Web accessibility forrásának megtekintése

{{Short description|Accessibility of World Wide Web}}
{{Hatnote|For [[Wikipedia]]'s accessibility guidelines, see [[Wikipedia:Accessibility]].}}
{{Disability}}
'''Web accessibility''', or '''eAccessibility''',<ref name=sec1095>European Commission, [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52005DC0425 Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the |European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: eAccessibility] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119102527/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52005DC0425 |date=19 November 2021 }}, [SEC(2005)1095], published 13 September 2005, accessed 19 November 2021</ref> is the [[inclusion (disability rights)|inclusive practice]] of ensuring there are no barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to, [[website]]s on the [[World Wide Web]] by people with physical [[disabilities]], situational disabilities, and socio-economic restrictions on bandwidth and speed. When sites are correctly designed, developed and edited, more users have equal [[access to information]] and functionality.

For example, when a site is coded with semantically meaningful [[HTML]], with textual equivalents provided for images and with links named meaningfully, this helps blind users using text-to-speech software and/or text-to-Braille hardware. When text and images are large and/or enlargeable, it is easier for users with poor sight to read and understand the content. When links are underlined (or otherwise differentiated) as well as colored, this ensures that [[color blind]] users will be able to notice them. When [[clickable]] links and areas are large, this helps users who cannot control a [[computer mouse|mouse]] with precision. When pages are not coded in a way that hinders navigation by means of the [[computer keyboard|keyboard]] alone, or a single [[switch access]] device alone, this helps users who cannot use a mouse or even a standard keyboard. When videos are [[closed caption]]ed, [[Video chapter|chaptered]], or a [[sign language]] version is available, deaf and hard-of-hearing users can understand the video. When flashing effects are avoided or made optional, users prone to [[seizure]]s caused by these effects are not put at risk. And when content is written in plain language and illustrated with instructional diagrams and animations, users with [[dyslexia]] and [[learning disabilities|learning difficulties]] are better able to understand the content. When sites are correctly built and maintained, all of these users can be accommodated without decreasing the [[usability]] of the site for non-disabled users.

The needs that web accessibility aims to address include:
* '''Visual:''' [[Visual impairment]]s including [[blindness]], various common types of [[low vision]] and poor eyesight, various types of [[color blindness]];
* '''Motor/mobility:''' e.g. difficulty or inability to use the hands, including tremors, muscle slowness, loss of fine muscle control, etc., due to conditions such as [[Parkinson's disease]], [[muscular dystrophy]], [[cerebral palsy]], [[stroke]];
* '''Auditory:''' [[Deafness]] or [[hearing impairment]]s, including individuals who are hard of hearing;
* '''Seizures:''' Photo epileptic [[seizure]]s caused by visual strobe or flashing effects.
* '''Cognitive and intellectual:''' [[Developmental disabilities]], [[Learning disability|learning difficulties]] ([[dyslexia]], [[dyscalculia]], etc.), and [[cognitive disabilities]] ([[Post-traumatic stress disorder|PTSD]], [[Alzheimer's disease|Alzheimer's]]) of various origins, affecting memory, attention, developmental "maturity", problem-solving and logic skills, etc.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rochford |first1=John |title=Indexes of Cognitive Web Accessibility Resources |url=https://www.clearhelper.org/resources/ |website=Clear Helper: Information About Cognitive Web Accessibility}}</ref>

