*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
Web accessibility ensures that everyone, including those with disabilities, can access web content equally. For individuals with disabilities, an accessible website is essential. Many countries legally mandate web accessibility to make the internet more inclusive. This article introduces key countries where web accessibility is mandatory and highlights their efforts.
1. United States
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, is one of the most significant laws concerning web accessibility. ADA ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to public facilities and services, including websites. Websites for businesses and public institutions risk lawsuits if they fail to comply with ADA standards.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
The Rehabilitation Act Section 508 is another important law in the U.S. This law mandates that federal websites must be accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access to government services and information online.
2. Canada
Accessible Canada Act (ACA)
Canada enacted the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) in 2019, making web accessibility legally mandatory. This law requires that federal government websites and services be accessible to people with disabilities. Canada aims to be fully accessible by 2025, requiring public institutions and some companies to make their websites accessible.
3. European Union (EU)
Web Accessibility Directive
In the European Union (EU), the Web Accessibility Directive was adopted in 2016, requiring member states’ public sector websites and mobile apps to be accessible to people with disabilities. Member countries are required to create domestic laws and adhere to accessibility standards based on WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
4. United Kingdom
Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 in the United Kingdom mandates web accessibility. This law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and guarantees equal access to online services. As a result, both public institutions and private companies are legally required to implement accessible design.
5. Australia
Disability Discrimination Act
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), enacted in 1992 in Australia, mandates web accessibility. This law considers it discriminatory for websites to be inaccessible to individuals with disabilities. Australian public institutions and some companies are required to design their websites following WCAG 2.0 standards.
6. South Korea
Anti-Discrimination Against and Remedies for Persons with Disabilities Act (2008)
In South Korea, the Anti-Discrimination Against and Remedies for Persons with Disabilities Act, enacted in 2008, mandates web accessibility. This law requires public institutions and private companies to make websites and mobile apps accessible to people with disabilities. Additionally, South Korea has its own Korean Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (KWCAG) 2.1, based on WCAG 2.0, which emphasizes compliance with level A success criteria to promote web content accessibility.
Conclusion
Web accessibility laws are being increasingly enforced worldwide, particularly for government and public sector websites, ensuring equal access for people with disabilities. In countries such as the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Korea, website operators are legally required to meet accessibility standards, contributing to a more inclusive and accessible internet.
In Japan, while web accessibility is not yet mandatory, guidelines based on JIS standards are widely recommended. Moving forward, web accessibility is expected to become even more crucial, with more countries likely to enforce accessibility laws.
We have released the UUU Web Accessibility Widget Tool, designed to make web accessibility easy to implement. This tool helps improve the accessibility of websites quickly and efficiently, even without specialized knowledge.
If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.