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DDA (Australia / Canada): Accessibility in an International Context

Companies offering digital products globally must look beyond the EU. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in Australia, along with equivalent legislation in Canada, ensures that people with disabilities are not discriminated against through inaccessible digital services. By 2026, the international harmonization of these standards is well advanced, making compliance both easier and mandatory for globally operating website owners.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in Australia

In Australia, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) is the central law protecting against discrimination. Section 24 specifies that it is unlawful to deny people access to goods, services, or facilities due to their disability. This explicitly applies to the digital environment.

  • Scope: The law applies to both the public sector and private businesses operating in Australia.

  • Complaint Process: Users can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) if a website has barriers that prevent access to information or services.

  • Requirements: The AHRC recommends adherence to international standards to meet legal obligations.

Accessibility Laws in Canada

Canada follows a dual approach of federal laws and strict provincial regulations. The goal is to achieve full accessibility nationwide by 2040.

  • Accessible Canada Act (ACA): This federal law requires organizations under federal jurisdiction (e.g., banks, transportation services) to remove barriers in information technology.

  • Provincial Laws (e.g., AODA): In provinces like Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) sets strict deadlines and requirements for private companies above a certain size.

  • Reporting Obligations: Similar to Europe, many Canadian organizations must regularly publish reports on their accessibility progress.

Technical Implementation via WCAG

Although Australia and Canada have different laws, the technical standards are largely identical. Both countries rely almost entirely on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to assess digital accessibility.

  • Standard: Compliance with WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 at Level AA is generally expected.

  • Elements: This includes proper use of alt text, logical keyboard navigation, and sufficient color contrast.

  • Benefit: Websites already optimized to European standards, such as the BFSG 2026, usually meet the core requirements of the DDA automatically.

Why International Compliance Matters

For WordPress sites or webshops serving overseas customers, compliance with these laws acts as a shield against legal risks.

  • Avoiding Legal Disputes: In countries like Australia, the threshold for filing discrimination lawsuits is often lower than in Germany.

  • Market Access: Many public tenders and B2B partnerships in Canada require demonstrable accessibility compliance.

  • SEO Advantages: A globally accessible structure improves indexing of your content worldwide. Learn more in The SEO Boost through Accessibility.

Setting your course for global success: The requirements in Australia and Canada clearly show that digital inclusion is a worldwide standard. An accessible website protects your business from legal consequences while opening doors to new markets. Learn about other international standards at Regulations or use our Digital Accessibility Checklist to make your website ready for international deployment.