Depending on your location, and the size and type of organization, there are different web accessibility standards that may apply.
Let’s take a look at the accessibility standards you should consider for your website.
WCAG 2.0 / WCAG 2.1
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the standards that the majority of national and sub-national (provincial, state, etc) legislation is based on. These standards include guidelines for content, code, and technical guidelines for how colour, interactivity, and more are handled on a website.
AODA
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), is Ontario’s version of accessibility legislation. Based on requiring compliance with WCAG 2.0, AODA has general compliance requirements that many organizations must meet by January 2021.
However, it is strongly recommended that all organizations in Ontario work towards WCAG 2.0 AA compliance to meet AODA legislation in the future in order to ensure future compliance requirements and simply to improve the user experience for all users.
If you’re based in Ontario, learn more about AODA timelines and accessibility standards in our three-part series:
Accessibility matters – Part 1: Leading by doing
Accessibility matters – Part 2: The countdown is on in Ontario
Accessibility Matters – Part 3: Making sense of accessibility standards
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the legislation that defines accessibility standards at the federal level in the United States. ADA is also based on WCAG 2.0 standards. If you’re an organization based in the United States, it’s important to comply with these accessibility standards to avoid legal action under ADA or section 508 (defined below).
Section 508
Section 508 is American legislation that mandates all federal entities—and any private corporations that do business with federal agencies—make their digital platforms accessible to people with disabilities. This includes healthcare, legal, financial, and numerous other private sector organizations, in addition to public sector organizations.
Not sure where to start?
No matter where you’re based, or what web accessibility standards you need to meet, we can help you ensure you not only comply with standards, but ensure you’re not losing out on a wider audience due to usability, accessibility, or inclusion issues on your site with The Inclusive Website Audit.
The Inclusive Website Audit
Get started today with making your website more usable, accessible, and inclusive for all. Don’t miss out on expanding your reach and engagement!