Global Accessibility Standards
A set of guidelines to ensure digital content is accessible worldwide for people living with disabilities and frameworks for creating accessible digital products, services, and more.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Standards
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Standards outline a set of regulations and guidelines aimed at ensuring equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in various aspects of public life. Enacted in 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and mandates that public facilities, businesses, and services be accessible to everyone. The ADA Accessibility Standards provide specific criteria for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings and facilities, as well as guidelines for accessible communication, transportation, and technology. The overarching goal is to create an inclusive and barrier-free environment, fostering equal participation and integration for individuals with disabilities across diverse domains of society.
EN 301 549 the harmonized European Standard for ICT Accessibility
The EN 301 549 is the harmonized European Standard for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility, providing a comprehensive framework to ensure that digital technologies are inclusive and accessible to all, including people with disabilities. The standard outlines requirements for a wide range of ICT products and services, including software, hardware, and websites, with the goal of promoting a barrier-free digital environment. It addresses various accessibility aspects, such as perceivability, operability, and understandability, catering to diverse needs like visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. EN 301 549 serves as a crucial tool for manufacturers, service providers, and public procurement entities, fostering the development and procurement of ICT products that prioritize accessibility, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and equitable digital society for everyone.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a U.S. federal law mandating that federal agencies make their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessible to individuals with disabilities. Enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, the law requires federal agencies to develop, procure, and maintain technology that ensures comparable access for people with disabilities, covering a spectrum of technologies such as websites, software, hardware, and multimedia. The standards set by Section 508 aim to guarantee that individuals with disabilities can access and use information and data on par with those without disabilities, promoting inclusivity and equal participation in the digital realm. Compliance with Section 508 not only benefits federal agencies but also influences industry practices, encouraging broader accessibility standards adoption.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
Learn about the accessibility laws and standards for organizations in Ontario. Read the standards, action plans and progress reports that help us make Ontario more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are like a set of rules to make websites and online content more user-friendly for people with disabilities. These guidelines, created by a group called the Web Accessibility Initiative, cover things like making sure information can be easily seen, websites are easy to use, and content is clear and understandable. By following WCAG, website creators can make sure their sites work well for people with different disabilities, like trouble seeing or hearing, and create a better online experience for everyone.
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