A Case Study by Leap Digital When our client, a prominent Toronto-based university, approached us, they had a clear priority: ensure their website met modern accessibility standards. With a diverse community of students, faculty, and researchers from North America, Europe, India, and beyond, the stakes were high. Accessibility was not just about meeting guidelines, it was about removing barriers for people with disabilities and protecting the institution from legal and reputational risk. Although this study focuses on higher education, the insights apply just as strongly to Canadian small businesses. In today’s connected economy, a single website can reach audiences worldwide. That means local organizations must comply with international laws while also demonstrating their commitment to inclusion and equality. Digital accessibility is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It is a legal requirement, an ethical responsibility, and a competitive advantage.
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The Context: Why Accessibility Must Be a Priority
At its core, digital accessibility means making sure websites, apps, and digital tools can be used by everyone, including people with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments. For example, an accessible website will allow someone who relies on a screen reader to navigate course materials just as easily as a sighted user, or let someone who cannot use a mouse complete an online checkout using only a keyboard. For both universities and businesses, accessibility is tied directly to compliance:
- In Canada: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) applies to large organizations, while the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) sets federal standards.
- In the U.S.: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act extend their reach even to international companies serving American users.
- In Europe: The European Accessibility Act (EAA), coming into effect June 28, 2025, will set new requirements for businesses selling into the EU.
- In India: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) mandates digital access as part of its inclusion framework.
The message is clear: if you operate globally, even as a small Canadian business, you need to align your digital presence with these requirements.
Methodology: How We Evaluated Accessibility Tools
Leap Digital conducted a structured evaluation of six leading accessibility solutions. To keep the process practical for both institutions and small businesses, we assessed tools against five straightforward criteria:
- Regulatory Compliance: How well the tool aligns with international standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.1 and 2.2, plus laws such as ADA, AODA, and EAA.
- Ease of Implementation: How quickly the tool can be installed and whether it requires code changes.
- Functional Coverage: Features like automated fixes, multilingual support, and assistive technology compatibility.
- Cost: Affordability across different organization sizes.
- Support & Scalability: Availability of legal backing, analytics, and the ability to grow with the organization.
The six tools we reviewed were: All in One Accessibility, accessiBe, EqualWeb, UserWay, Monsido, and AudioEye.
Key Findings and Comparative Analysis
1. All-in-One Accessibility
Overview: A free and paid widget designed for global compliance. Strengths: Covers laws in Canada, the U.S., the EU, and India; supports 140+ languages. Ease of Use: Installable in minutes, no coding required. Cost: Free tier; paid plans start at $250/year. Best Fit: Small businesses and schools looking for affordable, quick coverage.
2. accessiBe
Overview: An AI-powered overlay that scans and adjusts websites automatically. Strengths: Delivers a compliance scan within 48 hours; includes legal certification. Ease of Use: One-line script integration makes setup simple. Cost: Starts at $490/year. Best Fit: Organizations exposed to U.S. legal risks.
3. EqualWeb
Overview: Combines automated tools with expert-led remediation. Strengths: Full compliance support, litigation backing. Ease of Use: More setup effort required. Cost: Higher than AI-only solutions. Best Fit: Universities and large businesses with complex websites.
4. UserWay
Overview: A well-known widget with both free and premium features. Strengths: Easy to recognize and install. Ease of Use: Simple setup, optional add-ons. Cost: Free for basic, paid for advanced. Best Fit: Businesses wanting low-cost, basic compliance.
5. Monsido
Overview: A professional platform for compliance monitoring. Strengths: Goes beyond accessibility to include SEO and quality assurance. Ease of Use: Best suited for organizations with in-house teams. Cost: Premium pricing. Best Fit: Institutions with dedicated digital departments.
6. AudioEye
Overview: A hybrid solution blending AI with human experts. Strengths: Litigation support and certification included. Ease of Use: Enterprise-level setup. Cost: High-end. Best Fit: Organizations seeking end-to-end accessibility management.
Implications for Educational Institutions
For universities, accessibility is not just compliance; it’s mission-critical. Institutions must:
- Support diverse students, including those with sensory, cognitive, and physical disabilities.
- Publish accessible research, learning materials, and multimedia content.
- Recruit international students, which brings added exposure to global laws.
Failure to comply risks:
- Excluding students
- Damaging institutional reputation
- Facing lawsuits and penalties
- Losing out on funding or global partnerships
Adopting accessibility solutions early helps universities build inclusive learning environments while protecting their international credibility.
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Implications for Small Businesses
For small businesses, accessibility might seem less urgent, but the risks are real:
- S. lawsuits: Canadian companies serving American customers are increasingly being targeted.
- EU standards: The EAA will apply to any business selling into Europe from 2025.
- Indian compliance: Relevant for those promoting digital services in India.
Because most small businesses don’t have the resources for detailed audits, low-cost automated solutions like All in One Accessibility or accessiBe are practical entry points. These tools reduce legal risk while making websites friendlier for more users.
Recommendations
Here’s our phased approach for institutions and small businesses alike:
- Start now: Accessibility risk grows with time. Even a basic widget is better than no action.
- Install a baseline tool: All-in-One Accessibility offers wide coverage at low cost.
- Upgrade when needed: For international exposure or complex sites, consider accessiBe or EqualWeb.
- Commit to maintenance: Accessibility is ongoing. Use platforms like Monsido for continuous monitoring.
Conclusion
Digital accessibility is more than compliance; it’s about fairness, inclusion, and business growth. A Toronto university recognized this when they asked us to assess their digital presence. What we found applies equally to Canadian small businesses: the world is watching, and accessibility is now part of how you compete globally. Your website is your front door. Make sure it opens for everyone. At Leap Digital, we help educational institutions and Canadian businesses align with international accessibility standards, reduce legal risks, and create inclusive digital experiences.
Protect Your Business and Grow Globally
Accessibility opens doors to new markets and reduces legal risks. Take the first step today.