Digital Accessibility Compliance

Let TPGi help you navigate accessibility compliance and conformance and go beyond baseline expectations. Learn about the different categories of digital accessibility laws, regulations, and standards to set realistic goals for your organization.
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What Is the Difference Between Digital and Web Accessibility?

Digital accessibility focuses on the process of creating digital products and services that people with disabilities can use. Web accessibility, specifically, is a category within digital accessibility that focuses on technologies that use the Internet. These can include:

  • Websites and applications.
  • Native mobile apps.
  • Documents that are available online.

However, digital accessibility reaches beyond just the web. It encompasses a variety of technologies used in everyday interactions, such as:

  • Kiosks.
  • Desktop software.
  • eBooks.

By making your digital assets accessible, you not only comply with legal obligations but also unlock the potential to engage a wider audience. Whether it’s a website, mobile app, or self-service kiosk, removing barriers leads to a more inclusive user experience.

Learn more about the importance of web accessibility.

Compliance vs. Conformance: What’s the Difference?

Achieving digital accessibility involves two critical concepts: compliance with laws and conformance with technical standards. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent different aspects of accessibility. Understanding these distinctions ensures your organization is meeting legal obligations and best practices.

  • Compliance: This refers to meeting the legal requirements set forth by accessibility laws, which vary by country or region. Some laws, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or European Accessibility Act (EAA), outline which organizations need to comply, but may not always specify the technical criteria for how to meet these obligations.
  • Conformance: In contrast, conformance is about aligning your digital content with technical accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG provides detailed criteria for making digital products and services accessible, though it is not always mandated by law.

For example, the ADA Title II mandates that state and local government entities ensure their services, programs, and activities are accessible to people with disabilities. Meanwhile, the UK Equality Act doesn’t have an associated technical standard, but conformance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA is generally considered sufficient in practice.

Understanding the relationship between these laws and standards is key to building an accessibility strategy that ensures legal protection while promoting usability for all.

Understanding Digital Accessibility Guidelines

Digital accessibility laws are more nuanced than physical accessibility standards. Unlike a straightforward rule for wheelchair ramps, digital content follows guidelines that can vary by region and interpretation. For example:

  • In the U.S., ADA Title II applies broadly to public entities, but technical standards like WCAG 2.2 Level AA are recommended to meet compliance.
  • In Europe, the EU Web Accessibility Directive and EAA require digital accessibility, but specific conformance is often tied to WCAG.

Each region has different standards, and it’s the responsibility of organizations to navigate these requirements with their accessibility partner.

Explore TPGi’s in-depth resources to gain a clear understanding of the specific requirements for each accessibility standard and how they apply to your organization.

ADA Compliance

WCAG Conformance

Section 508 Conformance

Global Accessibility Guidelines

European Accessibility Act (EAA)

Other European Accessibility Guidelines

Canada Accessibility Guidelines

Australia Accessibility Guidelines

India Accessibility Guidelines

Proposed Accessibility Guidelines:

Additional Accessibility Guidelines

Digital Accessibility Resources for Roles and Industries

Roles

Industries

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)

Digital Accessibility Compliance Testing Tools

Can Full Digital Accessibility Be Achieved?

Perfect accessibility, like a bug-free website, is not realistically attainable. However, aiming for substantial conformance with WCAG ensures that most users, including those using assistive technologies, can access your digital content.

Achieving Digital Accessibility

TPGi as a Service (TaaS) provides a comprehensive solution for managing your digital accessibility needs. TaaS integrates strategic planning, advanced tools, and expert guidance, to help you consistently make progress on your accessibility goals. Whether you need ongoing testing or support, TaaS ensures your digital assets achieve substantial conformance and long-term compliance.

Contact us to learn how we can create an accessibility strategy for your organization today.

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