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In today’s digital world, accessibility is no longer optional – it’s a necessity.

Organisations across the globe are required to ensure their websites, digital content, and documents are accessible to people with disabilities. Compliance with global accessibility standards not only avoids legal risks but also enhances user experience, broadens audience reach, and demonstrates corporate social responsibility.

At ExceedAbility, we help businesses align with key accessibility standards to create truly inclusive digital experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the major global standards and how we can support your organisation in achieving compliance.

Key Global Accessibility Standards

1. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Published by: W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)
Latest Version: WCAG 2.2 (2023)
Scope: Websites, web applications, mobile apps, and digital content
Key Principles: Content must be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR)

WCAG is the gold standard for web accessibility and is adopted in numerous legal frameworks worldwide. Compliance levels include A, AA, and AAA, with WCAG 2.1 Level AA being the benchmark for most regulations.

2. EN 301 549 (European Accessibility Standard)

Published by: European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)
Scope: Web content, software, mobile applications, and ICT hardware
Key Requirement: Aligns with WCAG 2.1 but includes additional specifications for ICT products and services.

This standard is mandatory for public sector organisations in the EU and influences private sector compliance as well.
🔗 EN 301 5 49 (PDF)

3. Section 508 (U.S. Federal Accessibility Standard)

Published by: U.S. Government (Rehabilitation Act of 1973)
Scope: U.S. federal agencies and any organisation receiving federal funding
Key Requirement: Compliance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA.

Failure to meet Section 508 standards can result in legal action and loss of federal contracts.
🔗 Section 508 Guidelines

4. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & Digital Accessibility

Published by: U.S. Department of Justice
Scope: Public and private sector businesses
Key Requirement: The ADA does not explicitly define web accessibility standards but references WCAG in legal cases.

Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, making accessibility a legal and financial priority for businesses operating in the U.S.
🔗 ADA and Web Accessibility

5. Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

Published by: Government of Canada
Scope: Federal agencies, organisations under federal jurisdiction
Key Requirement: Must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

The ACA aims for a barrier-free Canada by 2040, requiring compliance from various sectors.
🔗 Accessible Canada Act

6. UK Accessibility Regulations

Published by: UK Government (Equality Act 2010, Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018)
Scope: Government and business digital services
Key Requirement: Compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Failure to comply can lead to complaints to the Equality and Human Rights Commission and legal consequences.
🔗 UK Government Accessibility Guidance

7. Australian Digital Service Standard

Published by: Australian Government
Scope: Government digital services
Key Requirement: Ensures digital services are accessible, simple, and inclusive, aligning with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

This standard sets out 13 principles that guide Australian government services to be user-centred and accessible.
🔗 Australian Digital Service Standard

8. PDF/UA (PDF Accessibility Standard)

Published by: ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
Standard: ISO 14289-1
Scope: Ensures PDF documents are accessible using assistive technologies.

This standard is critical for making digital documents, including reports, brochures, and contracts, fully accessible.
🔗 ISO PDF/UA Standard

9. EPUB Accessibility 1.1

Published by: W3C
Scope: Accessibility guidelines for eBooks (EPUB format)
Key Requirement: Must align with WCAG and PDF/UA principles.

Ensuring EPUB content is accessible broadens audience reach for digital publications.
🔗 EPUB Accessibility 1.1

Why Accessibility Matters for Your Organisation

Compliance with these standards is more than just a legal requirement—it’s a strategic advantage. Benefits include:

✅ Improved User Experience – Accessibility enhances usability for all users, including those with disabilities.

✅ Legal Protection – Avoid lawsuits and penalties associated with non-compliance.

✅ Expanded Market Reach – Over 1 billion people worldwide live with disabilities; accessibility opens new customer segments.

✅ Enhanced Brand Reputation – Show commitment to diversity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility.

✅ SEO & Performance Benefits – Accessible websites often rank higher in search engines and have better performance metrics.

