Are You Welcoming Customers or Pushing Them Away?
Every day, businesses lose potential customers—not because their products or services fall short, but because their websites create unnecessary barriers.
Imagine this: A potential customer lands on your website, ready to explore your offerings or make a purchase. But within seconds, they encounter unreadable text, inaccessible navigation, or videos without captions. Frustrated, they leave—heading straight to your competitor who has an accessible website.
This scenario happens every day, and businesses that ignore accessibility are actively turning away customers without even realizing it.
For Canadian businesses, digital accessibility is no longer optional. Regulations like the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) require compliance. But beyond avoiding fines, accessibility is a strategic business move—one that expands your market, enhances customer loyalty, and even improves your SEO.
Not sure if your website meets accessibility standards?
Get a Free Website Accessibility Scan to uncover potential compliance issues and receive actionable insights.
Understanding Canadian Accessibility Laws & Requirements
If your business operates in Canada, accessibility regulations likely apply to you. Here’s what you need to know:
- The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) – Federal Compliance
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- Applies to federally regulated industries (e.g., banking, telecommunications, transportation).
- Websites and digital content must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
- Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to $250,000.
- The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) – Provincial Compliance
AODA applies to all Ontario businesses with employees, but compliance requirements vary by company size.
AODA Compliance Requirements by Employee Count
| Employee Count | AODA Requirements |
|---|---|
| 1-19 employees | Must comply with accessibility standards but do not file compliance reports. |
| 20-49 employees | Must file an accessibility compliance report every three years (next deadline: December 31, 2026). |
| 50+ employees | Must file compliance reports and create a written multi-year accessibility plan. |
- Websites must meet WCAG 2.0 AA by 2025.
- Enforcement is increasing, with fines up to $100,000 per day for non-compliance.
The deadline is fast approaching! Make sure your website is compliant before penalties take effect.
- Additional Provincial Accessibility Laws
Other provinces, including Manitoba (AMA), Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, have introduced similar accessibility standards.
When Customers Can’t Access Your Website, They Leave—And They Don’t Come Back
A customer is ready to buy. They land on your website, credit card in hand—only to find a roadblock. The buttons won’t work without a mouse. The text is unreadable. The product descriptions? Missing.
They try… and fail. In frustration, they leave—heading straight to your competitor.
📉 71% of users with disabilities will abandon an inaccessible website immediately. That’s not just a lost visitor—that’s a lost sale, a missed opportunity, and a customer who may never return.
💰 16% of Canadians live with disabilities, representing over $40 billion in potential revenue. Yet businesses that don’t prioritize accessibility are turning away this massive market—often without realizing it.
👩💻 As Canada’s population ages, more users rely on assistive technologies. Companies that fail to adapt will struggle to stay competitive, while those investing in accessibility will expand their reach, improve SEO, and build lasting customer loyalty.
🔍 Get a Free Website Accessibility Scan to ensure your website is welcoming, inclusive, and optimized for success.
SEO & Accessibility: A Win-Win for Search Rankings & User Engagement
Search engines and users have one thing in common: They both reward accessible websites.
🔎 Google has publicly stated that user experience is a key ranking factor. Websites that are accessible rank higher because they offer structured content, clear navigation, and faster page speeds—all of which Google rewards.
📝 Alt text, proper headings, and transcripts don’t just help users with disabilities—they make your content easier to understand, scan, and rank in search engines.
🎙️ Voice search and screen readers depend on structured content. Businesses that embrace accessibility gain an edge in the rapidly growing voice search market.
🔍 Get a Free Website Accessibility Scan and improve your website’s SEO performance while making it more inclusive.
The Competitive Advantage of Accessibility: Stay Ahead or Fall Behind
Some businesses see accessibility as a challenge. Smart businesses see it as an opportunity.
⏳ Early adopters of accessibility save money in the long run. Retrofitting an inaccessible website is expensive, while building accessibility into your digital strategy now reduces future costs.
📱 Accessible websites perform better on mobile devices—ensuring a seamless experience for every user, regardless of how they browse. And with mobile-first indexing, that means better engagement, higher conversions, and improved SEO.
🌎 Businesses that comply with EN 301 549 (the European accessibility standard adopted in Canada) gain a global competitive advantage. While competitors scramble to meet evolving regulations, accessibility-first businesses expand their reach, enhance their reputation, and attract a wider audience.
🔍 Claim Your Free Website Accessibility Scan and get ahead of the competition.
The Future of Business Is Accessible—Are You Ready?
Every day, businesses lose potential customers—not because their products or services fall short, but because their websites create unnecessary barriers.
🔴 An inaccessible website drives customers away, lowers search rankings, and exposes your business to legal risks.
🟢 An accessible website expands your market, strengthens your brand, and gives you a competitive edge.
Digital accessibility isn’t just a compliance checkbox—it’s a business strategy for long-term growth. Companies that prioritize inclusivity today will lead their industries tomorrow.
Don’t wait until accessibility violations cost you customers or result in legal fines. Take action now.
✅ Get a Free Website Accessibility Scan and uncover the gaps holding your business back.
Make accessibility a priority today—and turn it into your biggest competitive advantage.
