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Accessibility Laws, Regulations, and Standards in Canada

Accessibility laws in Canada

This lesson includes the Accessible Canada Act, Web Standards for the Government of Canada, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and Quebec's web accessibility standards.

The Accessible Canada Act

The Accessible Canada Act was introduced in 2019 with a goal to make Canada barrier-free by 2040.

It applies to government and private-sector organizations regulated by the government.

It covers a wide range of areas and industries, from transportation to employment.

A key principle of the Accessible Canada Act is "Nothing Without Us." This means that persons with disabilities should be consulted when developing laws, policies, and programs that impact them.

Web Standards for the Government of Canada

The Web Standards for the Government of Canada are a published set of standards that apply to the government for:

  • Accessibility
  • Usability
  • Interoperability
  • Mobile devices

The standards refer to WCAG 2.0 AA.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is also known as the AODA. It was enacted in 2005.

It requires every person and organization in the private and public sector to meet a set of requirements to ensure access and inclusion.

Its goal is to develop, implement, and enforce accessibility standards for goods, services, facilities, and more.

The AODA applies to:

  • Buildings
  • Employment
  • Facilities
  • Goods
  • Accommodation
  • Premises
  • Structures

Standards sur l'accessibilite du Web, Quebec

Standards sur l'accessibilite du Web translates to Web Accessibility Standards.

Government websites must comply with WAI, the Web Accessibility Initiative, and a modified version of WCAG 2.0 AA.

Non-compliance can result in fines.

The Government of Quebec provides trainings and guidance to help teams comply with the law.

Quick review

Question Answer
What Canadian act has the goal of a barrier-free Canada by 2040? The Accessible Canada Act.
What year was the Accessible Canada Act introduced? 2019.
What does "Nothing Without Us" mean? Persons with disabilities should be consulted when laws, policies, and programs affect them.
What Canadian web standard refers to WCAG 2.0 AA? Web Standards for the Government of Canada.
What Ontario law was enacted in 2005? The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, or AODA.
Which sectors must follow AODA requirements? Private and public sectors.

Video and self-study resources

Video links

Self-study links