Canada implemented accessibility protections for public spaces in 1978. About 20 years later, the Canadian government issued an internet guide, which included provisions for web accessibility.
The Common Look and Feel (CLF) Standards, passed in 2000, also had tools and tips on ensuring website accessibility for everyone, including people with disabilities.
These standards were replaced by Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 1.0 in 2010. The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) was enacted in July 2019. It aims to identify and remove barriers – anything that hinders the full and equal participation in society — faced by people with disabilities.
In this post, we’ll find out how the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) is aligned with the Website Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). We’ll also discuss various ways to enhance accessibility and popular tools to help you meet the ACA website accessibility requirements.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
WCAG 2.1, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), provides guidelines to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
The guidelines have three conformance levels:
| Level | Description |
| A | Basic accessibility features |
| AA | Addresses the most common barriers for disabled users; the standard required by the ACA. |
| AAA | The highest level encompasses all criteria, though it is not always feasible for all content. |
According to the WCAG 2.1, websites and digital platforms must have the following key requirements:
- Color Contrast: Ensuring text and background have sufficient contrast.
- Keyboard Navigation: All functionality should be accessible via keyboard.
- Alternative Text for Images: Providing descriptive text for non-text content.
- Screen Reader Compatibility: Ensuring content is interpretable by assistive technologies.
Understanding the Accessible Canada Act (ACA)
The ACA was passed in July 2019 with the primary goal of achieving a barrier-free Canada by 2040. Its objectives include:
- Identifying and removing accessibility barriers that hinder complete participation in society.
- Ensuring that all future programs, policies, and services are accessible and inclusive.
The Accessible Canada Act encompasses various domains, including:
- IT and communication — The focus is on making digital platforms usable by all.
- Workplaces and employment — Supporting inclusivity in workplaces.
- Public commute — Ensuring accessibility across public transport
- The built environment — Making physical spaces accessible.
Moreover, the ACA website accessibility law also establishes the role of the Accessibility Commissioner.
This individual will be responsible for seeing if the standards are being met across the sectors as mentioned above. The Accessibility Commissioner will investigate complaints and impose penalties for non-compliance.
The Reason Behind the Accessible Canada Act
As said earlier, Canada had website accessibility standards, but there was no tracking and monitoring mechanism. People with disabilities were still facing accessibility issues, particularly on digital platforms.
The pre-ACA landscape lacked uniform standards, resulting in inconsistent accessibility practices across sectors.
Internationally, other jurisdictions had already implemented web accessibility laws, for example:
| Country / Region | Website Accessibility Laws |
| United States | The United States has the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in place. This act compels every website and digital platform to follow the WCAG referenced by the Department of Justice. |
| Europe | The region follows the European Accessibility Act, which requires public sector websites and mobile applications to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA. |
The ACA was introduced to align Canada with these international standards and address domestic accessibility gaps.
ACA’s Direct Impact on Web Accessibility Standards
The website accessibility laws in Canada have become much clearer and easier to follow, courtesy of comprehensive guidelines that everyone can access.
The government has taken a major step forward to ensure country-wide compliance. Under ACA:
- Proactive Barrier Removal: Federal organizations must identify and eliminate digital accessibility barriers.
- Level of Compliance: All government-owned and semi-government organizations and third-party agencies are legally required to adhere to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: If your company fails to meet these requirements, you may have to pay a fine up to $250,000.
Key Requirements of WCAG 2.1 Level AA
This standard has significantly enhanced the accessibility of public sector websites, promoting broader digital inclusivity across Canada.
Here are the key requirements for WCAG 2.1 Level AA:
| Accessibility Features | Purpose |
| Readable and Understandable Text | Deals with ease of understanding and user-friendliness |
| Keyboard Navigation | Enable users to access the content via keyboard-only setups |
| Alternative Text for Non-Text Content | Deals with non-text support, allowing screen reader users to understand the visuals. |
| Captions and Transcripts for Multimedia | Enable users with vision or hearing issues to understand the purpose of the video |
| Avoid flashing lights | It can trigger seizures |
| Compatibility with the user screen | Responsive design |
| Accessible forms | Labelled fields to support screen readers and other assistive technologies |
Readable and Understandable Text
WCAG 2.1 emphasizes clarity of information so that people with disabilities can understand the context and interact with the webpage elements.
