Accessible Web Content and Application Requirements

Web accessibility benefits everyone. This includes people using a slow internet connection or people with limited technological knowledge.

The Accessible Information and Communication Standard requires organizations to remove barriers for people with disabilities who use their websites and view their web content.

Website and web application requirements are based on four accessibility principles:

1. Perceivable (visible to senses)

2. Operable (interaction that a user can perform)

3. Understandable (informative and how to operate)

4. Robust (used widely as technology evolves)

Internet (External) Websites

All organizations must ensure that their internet (external) websites and web content meet or exceed globally followed World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. This requirement is in effect if one or more of the following applies:

• the web content is published on or after this standard comes into force

• the web content is required to access an organization’s goods and services

Intranet (Internal) Websites

The intranet (internal) websites of public sector organizations, large municipalities, educational institutions and libraries sites must conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

What is the W3C / WCAG?

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) (opens in a new tab) is an international community that develops open (free) standards to ensure the long-term growth of the Web.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) (opens in a new tab) are developed through the W3C process, in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world. The goal is to provide a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally.

Web Application Requirements

If an organization is launching or significantly refreshing a web application, it must meet WCAG 2.1 level AA standards, at minimum.

Web application is defined as a software application that is run on a web server and accessed by a user through a web browser (does not include mobile apps). Web applications, also called web apps, are programs that allow users to perform actions online. Many businesses use these programs to communicate with customers, sell products and improve work processes.

Significant refresh means an update to an existing web application that changes the functionality, user base or purpose of the application.

Five Exceptions to Accessible Web Requirements

There are exceptions included in the Accessible Information and Communication Standard. Organizations are not required to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards for web content or web applications if one or more of the following situations apply:

1. It is not technically feasible to meet the required level.

2. The technology required to publish the web content or application is not readily available.

3. Meeting the required level would result in demonstrable undue hardship to the organization.

4. The organization does not have direct control over the web content or web application.

5. The web content or web application relates to product labels or other product information.