As we approach 2025, there’s one thing we all know for sure: accessibility on the web is not something we can ignore anymore. It’s something we need to think about, plan for, and ensure we’re doing right. If you’re running a website, it’s no longer just about providing great content or products—it’s about making sure everyone can access that content and those services. Whether someone has a visual impairment, a hearing challenge, or even a cognitive disability, your website needs to be accessible to all users.

In Canada, there’s a strong push toward making the internet more inclusive. With key accessibility laws and guidelines, like the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), businesses must ensure their websites are accessible and meet certain standards. But here’s the thing: staying ahead of the curve and preparing for what’s coming in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this blog, I’m going to walk you through what you need to know about the upcoming changes in accessibility policies and how you can stay on top of them to keep your site compliant, user-friendly, and accessible for everyone.

Why Should We Care About Accessibility Policies?

You might be wondering, "Why is this so important?" Well, here's the truth—accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement; it's about doing right by all your users. Whether you're a small business owner, a big corporation, or somewhere in between, your website needs to be accessible to people who rely on assistive technologies. Things like screen readers, voice commands, and other tools help users interact with the internet in ways many of us might take for granted.

In Canada, the AODA is at the forefront of accessibility legislation. It requires websites and digital platforms to comply with certain standards. These laws are in place not only to protect people with disabilities but also to create a digital environment where everyone has equal access to information and services. And if you think accessibility laws are just a "suggestion," think again—there are serious consequences for non-compliance. More businesses are finding out that accessibility is no longer a "nice-to-have," but an essential part of running a responsible, inclusive digital space.

What’s Coming with WCAG 2.2?

When it comes to web accessibility standards, WCAG is the gold standard that most organizations follow, and it’s about to get even more important. WCAG 2.2 is expected to become more widely adopted as we move into 2025, so understanding the key updates is critical for staying compliant.

Here’s what’s changing:

1. Better Support for Cognitive Disabilities WCAG 2.2 introduces new criteria aimed at making websites more usable for people with cognitive impairments. It’s not just about making content readable—it’s about ensuring the experience is clear, intuitive, and easy to navigate for users with learning disabilities or memory challenges. You’ll see updates focusing on things like reducing distractions, simplifying language, and making sure critical tasks are easier to complete.

2. Enhanced Visual Accessibility For those with low vision, small text and poor contrast can make websites impossible to navigate. WCAG 2.2 will be tightening up the rules on color contrast and text sizing. If you haven’t already, it’s time to start paying attention to things like making sure your text has high contrast against the background, and buttons are large enough for users to interact with easily.

3. Mobile Accessibility With more and more people accessing websites from their phones, WCAG 2.2 emphasizes making sure your mobile site is just as accessible as your desktop site. That means making sure things like clickable areas are large enough for users with motor impairments and that your mobile navigation is easy to use with voice commands or gestures.

These updates are small but crucial. By making sure your website is aligned with WCAG 2.2, you’re not just complying with regulations—you’re ensuring your site is usable for a wider audience.

How Can You Prepare for 2025?

I know it might sound like a lot to take in, but don’t worry. There are some simple, effective ways you can prepare your website for 2025, and most importantly, make it more accessible to your audience. Let’s break it down:

1. Do an Accessibility Audit

Think of this as a "health check" for your website. Regularly reviewing your site for accessibility issues is key to making sure it’s up to code. Check for things like:

• Alternative text for images (so people using screen readers can still understand visual content).

• Accessible navigation (so everyone can find what they need).

• Clear, readable fonts with high contrast to make sure text is easy to read.

By conducting regular accessibility audits, you’ll not only keep your site compliant, but you’ll also make sure it’s constantly improving for users who rely on these features.

2. Build Accessibility into Your Design Process

If you’re redesigning your website or starting from scratch, it’s tempting to focus on the visual appeal first—but accessibility should be baked into the process from the get-go. Instead of making accessibility an afterthought, think about it as a fundamental part of your design process. This means:

• Choosing color schemes with good contrast.

• Making sure all forms are usable with a keyboard.

• Ensuring that all media content (videos, images) has captions or transcripts.

When you approach accessibility early on, it’s a lot easier to implement and save yourself from making costly fixes later on.

3. Stay Informed and Flexible

Laws and guidelines are always changing. What’s considered "compliant" today may change by the time 2025 rolls around. That’s why it’s important to stay informed about updates to Canadian accessibility regulations and WCAG guidelines. Subscribe to resources, newsletters, or blogs that keep you up to date on changes in the accessibility space.

4. Make an Accessibility Statement

An accessibility statement on your website isn’t just for legal protection—it’s a way to show that you truly care about your users’ experience. In your statement, let your visitors know:

• You’re committed to accessibility.

• The steps you’ve taken to ensure your website is accessible.

• How they can contact you if they encounter any issues.

This gives users confidence that they can rely on your site, and it also shows that you take their needs seriously.

5. Train Your Team

Having an accessible website isn’t just the responsibility of your developers—it’s everyone’s job. Make sure your content creators, designers, and developers all understand the basics of accessibility. Provide training so everyone knows how to create accessible content, from images to written text, and understands why accessibility matters.

Conclusion

As we get closer to 2025, accessibility on the web will only become more important. If you want your website to be inclusive, user-friendly, and compliant with Canadian accessibility policies, there’s no time like the present to start making changes. By staying ahead of WCAG 2.2 updates, implementing regular audits, and building accessibility into your design process, you can ensure that your site is ready for whatever changes come next.

If all this seems a bit overwhelming, don’t worry! WebAbility.io is here to help. We offer accessibility audits, compliance assessments, and training to help you make your website more accessible, no matter where you’re starting from. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you create a website that works for everyone.

Ready to make your website accessible for 2025? Let’s talk. Contact WebAbility.io today and take the first step toward a more inclusive digital experience!