Digital accessibility

Definition

Digital accessibility refers to the set of practices, standards and technologies that enable all users - including those with impairments or disabilities - to access, navigate, interact and contribute effectively to digital content. It applies to websites, mobile applications, electronic documents and all other digital products.

In Quebec, as elsewhere, accessibility is an essential component of digital inclusion, and is becoming increasingly important both ethically and legally, particularly for public bodies or companies wishing to reach all their target audiences.

Why is digital accessibility important?

1. Include all users

According to the Office des personnes handicapées du Québecapproximately 16% of the Quebec population lives with a functional limitation. This can include visual, hearing, motor, cognitive or neurological impairments. A site that is not accessible then becomes a barrier to information or interaction.

2. Compliance with standards and obligations

International standards such as the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) serve as a reference for designing accessible interfaces. The Quebec government has also adopted the Standard on Web Site Accessibility (SGQRI 008 2.0), which is based on these guidelines.

3. Improve the overall user experience

Practices that promote accessibility often benefit everyone: clear language, simple navigation, uncluttered design, sufficient contrasts, etc. Better accessibility often leads to better ergonomics.

4. Search engine optimization (SEO)

Certain accessibility practices (ALT tags, logical content structure, well-ordered titles) also improve a site's visibility on search engines, which is beneficial for digital marketing.

5. Avoiding legal risks

In Canada, the Canadian Accessibility Act (2019) requires federally-regulated companies to meet certain obligations. Although not all SMEs are affected, this is a good practice to adopt proactively.

Key considerations in digital accessibility

1. Structure and content

  • Well-ordered titles (H1, H2, H3, etc.)

  • Clear, concise text

  • Simple language to ensure understanding

  • Color contrasts respecting accessibility thresholds

  • Using semantic HTML

2. Navigation

  • Keyboard navigation possible (no mouse required)

  • Presence of a breadcrumb trail

  • Descriptive links (avoid "Click here")

  • Clear, logical menus

3. Media and visual content

  • Alternative text (ALT tag) for images

  • Subtitles and transcriptions for videos

  • User-controllable animated content

  • Icons with text labels

4. Forms

  • Well-labeled fields

  • Clear instructions

  • Understandable error messages

  • Accessibility via keyboard navigation

5. Assistive technologies

Users of technological aids - screen readers (e.g. NVDA, JAWS), alternative keyboards, voice commands - must be able to use the site without obstacles. This implies good technical compatibility.

Accessibility and Web design: the role of an agency

For an agency like Planning Médiaintegrating accessibility right from the design phase of a website is not just an added value: it's a differentiating factor. Here's how accessibility is integrated into our mandates:

✔️ Accessibility audit

Before any site is redesigned or put online, a complete analysis is carried out to assess the existing level of accessibility. This includes manual tests, automated tools, and simulations of navigation with technological aids.

✔️ Inclusive design

Layouts are designed to meet WCAG 2.1 level AA criteria as a minimum: colors, legible typography, accessible interactive components.

✔️ Compliant development

The HTML/CSS/JS code is designed according to good accessibility practices. The development team takes care of semantics, ARIA tags where necessary, and adaptability on all devices.

✔️ User tests

Real-life tests with users living with limitations are sometimes integrated into the process, to validate compliance beyond standards.

✔️ Training and knowledge transfer

Good accessibility is only sustainable if the customer understands how to maintain it. Planning Média.media supports in-house teams with user guides and training in accessible content management (WordPress, Webflow, etc.).

Best practices to adopt now

Title

  • To do: prioritize (H1 > H2 > H3)

  • Don't skip title levels

Images

  • To do: add ALT tags

  • Don't: insert images without description

Contrast

  • To do: use sufficient contrast (e.g. 4.5:1)

  • Avoid: pale text on a light background

Links

  • To do: write a descriptive link text

  • Avoid: "Click here

Forms

  • To do: label each field

  • Avoid: forms without labels

Useful tools for checking accessibility

  • WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool

  • Google Lighthouse (accessibility audit)

  • DevTools axis

  • Contrast Checker (WebAIM)

  • Screen Reader Simulator

Conclusion

Digital accessibility should not be seen as a constraint, but rather as a lever for innovation, inclusion and marketing efficiency. By making a website accessible, a company extends its reach, respects its users and improves its brand image.

At Planning Media, accessibility is an integral part of strategic web design. By putting users at the center of the digital experience, we build high-performance, responsible and sustainable platforms.