- Language on the websites should be clear and simple, enabling users to understand the purpose.
- Text should be resizable up to 200%, so that users can read the content without losing any functionality.
- Contrast ratio must be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to improve readability.
Keyboard Navigation Must Be Fully Supported
- Users should be able to navigate a website without a mouse (using only a keyboard).
- The Tab key should allow users to move through buttons, links, and forms.
- Websites should highlight the focused element when using keyboard navigation.
Alternative Text for Non-Text Content
Images, charts, and other visual elements must have alt text to describe their purpose for screen reader users.
Example: Instead of an image labeled as “logo.png”, the alt text should describe it as “Company XYZ logo”.
Captions and Transcripts for Multimedia
- Videos and audio content must include closed captions for deaf and hard-of-hearing users.
- A text transcript should also be provided so users can read the content if they prefer.
Avoiding Content That Can Trigger Seizures
Web content should not contain flashing lights that flash more than three times per second, as they can trigger seizures.
Compatibility with User Screen
Websites must be fully accessible on all screen sizes, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktops.
Accessible Forms
- Fields must have clear labels that screen readers can recognize.
- Users should receive error messages with clear instructions on how to fix mistakes in form fields.
VIII. Challenges in Implementing Web Accessibility
Organizations may encounter several challenges:
- Common Mistakes: Overlooking alternative text for images, inadequate color contrast, and missing form labels.
- Budget and Resource Constraints: Small businesses may struggle with the costs associated with comprehensive accessibility audits and remediation.
- Lack of Awareness: Web developers and content creators may not be fully informed about accessibility requirements and best practices.
VII. Real-World Examples and Case Studies
Several Canadian government websites have successfully implemented WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, enhancing user experience for individuals with disabilities.
Cases of organizations facing penalties for non-compliance underscore the importance of adhering to ACA mandates. For instance, failure to meet accessibility standards can result in fines up to $250,000. whoisaccessible.com
Moreover, many private companies are proactively adopting accessibility standards, recognizing the benefits of inclusivity and the potential to reach a broader audience.
IX. How Organizations Can Ensure Compliance
To comply with the ACA:
Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Evaluate current web content against WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Key areas to assess include:
Text Alternatives for Non-Text Content
- Non-text content includes images, icons, charts, and other visual elements.
- Providing alternative text (alt text) allows screen readers to describe images to visually impaired users.
Example: Instead of an image being labeled as “IMG123.jpg”, the alt text should describe its purpose, like “A person using a wheelchair accessing a website on a laptop”.
Captions for Multimedia
- Videos and audio content should have captions or transcripts so that deaf or hard-of-hearing users can access the information.
- Closed captions are text overlays that display dialogue and relevant sounds (e.g., [door slams], [music playing]).
- Transcripts provide a full written version of spoken content, making it accessible to those who prefer reading.
Keyboard Accessibility
- Some users cannot use a mouse and rely on keyboard navigation (e.g., using the Tab key to move through elements).
- Websites must ensure that all interactive elements (menus, forms, buttons) are accessible via keyboard.
Example: If a user presses Tab, they should be able to highlight links, navigate dropdowns, and submit forms without using a mouse.
Readable and Predictable Navigation
- Websites should be easy to navigate and understand, with clear headings, consistent layouts, and intuitive menus.
- Important elements like search bars and contact forms should be easy to find.
Example: If a website has a menu at the top on one page, it shouldn’t suddenly appear at the bottom on another page.
Adopt Best Practices for Compliance:
- Design with Accessibility in Mind: Ensure accessibility is embedded from the start rather than as an afterthought.
- Regular Accessibility Testing and Updates: Websites should be reviewed periodically to maintain compliance as standards evolve.
- Provide Training for Developers and Content Creators: Educate teams on accessibility guidelines to ensure continued adherence.
