Accessibility Laws Around the World
A quick map of the accessibility laws that apply to websites and apps in each country. Almost all of them point to one global target: WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Last updated: April 21, 2026
Every big accessibility law in the world points back to the same rulebook: the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Laws change wording and deadlines, but they all ask for the same target - usually WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Aim for that and you will meet most of them.
We have deep-dive guides for a few of the big laws (3 of them). For the rest, we link straight to the official government source so you get the real text. If the law that matters to you is not here, tell us and we will add it.
The global target: WCAG
Most of the laws below point to one of two versions of WCAG:
- WCAG 2.0 Level AA - older but still used (for example, by US Section 508).
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA - the most common target today (ADA, EAA, UK PSBAR, and many more).
If you want a single plan, start with our WCAG guide.
Americas
North and South America
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Covers public-facing businesses and state and local governments. Courts apply it to websites and apps.
Section 508 (Rehabilitation Act)
For federal agencies and their vendors. The Revised 508 Standards line up with WCAG 2.0 AA.
Accessible Canada Act (ACA)
Federal law for agencies and businesses under federal rule (banks, airlines, telecoms). Aims for a barrier-free Canada by 2040.
AODA
Ontario law that requires WCAG 2.0 AA for public and large private sector websites.
Brazilian Inclusion Law (LBI) - Law 13.146
Requires accessibility on websites and digital services. Works alongside the eMAG standard.
General Law for Inclusion of People with Disabilities
Broad disability rights law. Public sector digital services must be accessible.
Europe
European Union and the UK
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
Covers e-commerce, banking, e-books, streaming, and transport for EU consumers. Uses WCAG 2.1 AA via EN 301 549.
Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102)
Requires public sector websites and apps in all EU countries to meet EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1 AA).
Equality Act 2010 + PSBAR 2018
The Equality Act covers all businesses. PSBAR requires public sector sites to meet WCAG 2.1 AA.
Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG)
Germany's version of the EAA. In effect since June 2025 for private businesses.
RGAA (Référentiel Général d'Amélioration de l'Accessibilité)
The French national accessibility standard. Required for public services and large businesses.
Stanca Act (Law 4/2004)
Italy's long-standing accessibility law. Covers public sector and has been updated for the EAA.
Real Decreto 1112/2018
Spain's rule for public sector accessibility. Aligns with the EU Web Accessibility Directive.
Disability Act 2005 + EAA Implementation
Ireland has updated its accessibility law to match the EAA. Covers public and private sector services.
Asia-Pacific
Asia, Australia, and New Zealand
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
Federal law that covers websites. The Australian Human Rights Commission expects WCAG 2.1 AA.
Human Rights Act 1993 + NZ Government Web Standards
General rights law covers digital services. Government sites must meet WCAG 2.1 AA.
Act on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities
The 2024 update makes accessibility a legal duty for private businesses. JIS X 8341-3 is the tech standard (based on WCAG).
Anti-Discrimination Against and Remedies for Persons with Disabilities Act
Covers websites and mobile apps. The Korean KWCAG standard is based on WCAG 2.1.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD)
Requires government websites to follow GIGW, which is based on WCAG 2.1.
Middle East
Middle East
How NeuroText helps in every country
No matter which law applies, the fix is usually the same: follow WCAG AA. NeuroText is a widget and browser extension that gives every visitor controls for how they read and move through your pages. The same features help with every law above:
- Dyslexia-friendly fonts and adjustable spacing
- Contrast controls and color tints for low vision and Irlen syndrome
- Text-to-speech in 20+ voices
- Reading rulers and page outlines
- Reduce motion and pause animations
- AI page summaries for long or dense pages
We offer accessibility consulting in every major market. Tell us about your site and we will build a compliance plan with you.
This page is for general info only. It is not legal advice. Laws change often. For your own situation, talk to a lawyer in the country that matters to you. If you spot an error or want a country added, tell us.
Step 1: Add reading tools to your site in 2 minutes
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