How ExceedAbility Can Help

At ExceedAbility, we specialise in web and document accessibility consultancy to help organisations meet compliance requirements efficiently. Our services include:

🔹 Web Accessibility Audits – Comprehensive assessments to identify WCAG compliance gaps.
🔹 Document Remediation – Ensuring PDFs, Word documents, and other files meet accessibility standards (PDF/UA, WCAG).
🔹 Advice and Consultancy – Educating organisations on accessibility best practices and compliance strategies.
🔹 Ongoing Compliance Monitoring – Continuous support to maintain and improve accessibility over time.

Let’s Make the Digital World Accessible for Everyone!

Accessibility is not just an obligation; it’s an opportunity to create a more inclusive digital experience. Contact us today to ensure your organisation is meeting global accessibility standards and providing equal access to all users.

Together, let’s build a more inclusive digital future.

ExceedAbility Helps You Do the Same

On December 3rd, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day dedicated to recognising the achievements, contributions, and abilities of individuals living with disabilities.

At ExceedAbility, we take inspiration from the exceptional achievements of Paralympians, who not only defy odds but consistently exceed expectations in their respective sports. Just as they push the boundaries of what’s possible, we empower businesses to do the same by meeting and exceeding accessibility standards across websites, applications, and digital documents.

Paralympians: A Legacy of Excellence

Paralympians showcase the incredible potential of human adaptability, strength, and determination. Whether it’s athletes with physical impairments conquering the slopes of the Winter Paralympics, competitors with vision impairments navigating the complexity of track and field, or individuals with intellectual impairments mastering strategic games like table tennis, their stories are a testament to resilience and the spirit of innovation.

Their success is not just an athletic feat—it’s a challenge to society to create a world where every individual, regardless of ability, can excel. These athletes perform at elite levels not because of what they lack but because of the support systems, accessible technologies, and inclusive opportunities that enable them to focus on their strengths.

Bridging the Digital Divide: The Role of Accessibility

Just as Paralympians achieve greatness through access to the right resources, businesses can achieve greater inclusion, engagement, and success by prioritising accessibility. Digital accessibility is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a necessity. It ensures that your business is open to everyone, including the 15% of the global population living with disabilities.

When websites, apps, and documents are inaccessible, it creates barriers akin to asking a Paralympian to compete without the necessary equipment or support. At ExceedAbility, we believe that with the right strategies, tools, and expertise, businesses can not only meet accessibility standards but exceed them—unlocking innovation, increasing customer satisfaction, and fostering inclusivity.

How ExceedAbility Helps Your Business Excel

Our services are designed to make accessibility seamless, effective, and a driver of growth for your organisation:

Advice & Strategy: We partner with you to create long-term accessibility strategies that align with your business goals, ensuring sustainability and compliance.
Audits & Compliance: Our comprehensive audits identify accessibility gaps and ensure compliance with WCAG, ADA, and other regulations.
Testing & Remediation: We provide hands-on testing using both automated tools and real users with disabilities, fixing issues to improve usability for all.
Accessible Document Design & Validation: From PDFs to complex reports, we ensure that your documents are universally accessible without compromising on design or functionality.

Why Accessibility is an Opportunity, Not an Obligation

Accessibility is more than compliance—it’s about building stronger, more inclusive communities. Just as Paralympians prove what’s possible when barriers are removed, your business can exceed customer expectations by fostering a digital environment where everyone can thrive.

Inclusive design leads to better products and services for everyone. It increases your audience reach, builds brand loyalty, and demonstrates corporate social responsibility in an era when consumers care deeply about these values.

Celebrate World Disability Day with Us

This December 3rd, let’s take inspiration from Paralympians and challenge ourselves to break barriers, exceed expectations, and create opportunities for all. At ExceedAbility, we’re here to help your business achieve accessibility excellence. Together, we can ensure that the digital world is a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Ready to exceed expectations? Contact us today to learn how we can help your business go beyond compliance and lead in inclusivity.

Join the Movement

ExceedAbility’s vision aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Paralympics: celebrating what’s possible when limits are redefined. Let’s make accessibility a standard—not a challenge.