In Canada, digital accessibility for people with disabilities is governed by several laws that set expectations for how organizations design and deliver websites, mobile apps, and other digital content. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) establish foundational requirements that help ensure equitable access across public programs, services, and digital platforms.
Why Prioritize AODA and ACA Compliance?
Prioritizing accessibility in Canada helps organizations avoid legal risks, demonstrate a genuine commitment to equity, and improve usability for all users, including people with disabilities. Compliance strengthens trust, extends audience reach, and reflects forward-thinking leadership.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
AODA is a provincial law in Ontario that requires organizations to remove barriers for people with disabilities and to align digital content with accessibility standards.
Accessible Canada Act (ACA)
The ACA is a federal law that applies to federally regulated entities (e.g., federal government departments, banks, transportation, and telecommunications) and emphasizes proactive accessibility planning and reporting across programs, services, and digital platforms.
Other Provincial Legislation
Additional provincial laws, such as British Columbia’s accessibility legislation, may introduce their own obligations that organizations should understand.
Digital accessibility compliance in Canada is typically measured against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which serve as the widely accepted technical standard for accessible digital content.
Under the AODA, organizations in Ontario are expected to align their websites, mobile apps, and digital documents with WCAG criteria to meet provincial requirements. The ACA’s broader federal scope emphasizes barrier identification, accessibility planning, and accountability, often using WCAG benchmarks to evaluate digital accessibility performance.
Although AODA and ACA differ in scope and enforcement mechanisms, both reflect a shared expectation: accessibility should be embedded into digital operations, not treated as a one-time project. Many Canadian organizations use WCAG standards as the common benchmark to support compliance efforts across provinces and sectors.
At UsableNet, we provide tailored solutions to help organizations navigate Canada’s accessibility landscape and align their digital platforms with AODA, ACA, and WCAG expectations.
This managed service efficiently addresses accessibility barriers across digital properties, helping ensure platforms meet Canadian standards and are inclusive for all users, including people with disabilities.
Explore Digital Accessibility: Self-Guided Tour or Book a Consultation
AQA combines automated testing with manual validation to help teams detect accessibility issues early, integrate accessibility testing into development workflows, and monitor conformance over time.
AaaS delivers ongoing usability testing, regular audits, and strategic accessibility guidance to help organizations maintain long-term compliance, adapt to evolving standards, and embed accessibility into processes.
Not sure which approach is right for you? Take a brief assessment to help determine which accessibility approach best aligns with your organization’s needs.
For more than 20 years, UsableNet has partnered with Canadian organizations to address digital accessibility requirements and improve inclusive design outcomes. Our solutions integrate seamlessly into existing workflows and support digital teams, compliance professionals, and marketing leaders with comprehensive tools and expert guidance.
We help organizations not only meet accessibility standards but also sustain accessibility improvements that foster inclusion for everyone.
Ensuring your digital platforms meet AODA, ACA, and related accessibility expectations is an important step toward equitable access for all users. A well-informed and proactive accessibility strategy aligns with legal requirements, enhances usability, and reinforces your organization’s values.
Partner with UsableNet to better understand Canadian compliance expectations and create accessible digital experiences that work for everyone.