Web Accessibility
What does it mean?
The most recent version of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 sets the standard on making web content, including text, images, and sounds more accessible to all users. It includes 13 guidelines organized under 4 principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. For each guideline, there are three levels of success criteria: A, AA, and AAA.
The Province of Ontario has already implemented a law mandating public sector organizations as well as private or non-profit organizations with 50+ employees to meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
The Province of British Columbia Accessibility 2024 Action Plan aims to establish and implement accessibility standards with the goal of B.C. becoming Canada’s most progressive province. Web Accessibility is expected to fall under a proposed British Columbia Accessibility Act.
Why does it matter?
Accessibility means the same across all mediums, online or in the “real world”: removing barriers and (re-)designing inclusive spaces that are accessible to all.
“When you design for accessibility, you reach a broader audience by enabling people who permanently or temporarily need to use assistive technologies to engage, learn about, and purchase your goods and services across all devices.”
-Essential Accessibility, Accessibility Software
“When websites are designed to be usable by people with low vision, I can find the information I need easily, without having to struggle to see things. I can navigate independently without straining my eyes or back. Whenever I have a choice, I spend my money at businesses that have accessible web pages.”
- Heather Lamb, Information Resource Specialist, Spinal Cord Injury BC
TOTA’s Commitment
TOTA's goal is to promote Full Inclusion and Accessibility in all aspects of community and tourism experiences, products, and services including Web Accessibility, in the Thompson Okanagan region. We are committed to improving the accessibility of our corporate and consumer websites to meet WCAG 2.1 standards.
