Understanding the Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

What is the Accessible Canada Act (ACA)?

The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) is a pivotal piece of legislation introduced by the Canadian Government on June 20, 2018, and enacted on July 11, 2019. Its primary goal is to establish a barrier-free Canada by January 1, 2040, by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers in various domains, including employment, built environments, technology, communication, procurement, service design, and transportation.

Which business entities are covered in ACA?

The ACA extends its coverage to a range of organizations under federal responsibility, including:

Government of Canada departments, agencies, and Crown corporations
Regulated private sectors like banks, transportation networks (airlines, rail, road, and marine transportation crossing provincial or international borders), broadcasting, and telecommunications
Parliamentary entities, respecting parliamentary privilege
The Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Which accessibility standards does ACA refer to?

The ACA establishes Accessibility Standards Canada, a body responsible for developing and revising voluntary accessibility standards. These standards, if adopted into regulations by the Government, become mandatory. The Act emphasizes high-level accessibility standards aimed at creating a barrier-free environment.

What are the key dates in ACA?

Key dates related to the ACA include:

June 20, 2018: Introduction of the ACA in Parliament
June 21, 2019: Royal Assent received by the ACA
July 11, 2019: The ACA came into force, initiating its implementation across various sectors.
January 1, 2040: Set as the deadline to achieve a barrier-free Canada under the Act’s provisions.

These dates mark significant milestones in the introduction, enactment, and enforcement of the Accessible Canada Act.

Benefits of ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) Compliance:

Making your digital content accessible goes beyond legal compliance; it’s about fostering inclusivity and reaping numerous advantages that resonate across various aspects of your business.

1. Enhanced Accessibility, Broader Reach:

Ensuring ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) compliance means opening doors to a more extensive audience. By making your website accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities, you tap into a vast demographic, potentially reaching millions of users who rely on assistive technologies to navigate the web.

2. Ethical and Inclusive Practices:

Adhering to accessibility guidelines aligns with ethical business practices. It signifies a commitment to providing equal opportunities for all individuals, fostering a sense of inclusivity and demonstrating corporate social responsibility.

3. Improved User Experience and Engagement:

An accessible website delivers a superior user experience. When users can easily navigate, comprehend, and interact with your content, it enhances engagement, encourages longer site visits, and increases the likelihood of conversions or desired actions.

4. Legal Protection and Risk Mitigation:

ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) compliance shields your business from legal risks and potential litigation. Non-compliance may result in costly lawsuits and settlements, negatively impacting your finances and reputation. Ensuring accessibility mitigates these risks, safeguarding your brand’s integrity.

5. Boosted Reputation and Brand Loyalty:

Commitment to accessibility resonates positively with your audience. By prioritizing inclusivity, you foster trust and goodwill among users, leading to enhanced brand loyalty and a positive reputation within your industry.

6. Competitive Advantage and Market Expansion:

Incorporating accessibility into your digital strategy sets you apart from competitors. It positions your brand as forward-thinking and customer-centric, potentially attracting a broader customer base and creating new business opportunities.

7. Enhanced SEO and Improved Search Visibility:

Accessible websites often perform better in search engine results. Compliance with accessibility standards typically involves practices that align with SEO best practices, leading to improved search engine rankings and visibility.

8. Future-Proofing Your Business:

Embracing accessibility represents an investment in the future. As digital landscapes continue to evolve alongside regulations such as ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA), ensuring that your digital content is accessible right from the start establishes a robust foundation for adapting to future changes seamlessly.

Neglecting ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) compliance for your digital content can have significant repercussions for your business. Failure to meet accessibility standards may result in various adverse outcomes, ranging from legal challenges to diminished brand reputation and missed opportunities. Prioritizing accessibility not only mitigates these risks but also fosters inclusivity, enhances user experience, and fortifies your brand’s integrity.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

Legal Actions: Risk of ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA)-related lawsuits.
High Settlement Costs: Financial consequences due to non-compliance.
Loss of Customers: Miss out on potential clientele.
Poor User Experience: Decreased usability for visitors.
Brand Reputation Damage: Negative impact on brand image.
Reduced Search Visibility: Lowered presence on search engines.

Testing for ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) Compliance:

Conduct a thorough evaluation using a blend of automated and manual testing methods to ensure adherence to ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) guidelines.
Automated tools and manual checks should be employed to scrutinize your website’s accessibility features. These evaluations cover various aspects outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Perform a detailed assessment of your website’s elements, including navigation, multimedia content, forms, and overall functionality. Prioritize user experience for individuals with disabilities, ensuring their seamless interaction with your digital content.
Analyze each component meticulously to guarantee it meets accessibility standards, fostering an inclusive online experience for all users.

Ensuring ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) Compliance for Your Digital Content:

Website Scan for Accessibility: Utilize a comprehensive ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) Website Compliance Checker to evaluate your website’s accessibility status. This scan provides insights into areas that require attention to meet ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) standards.
Develop an Accessible Framework: Establish a robust framework guided by the ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) Compliance Checklist. This framework serves as a roadmap for integrating accessibility features into your digital content from the initial stages of development.
Conduct an ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) Website Audit: Perform a detailed audit of your digital content, identifying accessibility gaps and areas of improvement. This audit ensures a thorough examination of all website components to align with ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) requirements.
Remediation Process and Implementation: Rectify accessibility violations discovered during the audit phase. Implement necessary features and modifications to make your digital content fully accessible. Addressing these issues is crucial for providing an inclusive online experience.
Educational Training Sessions: Organize dedicated training sessions for design and development teams. Educate them on Accessibility principles and best practices to embed these considerations into the fabric of your digital projects.

Empower your team with the knowledge and tools necessary to create and maintain ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA)-compliant digital content, ensuring an inclusive and accessible online presence.

Ready to Ensure ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) Compliance for Your Website?

Contact us to discover how our expertise can assist you in achieving ACCESSIBLE CANADA ACT (ACA) compliance and creating an inclusive digital environment.