Accessibility is not confined to the list above, rather it extends to anyone who is experiencing any permanent, temporary or situational disability. Situational disability refers to someone who may be experiencing a boundary based on the current experience. For example, a person may be situationally one-handed if they are carrying a baby. Web accessibility should be mindful of users experiencing a wide variety of barriers. According to a 2018 WebAIM global survey of web accessibility practitioners, close to 93% of survey respondents received no formal schooling on web accessibility.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-30|title=Web Accessibility: An Introduction|url=https://blog.teamtreehouse.com/web-accessibility-an-introduction|access-date=2020-11-19|website=Treehouse Blog|language=en-US|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126104413/https://blog.teamtreehouse.com/web-accessibility-an-introduction|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Assistive technologies used for web browsing==
Individuals living with a disability use [[Assistive technology|assistive technologies]] such as the following to enable and assist web browsing:
* [[Screen reader]] software such as [https://www.checkmeister.com/browser Check Meister] browser, which can read out, using synthesized speech, either selected elements of what is being displayed on the monitor (helpful for users with reading or learning difficulties), or which can read out everything that is happening on the computer (used by blind and vision impaired users).
* Braille terminals, consisting of a [[refreshable braille display]] which renders text as [[braille]] characters (usually by means of raising pegs through holes in a flat surface) and either a mainstream keyboard or a braille keyboard.
* [[Screen magnifier|Screen magnification]] software, which enlarges what is displayed on the computer monitor, making it easier to read for vision impaired users.
* [[Speech recognition]] software that can accept spoken commands to the computer, or turn dictation into grammatically correct text – useful for those who have difficulty using a mouse or a keyboard.
* Keyboard overlays, which can make typing easier or more accurate for those who have motor control difficulties.
* Access to subtitled or [[sign language]] videos for deaf people.

==Guidelines on accessible web design==

===Web Content Accessibility Guidelines===
{{Main|Web Content Accessibility Guidelines}}

In 1999 the [[Web Accessibility Initiative]], a project by the [[World Wide Web Consortium]] (W3C), published the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines [[Web Content Accessibility Guidelines#WCAG 1.0|WCAG 1.0]].

On 11 December 2008, the WAI released the [[Web Content Accessibility Guidelines#WCAG 2.0|WCAG 2.0]] as a Recommendation. WCAG 2.0 aims to be up to date and more technology neutral. Though web designers can choose either standard to follow, the WCAG 2.0 have been widely accepted as the definitive guidelines on how to create accessible websites. Governments are steadily adopting the WCAG 2.0 as the accessibility standard for their own websites.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.powermapper.com/blog/post/Government-Accessibility-Standards.aspx |title=Government Accessibility Standards and WCAG 2.0 |publisher=Powermapper.com |author=Mark Rogers |date=13 November 2012 |access-date=15 December 2014 |archive-date=16 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216140808/http://blog.powermapper.com/blog/post/Government-Accessibility-Standards.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2012, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines were also published as an ISO/IEC standard: "ISO/IEC 40500:2012: Information technology – W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0".<ref>ISO: [https://www.iso.org/standard/58625.html ISO/IEC 40500:2012: Information technology – W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207014206/https://www.iso.org/standard/58625.html |date=7 December 2017 }}.</ref> In 2018, the WAI released the WCAG 2.1 Recommendation that extends WCAG 2.0.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/Overview.html|title=Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1|website=W3C |accessdate=18 March 2023}}</ref>

====Criticism of WAI guidelines====
There has been some criticism of the W3C process, claiming that it does not sufficiently put the user at the heart of the process.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Jonathan Chetwynd|title=Putting the User at the Heart of the W3C Process|url=http://wiki.cetis.ac.uk/Putting_the_User_at_the_Heart_of_the_W3C_Process|publisher=JISC CETIS|access-date=15 January 2015|date=24 July 2007|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305010732/http://wiki.cetis.ac.uk/Putting_the_User_at_the_Heart_of_the_W3C_Process|url-status=dead}}</ref> There was a formal objection to WCAG's original claim that WCAG 2.0 will address requirements for people with learning disabilities and cognitive limitations headed by [[Lisa Seeman]] and signed by 40 organizations and people.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/w3c-wai-gl/2006AprJun/0368.html |title=Formal Objection to WCAG 2.0 |date=20 June 2006 |author=Lisa Seeman |publisher=W3C Public Mailing List Archives |access-date=16 December 2012 |archive-date=22 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122080959/http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/w3c-wai-gl/2006AprJun/0368.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In articles such as "WCAG 2.0: The new W3C guidelines evaluated",<ref>{{cite web |author=Trenton Moss says |url=http://www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources/web-accessibility/wcag-guidelines-20.shtml |title=WCAG 2.0: The new W3C accessibility guidelines evaluated |publisher=Webcredible.co.uk |access-date=28 July 2013 |archive-date=2 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702005746/http://www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources/web-accessibility/wcag-guidelines-20.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> "To Hell with WCAG 2.0"<ref>{{cite web |author=Joe Clark |url=http://alistapart.com/articles/tohellwithwcag2 |title=To Hell with WCAG 2 · An A List Apart Article |publisher=Alistapart.com |date=11 July 2013 |access-date=28 July 2013 |archive-date=2 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302100230/http://www.alistapart.com/articles/tohellwithwcag2 |url-status=live }}</ref> and "Testability Costs Too Much",<ref>{{cite web |author=Gian Sampson-Wild |url=http://alistapart.com/articles/testability |title=Testability Costs Too Much · An A List Apart Article |publisher=Alistapart.com |date=11 July 2013 |access-date=28 July 2013 |archive-date=7 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807001727/http://www.alistapart.com/articles/testability |url-status=live }}</ref> the WAI has been criticised for allowing WCAG 1.0 to get increasingly out of step with today's technologies and techniques for creating and consuming web content, for the slow pace of development of WCAG 2.0, for making the new guidelines difficult to navigate and understand, and other argued failings.

