Digital Accessibility Compliance in Canada

In Canada, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) set clear requirements for ensuring digital spaces are accessible to people with disabilities.

Other provinces, including British Columbia and Manitoba, have introduced additional accessibility laws, each with unique compliance requirements that organizations must navigate.

These laws ensure equitable access to programs, services, and digital content, reflecting Canada's commitment to accessibility for everyone.

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Why Digital Accessibility Matters for Canadian Organizations

Prioritizing accessibility and compliance with laws like the AODA and ACA helps organizations mitigate legal risk, demonstrate their commitment to equity, and improve usability for the disability community.

Beyond compliance, accessibility enhances the overall digital experience, benefiting older adults, people with temporary disabilities, and all users as technology evolves. A proactive approach strengthens trust, expands audience reach, and positions organizations as leaders in digital inclusion.

Key Digital Accessibility Laws in Canada

For Canadian digital teams, accessibility laws bring both challenges and opportunities. Organizations must keep up with evolving regulations, integrate accessibility into complex digital ecosystems, and ensure digital services work for everyone. Understanding these laws is the first step toward building a more inclusive future, reducing legal risk, and enhancing user experience.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

AODA applies to public and private organizations in Ontario and requires digital content to meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards. Organizations with 50+ employees must submit compliance reports and ensure accessibility for online content, forms, and multimedia. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to $100,000 per day for corporations and $50,000 per day for individuals. Ontario actively audits businesses, making compliance essential for avoiding penalties and improving user experience.

Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

The ACA applies to federally regulated organizations, including banks, airlines, and telecom companies. It requires businesses to identify, remove, and prevent accessibility barriers, develop accessibility plans, and update them every three years with input from people with disabilities. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $250,000, with enforcement by agencies like the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) and CRTC. Prioritizing ACA compliance enhances digital inclusion and mitigates legal risks.

Other Provincial Accessibility Laws

Beyond AODA and ACA, provinces like British Columbia and Manitoba have additional regulations. The Accessible BC Act requires public sector organizations to develop accessibility committees, while Manitoba’s Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) sets standards for customer service, employment, and digital accessibility. Other provinces, including Nova Scotia, are also implementing accessibility frameworks. Staying ahead of these evolving laws ensures long-term compliance and a more inclusive digital experience.

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Why UsableNet?

UsableNet brings 25 years of experience in, usability, accessibility and digital inclusion to its Canada partners seeking to address compliance with Canadian laws and improve accessibility. Our solutions integrate seamlessly into your workflows, supporting digital teams, compliance professionals, and marketing leaders. From audits to remediation and ongoing monitoring, we deliver the tools and expertise to help your organization meet accessibility standards with confidence.

Whether you need audits and remediation or a fully managed service, we provide the tools and expertise to help organizations build fully inclusive digital experiences. We track legal updates and accessibility best practices to keep Canadian organizations ahead of compliance requirements.

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How We Support Compliance

We provide solutions that adapt to the unique challenges of the digital accessibility for Canadian companies.

UsableNet Assistive - Fully Managed Service

This managed service efficiently addresses accessibility barriers, ensuring your digital platforms comply with AODA, ACA, and WCAG standards and are inclusive for all users, including people with disabilities.

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Accessibility as a Service (AaaS)

With ongoing usability testing, regular audits, and strategic guidance, AaaS supports Canadian organizations in maintaining long-term accessibility. Our experts ensure your platforms align with evolving AODA and ACA standards, providing compliance and usability benefits.

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AQA - Accessibility Testing Platform

AQA identifies WCAG conformance gaps, helping digital teams integrate accessibility testing into their software development lifecycle. With real-time dashboards and automated reporting, AQA ensures compliance remains a seamless part of your workflow.

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