Web Accessibility in Canada: Meeting Legal Obligations and Expanding Your Reach
In today’s digital age, having an accessible website is not just a choice but a necessity. Not only does it open up your online content to a wider audience, but it’s also a legal requirement in Canada. A legal obligation that comes with a fine of $100,000 or a maximum of $250,000.
This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of web accessibility, explaining its importance, the legal obligations in Canada, and how you can achieve it. Plus, we’ll introduce you to a powerful tool, AccessiBe, that can simplify your journey towards web accessibility.
Understanding Web Accessibility:
Web accessibility ensures that websites are usable by people with disabilities.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) outline the standards for web accessibility. They provide a comprehensive framework for making your website accessible, covering everything from text alternatives for images to keyboard navigation.
What Can Happen if Your Website is Not Optimized According to Accessibility Standards?
Canada has been actively addressing Web Accessibility since 1998, and created the Standard on Web Accessibility in 2011. You can learn more about Web Accessibility in Canada here but essentially private companies and non-profits with 50+ employees are legally obligated to make their websites accessible. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines of up to $250,000 or $100,000. These fines vary a big based on the province and there are changes over time, so you may want to double check that based on your province. Regardless, the amount is substantial for what is often an easy and affordable issue to fix.
Your Website Accessibility Solution:
Fortunately, there are tools and solutions available to help businesses achieve web accessibility. One such solution is AccessiBe.
AccessiBe is a leading web accessibility platform that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to make websites accessible. It offers a range of features, from screen reader adjustments to keyboard navigation enhancements.
By partnering with AccessiBe, we’re making it easier for businesses to meet web accessibility requirements and provide an inclusive online experience.
Ensuring Accessibility and Compliance: Built-in Legal Protections
AccessiBe not only ensures accessibility for your website but also includes built-in legal protections to mitigate legal risk. This comprehensive solution ensures that your site is compliant with accessibility standards, reducing the risk of legal challenges. With AccessiBe, you can confidently provide an inclusive online experience while safeguarding your website against potential legal issues.
Accessible Web Design Improves SEO:
Ensure your website is optimized according to accessibility standards, it will improve user experience and time spent on website, reducing bounce rate, which are all factors contributing to search engine rankings.
Free Website Accessibility Audit:
We understand that achieving web accessibility can be challenging. That’s why we’re offering a complimentary website accessibility audit – just fill in the contact form and mention free accessibility audit in the notes.
Our audit will assess your current website for accessibility issues, providing you with a clear picture of where improvements are needed. We’ll examine factors such as alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility.
Don’t hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity to make your website more accessible to all users. It’s a step in the right direction to ensure compliance and inclusivity.
Conclusion:
Web accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a moral obligation. Every website should strive to provide equal access to all users.
Whether you choose to implement AccessiBe on your own or take advantage of our free accessibility audit, remember that accessible websites are more than just compliance; they’re a means of ensuring that everyone can interact with your online content.
To try it out yourself, use our affiliate link to AccessiBe and start your journey toward web accessibility. You can take the first step towards creating an inclusive online space for all users.
For a comprehensive solution to web accessibility and compliance in Canada, partner with us and AccessiBe. Let’s create a digital world that’s truly inclusive.
To learn more about Accessibility and Web Design, check out the following resources: