Understanding Accessibility Standards Around the World: Our Approach at Ciao

Ciao Ciao! I just got back from an inspiring trip to Europe, where I had the chance to spend time with our international partners. One question kept coming up:
"At Ciao, in Québec, how do you stay informed and apply the different accessibility regulations from around the world?"

That’s a great question. And the answer boils down to just two words: the WCAG.

The WCAG: The Core of Global Standards

Of course, we don’t claim to know every regulation in every country or region across the globe. But here’s what’s important to understand: the vast majority of digital accessibility laws and regulations around the world are inspired by—or directly based on—the international standards of the W3C, namely the WCAG – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

These guidelines form the foundation of accessibility criteria to follow, whether you're in Europe, North America, or elsewhere. Some jurisdictions add extra requirements or local nuances, but the core principles remain the same.

What This Means for Our Work

What’s reassuring is that, since we have a strong grasp of the WCAG criteria, when we start a new project in a different region, we only need to get familiar with the specific local adaptations—this so-called "extra layer" of nuances or additional requirements. Usually, this can be done quickly and efficiently, and then we’re fully equipped to apply our expertise across borders.

In short: the foundation is the same from one country to another. Once you understand the WCAG, you can transfer your knowledge from one project to the next, even internationally.

The table below shows the WCAG criteria required by different international standards.

A Helpful Resource (And a Blog Post to Check Out!)

And if you’re wondering whether we have a reference guide or summary of accessibility standards by country—yes, we do!
We’ve published a blog post on our website that dives into this topic in more detail. It’s a great resource to help you better understand the specific requirements of different regions.

So if you're curious about the accessibility standards that apply to your project, or if you'd like to validate the accessibility of your platform for a global audience, don’t hesitate to reach out. We love talking about this stuff!