Use Accessibility Testing Tools
Various tools can help organizations evaluate their website’s accessibility. Recommended tools include:
- Accessibility Spark – Provides AI-powered real-time monitoring and automated compliance solutions.
- WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) – Offers detailed reports on WCAG compliance issues.
- Axe Accessibility Checker – A browser extension for developers to test and correct accessibility problems.
- Lighthouse – Google’s open-source tool for assessing accessibility, performance, and SEO.
- Siteimprove Accessibility Checker – Identifies and tracks accessibility errors over time.
Best Tools to Ensure ACA Website Accessibility
Below is a detailed review of five popular accessibility checkers to help you decide which one suits your needs.
Accessibility Spark – Best for AI-Powered Automation
Accessibility Spark is an AI-powered accessibility checker that is compliant with various international standards, including WCAG 2.1. This tool performs 24/7 monitoring of websites, providing real-time feedback for instant correction.
Key Features
- AI-powered real-time adjustments
- Automated compliance with WCAG, AODA, ADA, and ACA
- Dashboard with compliance reports
- Works without modifying website code
Best For
- Businesses looking for hands-off automated compliance
- Websites that need continuous monitoring
- Non-technical users who want easy implementation
Limitations
- AI-based fixes may not be perfect for all cases
- It can be expensive for smaller businesses
WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) – Best for Quick, Visual Reports
WAVE is a free web accessibility checker that analyzes webpages and provides detailed visual reports on accessibility issues. It is a great tool for developers and content creators who need a quick on-page evaluation.
Key Features
- Free browser extension for Chrome & Firefox
- Provides visual feedback by highlighting issues directly on the page
- Identifies missing alt text, contrast issues, and structural problems
- Offers human-friendly descriptions of issues
Best For
- Small businesses and developers need an occasional accessibility check
- People who prefer visual feedback for easy troubleshooting
Limitations
- Not automated—requires manual corrections
- Does not scan entire websites, only individual pages
AXE Accessibility Checker – Best for Developers
AXE Accessibility Checker is an open-source browser extension used by web developers to detect WCAG 2.1 compliance issues. It integrates seamlessly into developer workflows and offers code-level accessibility reports.
Key Features
- Developer-friendly with detailed issue explanations
- Works inside Chrome Developer Tools
- Open-source and regularly updated
- Automated testing for faster issue identification
Best For
- Developers looking for code-specific feedback
- Businesses needing a custom accessibility solution
Limitations:
- Requires technical knowledge to interpret results
- Does not provide automatic fixes
Google Lighthouse – Best for General Performance & Accessibility Testing
Lighthouse is a free tool from Google that assesses accessibility, performance, SEO, and best practices in one scan. It provides a score-based report to help webmasters improve their site.
Key Features:
- Free & open-source
- Provides an overall accessibility score (out of 100)
- Highlights key accessibility issues
- Integrates with Chrome Developer Tools
Best For
Websites that need accessibility plus performance/SEO testing
Developers looking for quick insights
Limitations
- Only provides basic accessibility insights
- No continuous monitoring—only works when manually run
Siteimprove Accessibility Checker – Best for Enterprise-Level Audits
Siteimprove is a comprehensive accessibility platform that scans entire websites, provides detailed reports, and offers continuous monitoring for large businesses.
Key Features
- Scans entire websites, not just single pages
- Provides prioritized accessibility issue lists
- Offers custom reporting for large teams
- Helps with compliance for WCAG, AODA, ACA, and ADA
Best For
- Large organizations & government agencies
- Businesses needing continuous website audits
Limitations
- Expensive—not ideal for small businesses
- It can be complex to set up and use
Final Words
The ACA website accessibility is quite comprehensive. It mandates compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Failure to comply with these standards may result in fines up to $250,000.
If you’re a Canadian agency or a third-party service with a customer-facing role, it’s about time to meet the ACA web accessibility requirements.
With tools like Accessibility Spark, you can ensure 24/7 monitoring, instant updates, and seamless compliance with web accessibility laws.
Start your accessibility journey today! Choose the right package to enhance your website’s compliance and inclusivity for all users.