The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) signifies a significant step towards inclusivity in the province. It aims to remove barriers faced by people with disabilities, impacting various aspects of public and private life.
For business owners in Manitoba, understanding and complying with the AMA is not just good practice – it’s the law. This article focuses on the Act’s impact on websites and digital content, a crucial aspect of doing business in today’s world.
Why Accessibility Matters for Your Business
Creating an accessible online experience for everyone, including individuals with disabilities, is not just about compliance. It offers tangible benefits for your business:
- Expand your customer base: By making your website accessible, you tap into a larger market segment that includes people with disabilities and their networks.
- Enhance brand reputation: Demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity enhances your brand image and resonates with ethically conscious consumers.
- Boost SEO and usability: Many accessibility best practices align with SEO principles, improving your website’s search engine ranking and overall user experience.
- Minimize legal risks: Compliance with the AMA helps you avoid potential legal complications and associated costs.
Key Requirements for Websites and Digital Content
The AMA’s Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation outlines specific guidelines businesses need to follow:
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA Compliance:
- This internationally recognized standard sets the benchmark for web accessibility.
- All new websites and web applications, or those undergoing significant updates, must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA criteria.
- This includes aspects like text alternatives for images, keyboard navigation, clear headings, and color contrast.
- Accessible Formats on Request:
- Be prepared to provide information in alternative formats (large print, audio, braille, plain language) upon request and at no extra cost to the individual.
- This applies to critical information like product descriptions, service details, and company policies.
- Feedback Mechanisms:
- Establish a clear and easy-to-use process for users to provide feedback on your website’s accessibility.
- Respond to feedback promptly and take necessary actions to address any barriers identified.
- Accessibility Training:
- Provide training to all employees involved in website development, content creation, customer service, and communication.
- Training should cover accessibility standards, best practices, and how to assist individuals with disabilities.
- Documentation (for larger businesses):
- Public sector organizations, educational institutions, libraries, and private businesses with 50 or more employees must publicly document their accessibility policies, procedures, and any accessibility limitations on their website.
Exceptions and Considerations
While the AMA strives for comprehensive accessibility, certain exceptions exist:
- Technical Infeasibility: If meeting a specific requirement is technically impossible, you may be exempt. However, you must explore all reasonable alternatives.
- Undue Hardship: If compliance would cause significant difficulty or expense disproportionate to your business size and resources, you might qualify for an exemption. However, you need to clearly demonstrate this hardship.
Compliance Deadlines and Resources
The AMA sets different compliance deadlines based on organization type:
- May 1, 2023: Manitoba government agencies
- May 1, 2024: Public sector organizations, libraries, and educational institutions
- May 1, 2025: Private businesses, non-profits, and small municipalities
Don’t wait until the deadline to get started! Begin assessing your website’s accessibility now and develop a plan to address any gaps.
If you’re wondering about your website’s accessibility and compliance with standards like WCAG 2.0, we can help. We offer comprehensive accessibility audits that go beyond automated checks, identifying both obvious and subtle barriers that might affect users with disabilities. While automated tools can provide a good starting point, they may miss some issues or generate false positives. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to have us take a look at your website’s accessibility compliance.
By embracing the principles of the AMA and proactively addressing accessibility, Manitoba businesses can create a more inclusive online environment for everyone, while simultaneously reaping the benefits of a wider customer base and a positive brand image.