Web Accessibility Standards and Laws: 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 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t specifically mention website accessibility, yet you can be sued for lack of ADA compliance if your site does not meet web accessibility standards—and thousands of companies have been. At Level Access, 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 website accessibility compliance
The ADA is U.S. civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The Department of Justice has determined that Title III of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation, also applies to websites.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
WCAG is a set of technical standards for making websites, apps, software, and documents accessible. WCAG itself is not a piece of legislation, but many global regulations require conformance with WCAG standards for compliance.
Section 508 accessibility compliance
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires U.S. federal agencies, and vendors doing businesses with federal agencies, to develop, procure, maintain, and use information and communication technology that is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Section 504 accessibility compliance
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits organizations that receive federal government assistance (including educational institutions, hospitals, and mental health care centers) from discriminating on the basis of disability.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
The AODA mandates the accessibility of websites, web content, and web-based applications for Ontario-based public-sector organizations, as well as certain commercial organizations. Lack of compliance can result in substantial fines.
EN 301 549
EN 301 549 is the European accessibility standard for information and communications technology (ICT) products and services. It is similar to Section 508 in the United States in that it sets the accessibility standard for public procurement of ICT in Europe.
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The European Accessibility Act mandates that a range of products and services, including websites, mobile apps, and e-commerce experiences, are accessible to people with disabilities. The law applies to nations in the European Union and aims to provide unified accessibility requirements for organizations in Europe.
California Unruh Civil Rights Act
The California Unruh Civil Rights Act bans discrimination by businesses within the California jurisdiction. The Unruh Act adopted the standards for discrimination set by the ADA, so failure to achieve ADA compliance also means failure to achieve Unruh compliance.
New York human rights laws
New York has passed legislation that prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation on the basis of disability. Websites have been interpreted to constitute places of public accommodation, which means an inaccessible website can be a violation of both federal and state compliance requirements.
How Level Access helps with website accessibility compliance
Level Access understands the nuances of every global regulation as well as the evolving technical requirements of WCAG. We’re uniquely positioned to provide your organization with all of the tools, training, and legal support needed for digital and website accessibility compliance, reducing the risk of a lawsuit. Even better, with our solution, you’ll improve user experience for every visitor.
