Web Accessibility Compliance Overview
Various global regulations mandate digital accessibility. When it comes to compliance with applicable laws, there are multiple factors that come into play, like where your organization is located, who you’re selling to, or the size of your business. To add to the complexity, the ADA, a U.S. civil rights legislation, doesn’t specifically mention website accessibility, yet you can be sued for lack of ADA compliance if your site is not accessible (and thousands of companies have been).
At Vee, our goal is to help you gain the benefits of an accessible site by giving you a better understanding of the global regulations for website accessibility that apply to your organization:
ADA Web Accessibility compliance (USA)
Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that businesses make 'reasonable modifications' to provide access to individuals with disabilities across all aspects of public life, including the digital realm. The ADA isn't a set of standards; it is U.S.-based legislation that compels private websites to adhere to the WCAG 2.1 Accessibility Guidelines. What Sets ADA and Section 508 Apart?
WCAG Web Accessibility compliance
When discussing website accessibility standards, one of the most common terms you'll encounter is WCAG. WCAG, short for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, comprises a comprehensive set of technical requirements designed to ensure that web-based content, including websites and web applications, is accessible to users of all abilities. This includes individuals with disabilities who rely on assistive technology.
(USA) Section 508 Web Accessibility Compliance
Section 508 is official U.S. legislation that mandates accessibility requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) funded by federal resources and for third-party service providers catering to federal entities. These entities encompass universities, public and private schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and more. Section 508 explicitly outlines that websites receiving federal funding, as well as related third-party providers, must adhere to the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
AODA Web Accessibility compliance (Canada)
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, often referred to as AODA, was enacted in 2005 by provincial authorities in Ontario, Canada. Its primary goal was to address the issue of inadequate accessibility to services within the province. One significant aspect of AODA is its clear mandate for website accessibility compliance, aligning with the W3C's WCAG 2.1 Guidelines, which is a common foundation for web accessibility legislation.
DDA Web Accessibility compliance (Australia)
DDA, or 'Disability Discrimination Act,' was introduced by the Australian Parliament in 1992 to protect the rights of people with disabilities in areas such as housing, education, and service provision. It references WCAG 2.1 as the standard for creating accessible websites. The DDA is complemented by Disability Standards and Guidelines, which detail rights and responsibilities for equal access. Who Needs to Comply?
EQA Accessibility compliance (UK)
The European Accessibility Act (EAA/EQA) is a relatively recent piece of EU legislation, published in 2019, aimed at ensuring accessibility for digital products and services. EN 301549, a policy document developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), serves as the official UK standard for web accessibility. As per the EAA/EQA, privately owned websites within Europe are mandated to achieve accessibility and adhere to its requirements by June 28, 2025.
BIVT Web Accessibility compliance (Germany)
The name BIVT, which stands for 'Barrierefreie Informationstechnik-Verordnung,' translates to 'barrier-free information technology regulation.' It was enacted on September 22, 2011, and is a federal ordinance rooted in the German Act on Equal Opportunities for Disabled Persons of 2002. BIVT is designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access all online content and services offered by German federal institutions. Who Must Adhere to BITV?
RGAA Web Accessibility compliance (France)
On February 11, 2005, the French Parliament enacted the 'Equal Rights and Opportunities of People with Disabilities' law, also known as RGAA, which is aligned with WCAG 2.1. RGAA is designed to establish a framework to ensure digital content accessibility. Its current iteration serves as a reference system for confirming adherence to international WCAG 2.1 standards. It offers criteria and tests to verify compliance with accessibility rules. RGAA recommends a level of AA for conformance.