This week, Karine talks with Rocio Alvarado, one of our accessibility experts, about the state of digital accessibility in Quebec. Together, they explore its evolution, demystify certain preconceived ideas and share some advice! Watch the video below (in French).
Digital accessibility is gaining ground in Quebec, thanks to a recent update of government standards that brings them closer to international standards. However, despite these advances, its adoption remains limited to certain public bodies, and several misconceptions still hinder a real transformation.
A major update of the standards
The new government standard SGQRI 3.0, published in 2024, marks a turning point for Quebec. This standard aligns almost entirely with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, placing the province at the forefront of other jurisdictions that still rely on version 2.1. This modernization allows Quebec to better meet current accessibility needs, considering the latest technological developments and international best practices.
Adoption still limited
Despite these normative advances, digital accessibility in Quebec is still in its infancy. Only certain public bodies and government companies are currently required to comply with the standards. The application of these requirements therefore remains marginal at the level of society. Extending their adoption to all businesses could help build a more inclusive and innovative society.
Demystifying automated solutions
A major barrier to accessibility is the false beliefs surrounding automated solutions. The idea that a simple script or an overlay added to a website would be enough to make it accessible is still too widespread. However, these tools can even harm the experience of people using assistive technologies, such as screen readers, without addressing the real problems at the source. Real accessibility requires a rigorous approach, integrated from the design of digital projects.
To go further
For organizations that want to make concrete improvements to their practices, here are a few guides to help you get started :
Download our Training Catalogue
Download our SGQRI 3.0 Guide
Download our WCAG 2.2 Guide
Do you have a project in mind? We will be happy to talk to you about it!