==Essential components of web accessibility==
The accessibility of websites relies on the cooperation of several components:<ref name="waicomponents">{{cite web |url=http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/components.php |title=Essential Components of Web Accessibility |date=August 2005 |author=Shawn Lawton Henry |publisher=World Wide Web Consortium |access-date=31 July 2019 |archive-date=20 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420111729/http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/components.php |url-status=live }}</ref>
# content – the information in a web page or web application, including natural information (such as text, images, and sounds) and code or markup that defines structure, presentation, etc.  
# web browsers, media players, and other "user agents"
# assistive technology, in some cases – screen readers, alternative keyboards, switches, scanning software, etc.
# users' knowledge, experiences, and in some cases, adaptive strategies using the web
# developers – designers, coders, authors, etc., including developers with disabilities and users who contribute content
# authoring tools – software that creates websites
# evaluation tools – web accessibility evaluation tools, HTML validators, CSS validators, etc.
{{blockquote|Web '''developers''' usually use '''authoring tools''' and evaluation tools to create web '''content'''. <br />'''People''' ("'''users'''") use web '''browsers''', '''media players''', '''assistive technologies''' or other "'''user agents'''" to get and interact with the '''content'''.<ref name="waicomponents"/>}}

==Guidelines for different components==

===Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG)===
* [[Web Accessibility Initiative#Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG)|ATAG]]<ref name="Shawn Lawton Henry">{{cite web |url=http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/atag.php |title=Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG) Overview |date=December 2008 |author=Shawn Lawton Henry |publisher=World Wide Web Consortium |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116115259/http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/atag.php |url-status=live }}</ref> contains 28 checkpoints that provide guidance on:
** producing accessible output that meets standards and guidelines
** promoting the content author for accessibility-related information
** providing ways of checking and correcting inaccessible content
** integrating accessibility in the overall look and feel
** making the authoring tool itself accessible to people with disabilities

===Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)===
{{Main|Web Content Accessibility Guidelines}}
* WCAG 1.0: 14 guidelines that are general principles of accessible design
* WCAG 2.0: 4 principles that form the foundation for web accessibility; 12 guidelines (untestable) that are goals for which authors should aim; and 65 testable success criteria.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/ |title=Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 |publisher=W3C |access-date=17 December 2014 |archive-date=18 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218045254/http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The W3C's Techniques for WCAG 2.0<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20-TECHS/  |title=Techniques for WCAG 2.0  |publisher=W3C  |access-date=17 December 2014  |archive-date=20 December 2014  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220203855/http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20-TECHS/  |url-status=live  }}</ref> is a list of techniques that support authors to meet the guidelines and success criteria. The techniques are periodically updated whereas the principles, guidelines and success criteria are stable and do not change.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/understanding-techniques.html |title=Understanding Techniques for WCAG Success Criteria |publisher=W3C |access-date=17 December 2014 |archive-date=18 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218011143/http://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/understanding-techniques.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===User Agent Accessibility Guidelines (UAAG)===
* [[UAAG]]<ref name="w3.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/uaag.php |title=User Agent Accessibility Guidelines (UAAG) Overview |date=July 2005 |author=Shawn Lawton Henry |publisher=World Wide Web Consortium |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116115924/http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/uaag.php |url-status=live }}</ref> contains a comprehensive set of checkpoints that cover:
** access to all content
** user control over how content is rendered
** user control over the user interface
** standard programming interfaces

