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Accessibility Laws Around the World: Stay Compliant and Protected

Web accessibility laws are evolving globally to ensure digital inclusivity for all users. Staying informed about these regulations is essential for businesses to protect both your customers and your bottom line. Here’s a guide to the key accessibility laws and their implications for your website.

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U.S. Accessibility Laws

In the U.S., several key laws govern web accessibility to ensure equal access to digital content for individuals with disabilities:

  • The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires businesses to provide equal access to digital services. Websites must be accessible to all users, ensuring they can interact with online products and services just like everyone else.

    Learn more about this act
  • This law applies to federal agencies and contractors, mandating that all digital content, including websites, be accessible to people with disabilities. Section 508 sets specific standards for technology and web-based applications used by federal agencies.

    Learn more about this act
  • Section 504 ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to federally funded programs, including websites and digital services. Websites receiving federal funding must adhere to accessibility requirements to ensure inclusivity.

    Learn more about this act

State-Specific Laws in the U.S.

As web accessibility issues gain traction, several states have passed their own laws that go beyond federal regulations. These include:

  • California leads the way with the California Unruh Civil Rights Act and the California Digital Accessibility Act, which require websites and digital services to meet accessibility standards, providing equal access for individuals with disabilities.

    Learn more about this act
  • New York has enacted the New York State Human Rights Law and New York City Local Law 8, mandating that public accommodations, including websites, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Legal actions for digital accessibility violations have been on the rise, emphasizing the need for compliance.

    Learn more about this act
  • Colorado’s Disability Access Laws require businesses to ensure their websites are accessible to people with disabilities. Failure to comply can lead to lawsuits and reputational damage, so staying ahead of accessibility standards is crucial.

    Learn more about this act

Global Accessibility Laws

Web accessibility isn’t just a U.S. issue—multiple countries have introduced their own laws to promote digital inclusivity. Some notable international regulations include:

  • The EU Web Accessibility Directive requires all public sector websites and mobile apps in EU member states to be accessible to users with disabilities. The directive aims to harmonize accessibility standards across Europe and improve digital inclusion.

    Learn more about this act
  • Canada’s Accessible Canada Act (ACA) ensures that federal government websites, services, and programs are accessible. In Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) mandates accessibility for both public and private sector websites.

    Learn more about this act
  • Israel’s Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law mandates that websites, mobile apps, and digital services must be accessible. Israel is a global leader in digital accessibility, and businesses must meet its strict standards to avoid legal repercussions.

    Learn more about this act

Where Accessibility Laws are Headed

As global awareness of web accessibility grows, laws are expected to continue evolving. Here are some trends to watch for:

  • Increased Enforcement

    Governments will likely increase enforcement and impose stricter penalties for non-compliance.

  • Broader Scope

    More regulations will cover not just government websites, but private businesses as well.

  • Global Alignment

    We may see countries aligning their accessibility standards to create a unified framework that businesses can follow internationally.

What You Get with Us

At Accessibility Expert, we provide end-to-end services to help businesses stay compliant with both U.S. and global accessibility laws. Here’s how we can help:

  • Comprehensive Audits

    Our team manually fixes accessibility issues— no shortcuts, just real people delivering true inclusivity.

  • Hands-On Remediation

    We assess your website to ensure it meets the required accessibility standards in your region.

  • Legal Compliance

    We help you comply with laws like the ADA, Section 508, the EU Web Accessibility Directive, and more, protecting your business from legal risks.

  • Ongoing Monitoring

    We offer re-audits and continuous support to ensure your website stays compliant as laws evolve.

  • AE Certification™ Badge

    Once your accessibility improvements are complete, we provide a certification that demonstrates your commitment to digital inclusivity.

  • Custom Accessibility Statement

    We craft a custom accessibility statement, ensuring that your dedication to accessibility is clear to your visitors.