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ACA on Ghost: complete compliance checklist

Implementing ACA compliance on Ghost means addressing the platform's specific failure modes (custom theme variance, inaccessible third-party newsletter integrations) while applying Accessible Canada Act success criteria across content, code, and editorial workflow.

Lin Chen · IAAP CPACC · Mobile accessibility lead3 min readPublished · Updated

ACA in 60 seconds

The Accessible Canada Act (ACA, 2019) requires federally regulated entities — federal government, banks, telecom, broadcasting, transportation — to identify, remove and prevent accessibility barriers, with the explicit goal of "a Canada without barriers by 2040" and detailed regulations layered on top including the ICT regulations referencing EN 301 549.

Ghost accessibility — what you are starting with

Ghost is a publication-focused CMS where editorial discipline is the dominant factor.

ACA setup checklist for Ghost

1. Use Casper or audit your theme: Casper is the reference accessibility-aware theme.

2. Editorial discipline on alt text: Ghost editor supports alt; require it.

Common ACA failures on Ghost

• Custom theme variance

• Inaccessible third-party newsletter integrations

Putting it together

Combine ACA's Level AA requirements with Ghost's native tooling. Bake accessibility into your component library and editorial workflow; instrument axe-core in CI for regression.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Cited answers. Sourced. Updated as standards and case law change.

  • Is Ghost ACA-compliant out of the box?

    Casper theme and Ghost editor support accessibility. Custom themes vary.

  • What is the easiest path to ACA compliance on Ghost?

    Start with the platform's most-accessible default theme (where applicable), audit each installed plugin/extension/module, train content authors on alt text and heading hierarchy, and instrument axe-core in your CI pipeline.

  • Is Ghost accessible?

    Casper theme and Ghost editor support accessibility. Custom themes vary.

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