Living in an increasingly interconnected and digital world, accessibility standards are more important than ever in creating equitable opportunities for people with disabilities. The standards below serve as guidelines for designing inclusive environments, technologies, and services that address diverse needs and eliminate barriers.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
- Provides comprehensive guidelines for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities. It addresses visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological impairments
- Key Principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust
- Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented in ways users can perceive, e.g alt text
- Operable: Interface elements must be navigable and usable
- Understandable: Content should be readable and predictable, supporting clear navigation and functionality
- Robust: content should be compatible with current and future assistive technologies
- WCAG 2 Overview | Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C
The Equality Act 2010
- This legislation aims to prevent discrimination based on disability and requires reasonable adjustments in workplaces, public services, and digital spaces
- Key Applications:
- Employment: Employers must provide accommodations like assistive technology or flexible working arrangements
- Digital Accessibility: Websites and apps must comply with WCAG to avoid indirect discrimination
- Education and Services: Schools, universities and service providers must ensure inclusivity through accessible facilities and digital tools
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
- Sets common accessibility requirements across the EU for products and services. It aims to improve the functioning of the EU internal market while ensuring better access for people with disabilities.
- Includes products such as ATMs, payment terminals, computers, smartphones
- Covers e-commerce, banking, transport and digital communication
- Companies exploring to the EU must comply, broadening the reach of accessibility standards globally
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- This international treaty encourages member states to adopt accessibility laws and stands that ensure the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities
- Key Provisions:
- Equal access to education, work, and public services
- Inclusive environments in transportation and technology
- Global encouragement of universal design principles
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