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 summary, the fundamentals remain the same from one region to another. Once you have mastered the WCAG, you can transfer that expertise from one project to another, regardless of the work context.

The table below shows how the required WCAG criteria correspond across different regulatory frameworks.

Note: Some jurisdictions are currently in the process of updating the version of the WCAG they apply.

Accessibility laws and legislation

In Canada

Federal: ACA (Accessible Canada Act)

• Banks, interprovincial transportation, telecommunications.

Quebec (SGQRI 008)

• Government ministries and agencies;
• Educational institutions, such as school service centres, CEGEPs, and universities;
• Organizations in the health and social services network, including hospitals, CISSS, and CLSC.
• WCAG 2.2 AA with some additions and exceptions.

Ontario: AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)

• Public sector: Government of Ontario, ministries, provincial agencies, municipalities, and hospitals;
• Educational institutions: School boards, colleges, and universities;
• Private sector: All businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations;
• Not‑for‑profit sector: Charities, associations, and community organizations;
• All organizations with more than 50 employees;
• WCAG 2.0 AA.

Manitoba: AMA (Accessibility for Manitobans Act)

• Designated public sector: Ministries, municipalities, universities and colleges, health networks, and Crown corporations;
• Private sector and non‑profit organizations: Retail businesses, restaurants, hotels, charities, places of worship, and unions;
• WCAG 2.1 AA.

British Columbia: ABA (Accessible British Columbia Act)

• Provincial government;
• WCAG 2.2 AA.

Nova Scotia (by April 2029)

• Public sector: Provincial government, ministries, municipalities, hospitals (Nova Scotia Health), and public‑sector bodies;
• Educational institutions: Primary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities;
• Private businesses and organizations: In particular, those that own, operate, or maintain buildings, built environments, or outdoor spaces, as well as those that provide goods and services;
• WCAG: neither the version nor the level is specified yet, but likely 2.2 AA.

Northwest Territories

• Governmental bodies;
• WCAG (no specific version indicated).

Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick have framework accessibility legislation but have not yet specified which standard must be followed.

Alberta does not have a framework accessibility law.

In Europe

France

• Public sector (mandatory);
• Large private enterprises (annual revenue > €250 million);
• Since 2025 (EAA): many more digital businesses;
• RGAA. Note that version 5 of RGAA is planned for the end of 2026 to incorporate WCAG 2.2 criteria.

Belgium

• Public sector;
• Businesses offering digital services (EAA);
• WCAG 2.1 AA (via EN 301 549).

Luxembourg

• Public sector;
• Economic operators covered by the EAA;
• WCAG 2.1 AA.

Switzerland

• Federal administration;
• Certain mandated organizations (public transport companies, banks and retail financial services, telecommunications, public or semi‑public digital services, mandated educational institutions);
• eCH‑0059 standard: WCAG (often 2.1 AA, but this may vary depending on whether the service is public, mandated, or private, according to proportionality).

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!