ACA

What is the Accessible Canada Act (ACA)?

The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) is a landmark federal law aimed at creating a barrier-free Canada by 2040. Enacted in 2019, the ACA focuses on removing accessibility barriers in all federally regulated sectors, including digital spaces, to ensure equal participation for people with disabilities.

The law requires organizations to proactively identify, remove, and prevent barriers, particularly in technology and online services.

Who Must Comply with the ACA?

• Federally regulated organizations in Canada, including banking, transportation, broadcasting, and telecommunications.
• Government agencies and departments at the federal level.
• Businesses that provide digital services or solutions to federally regulated entities.

If your website, app, or digital content is used by these organizations, ACA compliance is mandatory.

What Are the Requirements?

The ACA mandates that digital products and services be fully accessible, following standards like WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Key requirements include:

• Accessible websites and applications that work for all users.
• Alternative text for images and accessible forms for assistive technology.
• Keyboard navigation for individuals who cannot use a mouse.
• Captions and transcripts for multimedia content.
• Proactive Accessibility Plans and regular progress reports published publicly.

Why ACA Compliance Matters

• Inclusivity: Over 6 million Canadians live with a disability—compliance ensures they have equal digital access.
• Legal protection: Avoid penalties, complaints, and enforcement actions by regulators.
• Reputation: Demonstrates social responsibility and commitment to accessibility.
• Market advantage: Accessibility opens your services to a wider audience and improves usability for everyone.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with ACA standards can lead to:

• Administrative penalties of up to $250,000 per violation.
• Public enforcement actions, including compliance orders and audits.
• Loss of credibility and trust, especially for organizations serving a diverse audience.

How Zapaxc Helps You Achieve ACA Compliance

Zapaxc offers specialized accessibility testing and audits to help your organization meet ACA requirements:

• Comprehensive Accessibility Audits: Identify barriers across your websites, apps, and digital documents.
• Compliance Gap Analysis: Detailed reports aligned with ACA and WCAG guidelines.
• Remediation Support: Guidance to fix accessibility issues effectively.
• Ongoing Monitoring & Maintenance: Stay compliant as your digital presence evolves.

Our expert team ensures you meet Canada’s accessibility standards, protecting your organization from legal risk and fostering inclusivity.