance framework
• Nova Scotia – Bill 59
• New Brunswick – There are no province-level laws, but a Select Committee on Accessibility has been established
• Northwest Territories – There are no specific laws, but the Government of Northwest Territories has a Consistent User Experience policy requiring its web content to conform to WCAG, without specifying a version or level
• Nunavut – No territory-level laws are in place
• Prince Edward Island – No province-level laws exist

There are two ways to make a website accessible. We specialize in both of them:

1. Accessibility overlay – Takes 24 hours or less to implement, covers most scenarios, easily become compliant before Dec. 31^st deadline in Ontario (see AODA)
2. Fix source code, assets – Recommended long-term solution, but takes longer and more expensive

Contact us today for a free web accessibility audit.

What are Canada’s web accessibility laws?

Canada’s web accessibility laws are primarily guided by the Canadian Human Rights Act of 1977, the Accessible Canada Act, and various provincial laws. These laws prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities and require organizations to provide accessible content.

What is the Accessible Canada Act (ACA)?

The ACA, enacted in 2019, aims to ensure a barrier-free Canada. It requires organizations under federal jurisdiction to ensure accessibility in information and communication technologies, including digital content. Non-compliance can result in fines up to $250,000.

Who benefits from web accessibility laws in Canada?

Web accessibility laws benefit over 6 million Canadians aged 15 or older who identify as disabled, including those with conditions like addictions, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, and many more.

Who is required to follow Canadian web accessibility laws?

Federal and First Nations governments, federally regulated private sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and transportation, and certain businesses in the private sector are required to comply with Canadian web accessibility laws.

How are Canadian web accessibility laws enforced?

The Accessible Canada Act established enforcement roles such as the Accessibility Commissioner and Chief Accessibility Officer. They have the authority to fine organizations for non-compliance, with penalties up to $250,000 per violation

What is the standard for web accessibility in Canada?

Canada’s Standard on Web Accessibility, effective from 2011, mandates that Government of Canada websites and web applications meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA criteria

ow can organizations ensure ACA compliance?

Organizations can use automated accessibility systems and tools like UserWay and accessiBe to ensure WCAG compliance. These tools scan websites and report on accessibility issues, aiding in ACA compliance

What happens if organizations don’t comply with the ACA?

Organizations legally required to comply with the ACA may face fines up to $250,000 per infraction for non-compliance. The exact procedures for investigating and charging violations are yet to be established

What other provincial laws govern web accessibility in Canada?

Provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Quebec have their own web accessibility laws. For example, the AODA in Ontario requires organizations to make their web content compliant with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, while Quebec’s law mandates adherence to WCAG 2.0 for public sector organizations

What is the significance of the Canadian Human Rights Act in web accessibility?

The Canadian Human Rights Act, although not explicitly mentioning web accessibility, has been interpreted to include the provision of accessible digital content to those with disabilities. This act, along with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, forms the foundation for non-discrimination and accessibility in Canada