Web Accessibility Legislation Overview
Familiarize yourself with web accessibility legislation, find out what different laws entail, and review standards for compliance.
Web Accessibility Legislation vs. WCAG
Web accessibility legislation has increasingly been adopted by different countries and states. Legislation has been aimed at building awareness around the need for greater website accessibility — and enforcing it.
An important note is that while most legislation imposes the risk of penalties, they have not set their own standards for compliance. Most refer to the internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and require compliance with one of their published versions.
The United States
In the United States, web accessibility legislation is primarily enforced by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title III and the Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The ADA requires websites that operate as a public accommodation to be accessible, whereas Section 508 mandates that federal agencies ensure that their electronic and information technology is accessible. In recent years, many states have passed their own laws and legislation related to web accessibility.
United States
California
California has enacted the Unruh Act that not only strictly enforces website accessibility, but also entitles plaintiffs to $4,000 compensation per infraction of the legislation.
United States
New York
In New York, the NYS P08-005 law establishes minimum accessibility requirements for web-based Information and applications by state entities.
United States
Florida
As part of the Eleventh Circuit, the courts of Florida have historically not viewed websites as a public accommodation as put forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
United States
Colorado
Colorado has enacted House Bill 21-1110 “The Colorado Laws For Persons With Disabilities” requiring a higher degree of web accessibility compliance for government information technology.
United States
Illiniois
Illinois has passed House Bill 26 requiring a higher degree of digital accessibility, and compliance with WCAG 2.1 amongst all K-12 schools by August 1, 2022.
United States
Virginia
Virginia’s Information Technology Access Act helps people to participate equally in crucial areas of life, such as education and employment.
United States
Washington
Washington State has enacted the IT Accessibility Policy 188 intended to ensure equal access data and web accessibility for people with disabilities.
United States
Minnesota
Minnesota's Accessible Technology Bill (H.F. 1744) requires state government to adopt standards based on Section 508 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0).
United States
Maryland
The Maryland Information Technology Non Visual Access Regulatory Standards includes all Section 508 regulations as well as a number of state-specific regulations.
United States
Arizona
Arizona accessibility standards apply to all websites for all public state offices, branches, and departments, as well as organizations that receive state funding.
Canada
In Canada, all government websites are mandated to be accessible per the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and there Common Look and Feel (CLF) standards currently require compliance with WCAG 2.0. Several provinces have taken notable steps to adopting web accessibility compliance legislation. Most notably, Ontario with its Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Other provinces also have similar acts and legislation in progress.
Canada
Ontario
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is enforced in Ontario to identify, remove, and prevent digital barriers for people with disabilities.
Canada
Manitoba
The Accessibility for Manitobans Act was passed in December 2013, with a commitment to achieve an inclusive Manitoba for everyone by 2023.
Canada
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act aims to remove barriers to accessibility in information and communications by 2030.
Canada
British Columbia
The British Columbia Accessibility Act aims to make the province inclusive in accordance with WCAG 2.0 (AA) by 2024.
Europe
In Europe, accessibility legislation is primarily governed by the European Union and there are currently two primary pieces of legislation governing accessibility. In the UK, accessibility legislation is similar to the EU as they adopted many of the same principles while still a member state.
Europe
EU Web Accessibility Directive
The European Union (EU) Web Accessibility Directive requires EU member states to ensure that public sector bodies meet web accessibility standards.
Europe
UK Accessibility Regulations
The UK Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations from 2018 mandates the accessibility of websites and mobile applications.
Europe
European Accessibility Act
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a directive of the EU that legally requires EU member states to enact various accessibility requirements by 2025.
Asia-Pacific
Website accessibility regulations in the Asia-Pacific region are mandated by national laws and legislations. Accessibility legislation is slowly gaining traction, and there is a growing interest and focus on ensuring digital inclusivity and accessibility.
Asia-Pacific
Australian Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992
Under the DDA legislation, the provision of accessible information and online services through the web is a legal requirement.
Asia-Pacific
New Zealand Web Accessibility Standard 1.1
The standard mandates that all public service and non-public service agencies must ensure that their websites meet WCAG standard 2.1.
Singapore
Singapore’s Enabling Masterplan 2030
National roadmaps for the government and community to better work together and support people with disabilities.
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