WCAG, AODA, ACA & ADA compliance pertains to website accessibility. Before we hop into defining compliance, we must first understand accessibility.
What is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility relates to the ease of use of online services for all users, regardless of how they consume the information or interact with the web page. Many of us access websites with our computer, visually locate relevant information and click on links using a mouse. Some users navigate a website with a screen reader, locate relevant information with auditory tools and use a specialized apparatus for clicking. Accessibility ensures that your website is easy for everyone to use.
For a more detailed introduction to Web Accessibility please visit the W3C website here.
Why does my website need to be Accessible?
What good is a website that your users can’t use? Accessibility is important. Not all users receive information from websites in the same way. For these users things like proper semantic mark up, high-constrast and metadata is the difference between good user experience and poor user experience.
Accessibility elevates your SEO efforts
The accessible internet is also important to search engines like Google and Bing. Search engines strive to produce the best search results for all users. If you want to rank high in search results, your website needs to be optimized for all users.
What is WCAG Compliance?
The chances are good that you trying to make your site WCAG, ADA or AODA compliant if you are reading this. Fear not, we are here to help!
What is WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1 & WCAG 2.2?
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world, with a goal of providing a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally.
WCAG 2.1 is the current W3C recommendation for accessibility. These criteria extend WCAG 2.0 to improve accessibility for people using mobile devices and for people with low vision or cognitive impairments. WCAG 2.1 does not alter or change WCAG 2.0; therefore websites that conform to WCAG 2.1 also conform to WCAG 2.0. WCAG 2.2 is currently in draft.
WCAG 2 Compliance Levels
WCAG guidelines are categorized into three levels of conformance in order to meet the needs of various groups and different situations: A (lowest), AA (mid-range), and AAA (highest). We ensure your website meets your intended targets.
What is ADA, ACA & AODA Compliance?
ADA, ACA and AODA Compliance relate to specific regions and their requirements for accessibility.
What is ADA Compliance?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 or ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. It is meant to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as anyone else. For you, this means that your website needs to be accessible to people who have disabilities that affect their hearing, vision or physical capacities.
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Consultation today!
What is ACA Compliance?
On June 20, 2018, the Government introduced Bill C-81, An Act to ensure a barrier-free Canada (the Accessible Canada Act) in Parliament. The Accessible Canada Act (ACA Compliance) received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019, and came into force on July 11, 2019.
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Consultation today!
What is AODA Compliance?
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is an Ontario law mandating that organizations must follow standards to become more accessible for people with disabilities. All levels of government, private sectors, and non-profits must comply with this legislation. The provincial goal is to be fully accessible by 2025. We can help ensure your website is AODA Compliant.
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Consultation today!
On-Going Accessibility Compliance Monitoring
Accessibility compliance is a moving target. New accessibility issues become apparent as new technologies emerge, laws change and your website is updated. As a result, we have launched this ongoing accessibility compliance monitoring program to ensure you are alerted when your website is no longer in compliance.
Let’s have a chat today to ensure your website stays accessible for all users.