Digital accessibility refers to the accessibility of the websites, digital services and other digital environments in general. Accessibility aims to create an equal user experience - regardless of a person's physical or cognitive limitations, or the technology used. It aims to ensure that websites and mobile applications are easily accessible to all users.
Accessibility conditions are governed by the Accessibility Directive and other legal requirements. The law on the providing digital services applies in particular to public organisations and businesses that provide services or content online. However, it is important to note that accessibility is not just a legal obligation for some service providers, but an opportunity for all to improve the user experience and reach wider audiences.
Accessibility obligations in legislation include:
Micro-enterprises are not required by law, although they are encouraged to provide their services in accordance with the requirements. There are also sector-specific requirements for certain sectors, such as e-books and financial services Government Decree on accessibility requirements for certain digital services, in Finnish). ).
Accessibility auditing is an important step towards ensuring the accessibility of a digital service. The purpose of the audit is to determine how well the website or digital service serves all users, including those who may have special needs. Online service providers must be able to demonstrate how accessibility requirements are implemented in practice.
Let's take a close look on what exactly an accessibility audit evaluates, the elements of the audit, the concrete actions and its relevance for both businesses and users.
The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are the basis of the accessibility audit. WCAG is an international set of guidelines, the first version of which was published in the 1990s and has since been supplemented and updated. The WCAG criteria define web content accessibility through four principles.
The WCAG criteria are divided into three levels (A, AA and AAA) according to which digital services can be assessed. They levels start with basic conditions for using the service and progress up to higher levels of accessibility. The criteria provide a clear framework for assessing and improving accessibility.
An accessibility audit consists of several components.These range from technical functionality, to clarity of service and comprehensibility of content. Together, these different aspects ensure that a website or digital service is accessible and user-friendly.
The audit can be supported by a range of tools that allow the accessibility of the elements to be assessed.A user-centred evaluation is also carried out, whereby the website is tested with real users and assistive devices such as screen readers (NVDA, JAWS) and keyboard controls.
Maintaining accessibility is an ongoing effort. It is important to consider the impact on accessibility, especially when updating and changing the service. Continuous monitoring can be done on a regular basis, for example with the Siteimprove Accessibility Checker tool.
Improving accessibility improves the experience of inclusion and non-discrimination in society as a whole. Making online services and digital content genuinely accessible to all promotes equality and enables equal possibilities for all.
For organisations, addressing accessibility is an essential part of their responsibility. Providers of online services must be able to demonstrate how accessibility requirements have been implemented in practice. They must have documented processes and practices in place to ensure that accessibility is maintained and continuously improved.
As a results of an accessibility audit is a comprehensive report that includes an analysis of the current state of accessibility of the service and recommendations for improvement. The audit will help not only to meet legal requirements, but also to expand the customer base and improve the user experience for all users.
Significant benefits of accessibility:
The national legislation on the digital services came into force on 1 February 2023. There is now a transition period, which will end on 28 June 2025, during which services must comply with the accessibility requirements of the Digital Services Act.For more details on the timetable and requirements, see the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency's website Saavutettavuusvaatimukset.fi.-sivustolla.
Online services providers should prepare well in advance to meet the accessibility requirements.An accessibility audit is an effective way to assess the level of accessibility of your service and create a plan for possible improvements.This will ensure that online services meet the requirements before the deadline.
Citrus' experienced experts will be happy to assist you in ensuring accessibility. Contact us to discuss your needs!
Read also: Accessibility of Online Services - An Expert's Perspective
Accessibility evaluation of a website or digital service is called an accessibility audit. An accessibility audit is an important part of ensuring digital accessibility.
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