Web Accessibility

Standard on Web
Accessibility

This standard ensures Government of Canada websites respect internationally accepted guidelines for Web accessibility and are measured consistently.

The Standard on Web Accessibility came into effect on August 1, 2011. This standard applies to all institutions listed in schedules I, I.I and II of the Financial Administration Act and will be implemented in three phases by July 31, 2013.

The Guidance on Implementing the Standard on Web Accessibility provides direction to departmental officials on roles and responsibilities and relevant recommendations on prioritizing of compliance activities.

Guidance on Implementing the Standard on Web Accessibility

Senior Departmental Officials

The Senior Departmental Official (SDO), designated by the deputy head, is responsible for supporting their deputy head by overseeing the implementation and monitoring of this standard in their department.

Guidance:

Chief Information Officers

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) must ensure that websites (including Web applications), for which they are responsible, comply with the Standard on Web Accessibility and that the department's software and systems provide the functionality necessary to meet the requirements of this standard.

Guidance:

Checklists for CIOs

Heads of Communications

Heads of Communications are responsible for ensuring that websites (including Web applications), for which they are responsible, comply with the Standard on Web Accessibility.

Guidance:

Web Specialists

Managers, functional specialists and equivalents are responsible for ensuring the compliance of websites (including Web applications). Guidance is provided to assist with managing, reviewing, developing, assessing and reporting on websites.

Guidance:

Improve the accessibility of: