Equidox PDF Accessibility Solutions highlights the importance of understanding accessibility laws, noting that it’s not just where your company is located that matters, but where you do business. If individuals in a country can access your website’s content, it could be subject to that country’s accessibility laws, regardless of your physical location. These laws, expanding globally, require that websites and mobile applications be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Here’s a breakdown of key digital accessibility laws in North America and Europe.

United States

•    Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies and organisations receiving federal funding to make electronic and information technology accessible, covering text alternatives, non-colour reliance, multimedia support and document organisation.

•    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Titles II and III extend accessibility requirements to public and private entities, mandating compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA to avoid discrimination. The DOJ has encouraged the use of WCAG standards for digital resources.

•    21st Century IDEA Act mandates that federal agencies maintain modern, accessible websites and digital forms, ensuring government services are accessible.

Canada

•    The Accessible Canada Act (ACA), introduced in 2019, sets a goal of a barrier-free Canada by 2040, covering areas such as employment, ICT, and program delivery. Federal organisations must create accessibility plans, feedback mechanisms, and progress reports, with compliance overseen by Accessibility Standards Canada.

•    Provincial Requirements continue to grow, with Canadian provinces gradually adopting accessibility standards. The ACA supports this with a national framework, aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

United Kingdom

•    Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 mandates public sector websites and apps meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards, with content that is perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. Organisations are also required to publish accessibility statements to inform users about the accessibility of their digital platforms.

European Union

•    EU Directive on the Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications (EN 301 549) requires government websites and essential service providers to meet WCAG 2.1 standards. The directive emphasises accessibility across borders, ensuring EU citizens can access digital resources based on WCAG’s four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. 

•    European Accessibility Act (EAA), effective June 28, 2025, will require all businesses operating within the EU to ensure their digital platforms are accessible to people with disabilities, the elderly and those with temporary impairments. 

Key Takeaways

Across the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU, digital accessibility laws emphasise the need for websites and mobile apps to meet WCAG standards, with compliance requirements tailored to public sector entities, federally funded organisations, and essential service providers. These regulations support accessible and inclusive digital experiences, addressing millions of users globally and promoting barrier-free access to technology.

To avoid potential legal issues and to assess your digital accessibility, use tools like the Sitemorse website checker at https://sitemorse.com/check which offers a free and straightforward way to evaluate how compliant your website is with accessibility standards—no email required. Ensuring your business is accessible is both a legal necessity and an opportunity to enhance your reputation, broaden your customer base, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity. 

For more detailed information, visit Equidox Accessibility Regulations at https://equidox.co/resources/accessibility-education-tools/accessibility-regulations/