New accessibility requirements in 2023
Universal design of websites means creating websites that are accessible and user-friendly for everyone, regardless of disability. It is an important part of an inclusive design practice that ensures all users have access to online information and services.
Why bother with accessibility?
There are several advantages to universal design of websites. Firstly, it increases the accessibility of information and services for all users, which can help to strengthen democratic and social values in society. It can help increase your company’s or organization’s customer base, as it provides access to a larger group of users and it can give your website a higher ranking in Google. Universal design of websites can also help to improve the user experience for everyone. By following universal design standards, your website can be easier to use, more logical and intuitively structured.
What to consider when creating your website
To achieve accessibility, it’s important to follow a number of principles and guidelines, which include:
- Accessibility: Ensure that the website is accessible to all users, including people with disabilities, by using technology that supports accessibility. This means that the user has the ability to e.g. adjust contrasts, line spacing between text, navigate the page without sight with text-to-speech, etc.
- Ease of use: Make sure your website is easy to use, with clear navigation, logical links and easy to understand texts.
- Flexibility: Make sure your website can adapt to different devices, browsers and screen sizes so that all users can access the information they need.
- Content quality: Make sure your website content is relevant, up-to-date and easy to understand.
Who do the requirements apply to?
On February 1, 2023, the accessibility requirements for public enterprises were tightened.
Now all public sector organizations must have:
- Completed and published an accessibility statement for all its web solutions.
- The declaration must describe how well the company complies with the rules for universal design in ICT.
- The declaration requires a full mapping and testing of web solutions against applicable requirements and regulations.
If you violate applicable requirements, you can risk both daily fines and being required to rectify deviations.
Web accessibility is an ongoing process and it is important to regularly monitor and improve your website to ensure that it meets universal design standards.