More than 8 million Canadians aged 15 and older—about 22% of the population—live with a disability. For many Canadians, participating in everyday life isn’t as simple as it should be. Whether it’s trying to book a train ticket online or reading government services on a mobile device, too many still face digital and physical barriers.
The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) was created to help change that. It’s a law designed to make Canada more accessible for everyone, including online spaces. This guide breaks down what the ACA means, who needs to follow it, and how you can make your website more accessible—without needing to be a tech expert.
Understanding the Accessible Canada Act (ACA)
The ACA was introduced in 2018 and became law in 2019. It’s part of Canada’s big-picture goal to be barrier-free by 2040. That means removing obstacles across seven key areas:
- Jobs and workplaces
- Physical spaces
- Digital content and tech (like websites and apps)
- Communications
- Buying goods and services
- Public programs
- Transportation
What makes the ACA especially strong is that it was shaped by people with disabilities, organizations, and community leaders. It’s not just a set of rules—it’s a promise to include all Canadians in every part of life.
Who Needs to Comply with the ACA?
The ACA applies to federally regulated organizations. This includes:
- Government departments and agencies
- Crown corporations (like Canada Post or CBC)
- Banks and federal financial institutions
- Telecom companies (like phone and internet providers)
- Airlines, railways, and ferries
- Parliament (Senate and House of Commons)
If you fall into one of these categories, you must follow the ACA. But even if you don’t—say you run a private business or work under a provincial law—following the ACA is still a smart move. It can reduce legal risk, build trust with customers, and improve everyone’s experience with your website.
The Real-World Impact of Web Accessibility
Yes, the ACA is a law. But it’s also about something much deeper: inclusion.
When your website is accessible, it’s easier for everyone to use—not just people with disabilities. Think about clear navigation, readable fonts, and keyboard-friendly features. These help:
- Older adults
- People using screen readers
- Those with low vision or color blindness
- Anyone using voice commands or assistive devices
Accessible sites also rank better on search engines, reach wider audiences, and show you care about being fair and welcoming. That’s good for business and even better for community trust.
ACA Web Accessibility Standards and Guidelines
To follow the ACA, many organizations use a standard called WCAG 2.1 Level AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). While the ACA doesn’t make this mandatory, it’s the most recognized guide for creating accessible websites.
WCAG helps you cover:
- Text alternatives for images (like alt text)
- Keyboard access for people who can’t use a mouse
- Readable color contrast and font sizes
- Clear layout and structure
Another tool is EN 301 549, a European standard adopted in Canada. It adds more guidance for software, hardware, and mobile apps.
Using WCAG and EN 301 549 shows you’re serious about accessibility—and helps prove ACA compliance if questions ever come up.
Who Enforces the ACA—and What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Different agencies oversee different sectors:
- Accessibility Commissioner: Reviews complaints and enforces penalties
- Canadian Transportation Agency: Handles transport issues
- CRTC: Monitors telecom and broadcasting
- FPSLREB: Focuses on federal workplace issues
If you break the rules under the ACA, you could face:
- Fines up to $250,000 per violation
- Compliance orders or warnings
- Corrective action agreements
It’s much easier—and smarter—to stay ahead of the curve.
How to Meet Web Accessibility Requirements
Start With an Audit
Use automated tools, but don’t stop there. Pair them with real human testing—especially from people with disabilities.
Design with accessibility in mind:
- Add text descriptions to images
- Make sure all parts of your site work with a keyboard
- Use simple, readable fonts
- Keep contrast between text and background strong
Get Feedback From User
People with lived experience can help you spot issues you may have missed.
Test Everything
Don’t forget about PDFs, videos, and mobile apps—they all need to meet ACA goals, too.
ACA Reporting and Documentation
If you’re federally regulated, the ACA says you must publish:
- An Accessibility Plan: This outlines how you’ll find and remove barriers, and must include input from people with disabilities.
- Progress Reports: Regular updates that show what’s been done and what’s next.
These aren’t just paperwork. They’re proof that you’re doing the work—and thinking long-term.
How to File an ACA Complaint
If someone feels a business or organization is breaking the ACA, they can file a complaint. The steps include:
- Find the right agency (such as the Accessibility Commissioner or CTA)
- Submit the complaint online or in another accessible way
- Take part in any follow-up investigations
This system helps ensure people have a voice and that organizations stay accountable.
Other Accessibility Laws in Canada
Even if the ACA doesn’t apply to your business, provincial laws might. Here are some examples:
- AODA – Ontario
- AMA – Manitoba
- Nova Scotia Accessibility Act
- Accessible British Columbia Act
- Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Act
Many of these laws include WCAG requirements and share similar goals with the ACA: to make sure everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate in society.
Helpful Tools and Support
You don’t have to do this alone. Many resources can help:
- CASDO (Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization): Creates national accessibility standards
- W3C (World Wide Web Consortium): Offers WCAG guidelines and support
- Testing tools: Use screen readers, color contrast checkers, and simulators to evaluate your site
- Ongoing training: Keep your team up to date with the latest best practices
Make Accessibility a Core Part of What You Do
Complying with the ACA isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about helping all people feel seen, heard, and included—online and beyond.
You don’t need to get everything perfect overnight. But you do need to start. The ACA sets a strong foundation, and taking action now puts you on the right path.
At 216digital, we understand the technical side of accessibility—and the human side, too. Whether you need an audit, a plan, or long-term strategy, we’re ready to help.
Let’s work together to make the web a better place for everyone.
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward ACA compliance.