Definition

Accessibility compliance is the rigorous and mandatory act of adhering to established accessibility laws, regulations, and legal frameworks that govern the accessibility of digital content and services. It signifies an organization's commitment to meeting legal obligations designed to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.

Explanation

Imagine waking up to find a notice in your mailbox stating that you've been fined for a traffic violation. It's a frustrating start to the day, but ultimately, you have no choice but to pay the fine because traffic laws are in place to ensure smooth and safe movement for everyone. In a similar vein, virtually every country and major economic bloc has enacted specific laws and regulations pertaining to digital accessibility. These include significant legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, Section 508 for federal agencies in the U.S., the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Canada, and various directives within the European Union.

These laws are not mere suggestions; they are binding legal requirements that organizations, whether for-profit businesses, non-profit entities, or governmental bodies, are legally obligated to follow. The act of meticulously adhering to these accessibility laws and designing your websites, applications, and other digital resources in accordance with their mandates is precisely what is referred to as Accessibility Compliance. It goes beyond ethical considerations to become a legal imperative. Failure to achieve and maintain compliance can lead to serious repercussions, including costly and time-consuming accessibility lawsuits, substantial financial penalties, and significant damage to an organization's public image and brand reputation. Therefore, proactively understanding and diligently implementing these laws from the outset is not just good practice, but an essential risk mitigation strategy for any entity operating in the digital space.