Are you compliant with the new standard for web content accessibility?

On April 29, 2024, a new Québec standard on website accessibility, SGQRI 008 3.0, came into effect. This is the 3rd version of the standard.

What is its purpose?

The standard identifies accessibility rules to ensure that websites are designed so that all Internet users can access information and use functionalities. The aim of implementing the Standard is therefore to enable all websites and their content to be accessible, so as to facilitate their use by anyone, whether disabled or not.

Who must comply with the Standard?

• Government departments and agencies
• Educational institutions (CEGEPs and universities) and school service centers
• Health network organizations (hospitals, CISSS, CLSC)

What types of content need to be accessible?

All web content (informational and transactional) for desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. All downloadable documents on the sites (PDF, Word, Excel). Any video or audio content.

What do the regulations say?

Any organization subject to the Web Accessibility Standard (SGQRI 008 3.0) must make its websites (public, extranets or intranets) and their content accessible to people with disabilities, whether they have visual, auditory, motor or cognitive limitations, and whether these are situational, temporary or permanent.

What changes do you need to make to your website and content?

Here are a few examples of what the new standard imposes with WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 :

• Ensure that the contrast ratio is at least 3:1 between the color of an information icon or the color of a focus state border and its adjacent color
• Ensure that your help mechanisms (contact details, contact mechanism, conversational agent) are presented in the same order as the page content on each of your pages
• Make sure there's an alternative to a single click (like a button) when it comes to performing touch gestures on your mobile application, such as swiping to change a slide in a carousel.
• Ensure that fields containing a visual label contain this label in the field label that is perceived by assistive technology users

Looking for digital accessibility expertise?

With 15 years of accumulated expertise, Ciao is the Canadian reference when it comes to digital accessibility.

We help design and implement accessible and inclusive solutions that enable everyone to participate in digital life through the following services:

• audit an existing site
• support prior to the creation of a new site or platform
• support for the continuity of other changes to be made
• customized solutions to your needs thanks to a team of experienced developers
• team training, regardless of the size and profile

Why take an interest in accessibility?

Primarily, the goal is to deliver a high-quality experience for all users while meeting the mandatory requirements.

It gives your users a better experience. You're the first to know when you need to enlarge text on your cell phone.

Accessibility allows you to tap into new markets by offering you a way to broaden your audience.

Some of our training programs can equip you to become future accessibility advocates, helping you promote and uphold these values within your organization.

To find out more about accessibility and our other services