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Web Accessibility Standards: What Are They?
August 31, 2022
Updated: Apr 27, 2025
TL;DR - Web accessibility standards fall into two main categories: global legislation and the technical guidelines created by the W3C. Most countries refer to WCAG, making it the de facto international benchmark.
Legislative Accessibility Standards
Accessibility laws vary by country, but most reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the standard for digital accessibility. Here’s a breakdown of the most widely recognized legislation:
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
In the United States, Title III of the ADA applies to private businesses, mandating accessible digital spaces. Although it doesn’t specify WCAG directly, the Department of Justice has consistently recommended WCAG 2.1 Level AA as a useful reference. Lawsuits and demand letters have reinforced the importance of this standard.
Section 508
Part of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, Section 508 applies to federal agencies and contractors. It explicitly requires conformance with WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA for all electronic and information technologies, including websites.
AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)
The AODA mandates that all public and private organizations in Ontario meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance by January 1, 2020. Noncompliance may result in financial penalties and reputational harm.
EN 301 549
The European Union’s accessibility standard EN 301549 mandates WCAG 2.1 Level AA for all public-sector websites and mobile applications. Private entities working with or funded by the public sector also fall under these rules.
The WCAG Standard
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) under the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). These guidelines serve as the backbone for nearly every accessibility law around the globe.
The Four WCAG Principles
To be accessible, content must be:
Perceivable: Users must be able to detect content with at least one sense.
Operable: All functionality must be available via keyboard and assistive technologies.
Understandable: Content and navigation must be easy to follow and consistent.
Robust: Content must be compatible with current and future assistive tech.
WCAG Versions
WCAG 2.0: Widely used and recognized, especially in earlier legislation.
WCAG 2.1: Adds coverage for mobile accessibility, low vision, and cognitive disabilities.
WCAG 2.2: Builds on 2.1 with additional criteria. Though not yet widely mandated by law, it is strongly recommended for future-proofing.
Why These Standards Matter
Conforming to WCAG is not just about checking a legal box. It`s about ensuring equal access to your digital content. The guidelines help improve usability for everyone - including people with disabilities, aging users, and even mobile users with limited connectivity.
EqualWeb Helps You Meet Global Standards
Whether you`re aiming for ADA, AODA, Section 508, or EN 301 549 compliance, EqualWeb offers a solution that matches your needs:
Remediation plans tailored to your business size and platform
Monitoring and maintenance for ongoing compliance
Ready to Meet Global Accessibility Standards?
You don’t need to decode the legal and technical jargon alone. EqualWeb helps businesses of all sizes become accessible, compliant, and inclusive. Contact us today to get started on your accessibility journey.
TL;DR: On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the updated guidelines for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requiring state and local governments to follow WCAG 2.1 AA standards for their websites and mobile applications. While there are specific requirements, the updates also include exceptions for archived content and certain social media posts. This isn’t a heavy-handed mandate but a necessary step toward ensuring digital accessibility for everyone.
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In 2004, Italy introduced a groundbreaking piece of legislation known as the Legge Stanca, or Law 4/2004. This legislation, also referred to as the Stanca Act, established a set of guidelines for ensuring the accessibility of websites and mobile applications for people with disabilities. Italy has recently expanded its accessibility law to apply to large private entities, which establishes the Stanca Law even more as a significant force in promoting digital inclusion in the boot-shaped peninsula.
