How EN 301 549, a European ICT accessibility standard, will impact Canada

The digital world is getting better for people with disabilities, thanks to the efforts of various organizations and standards that aim to improve the usability and accessibility of information and communication technologies (ICT).

One of these standards is EN 301 549, a European standard for the public sector that outlines accessibility requirements for ICT products and services (i.e., web content, software, hardware, electronic documents, and more).

Let’s briefly explore EN 301 549 and how it will impact ICT accessibility in Canada.

Overview of EN 301 549: A harmonised European standard for information and communication technologies (ICT) accessibility

EN 301 549 is a *harmonised European standard that outlines accessibility requirements for ICT products and services (PDF). It draws heavily from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines v2.1, published by the W3C and known as WCAG 2.1, but includes additional requirements that applies to:

hardware (for example, ATMs, printers, laptops, phones)
software (for example, applications, operating systems, user interfaces)
electronic documents (for example, PDF, Word, Excel)
electronic devices (for example, kiosks, relay or emergency services)
biometrics (for example, facial recognition, fingerprint detection)

* A harmonised European standard is a standard developed by a recognised European Standards Organisation, such as CEN, CENELEC, or ETSI, following a request from the European Commission. Harmonised standards are used to demonstrate that products, services, or processes comply with relevant EU legislation, especially in the areas of health, safety, and environmental protection. Harmonised standards are voluntary, but they can provide a presumption of conformity with the legal requirements.

More information about the structure and history of EN 301 549 (European Telecommunications Standards Institute)

ICT accessibility in Canada and EN 301 549

Accessibility Canada Act

The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) is a federal law that aims to make Canada barrier-free by 2040 for persons with disabilities. It applies to federal government and organizations it regulates. It came into force in 2019.

The ACA applies to a wide range of federally regulated entities, including departments, agencies, crown corporations, Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, First Nations band councils, Parliament, and industry sectors (banking, telecommunications and transportation).

Accessibility Standards Canada

Accessibility Standards Canada, a federal organization created by the Accessible Canada Act, is responsible for creating and reviewing accessibility standards that apply to the federal government and federally regulated entities.

Accessibility Standards Canada is currently developing twelve standards in various areas, including a standard in information and communication technologies (ICT) titled CAN-ASC-6.1 Information and Communication Technology Products and Services.

According to their website:

“The technical Committee on Accessibility Requirements for Information and Communication Technology Products and Services will work towards the adoption in its entirety of the European harmonized standard ‘EN 301 549, Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services’”.

It is expected that these standards will align with or exceed the requirements of EN 301 549, as well as reflect the Canadian context and the needs of Canadians with disabilities.

NOTE
The full draft of standard EN 301 549 Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services is currently open for public review and feedback by Accessibility Standards Canada. You can review and submit your feedback until Feb. 5, 2023.

***EN 301 549 consists of 14 clauses and 6 annexes. Annex A has two tables with requirements on the accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies.

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS)

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) is already recommending that federal organizations adopt EN 301 549 and adhere to the guidance available in the guideline, as part of a commitment to an accessible and barrier-free Canada.

Key takeaways

EN 301 549 is a European standard that outlines accessibility requirements for ICT products and services, such as web content, software, hardware, electronic documents, and more. It draws heavily from WCAG 2.1, a set of guidelines for web content accessibility, but includes additional requirements that apply to other ICT domains.
Accessibility Standards Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) are both adopting or developing standards that align with or exceed EN 301 549 (2021), as part of a commitment to an accessible and barrier-free Canada.