==Web accessibility legislation==
Because of the growth in internet usage<ref name="Internet World Stats Usage and Population Statistics">{{cite web |url=http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm |title=Internet Usage Statistics |publisher=Miniwatts Marketing Group |date=30 June 2014 |access-date=17 December 2014 |archive-date=23 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623200007/http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and its growing importance in everyday life, countries around the world are addressing digital access issues through legislation. One approach is to protect access to websites for people with disabilities by using existing human or civil rights legislation. Some countries, like the U.S., protect access for people with disabilities through the technology procurement process.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ssbbartgroup.com/reference/laws-and-standards/section-508-of-the-rehabilitation-act/ |title=Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act |publisher=SSB BART Group |author=Timothy Stephen Springer |date=24 February 2010 |access-date=24 August 2015 |archive-date=31 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831070308/http://www.ssbbartgroup.com/reference/laws-and-standards/section-508-of-the-rehabilitation-act/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is common for nations to support and adopt the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 by referring to the guidelines in their legislation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://webaim.org/articles/laws/world/ |title=World Laws Introduction to Laws Throughout the World |publisher=WebAIM (Web Accessibility in Mind) |access-date=18 December 2014 |archive-date=26 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126235203/http://webaim.org/articles/laws/world/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://lflegal.com/2013/05/gaad-legal/ |title=Digital Accessibility Laws Around the Globe |publisher=Law Office of Lainey Feingold |date=9 May 2013 |access-date=17 December 2014 |archive-date=24 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224081138/http://lflegal.com/2013/05/gaad-legal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Compliance with web accessibility guidelines is a legal requirement primarily in North America, Europe, parts of South America and parts of Asia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What is web accessibility and why is it critical to your website's success?|url=https://www.heliosdesign.com/blog/web/why-web-accessibility-is-critical.html|access-date=2020-09-10|website=Helios Design|language=en|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930154508/https://www.heliosdesign.com/blog/web/why-web-accessibility-is-critical.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

'''<big>Argentina</big>'''

Law 26.653 on Accessibility to Information on Web Pages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Infoleg |url=http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/175000-179999/175694/norma.htm |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=servicios.infoleg.gob.ar}}</ref> Approved by the [[National Congress of Argentina]] on November 3, 2010. It specifies in its Article 1 that both the National State and its decentralized organisms or those companies that are related in any way with public services or goods, must respect the rules and requirements on accessibility in the design of their web pages. The objective is to facilitate access to contents to all persons with disabilities, in order to guarantee equal opportunities in relation to access to information and to avoid discrimination.

In addition, by Decree 656/2019<ref>{{Cite web |title=BOLETIN OFICIAL REPUBLICA ARGENTINA - ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN PÚBLICA - Decreto 656/2019 |url=https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/217000 |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=www.boletinoficial.gob.ar}}</ref> the regulation of the aforementioned Law No. 26,653 is approved and it is reported that the authority in charge of its application will be the ONTI, "Oficina Nacional de Tecnologías de Información" (National Office of Information Technologies).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-08 |title=Oficina Nacional de Tecnologías de Información |url=https://www.argentina.gob.ar/jefatura/innovacion-publica/onti |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Argentina.gob.ar |language=es}}</ref> This agency is in charge of assisting and/or advising the individuals and legal entities reached by this Law; in addition to disseminating, approving/updating and also controlling the fulfillment of the accessibility standards and requirements of the web pages; among other functions.

===Australia===
In 2000, an [[Australians|Australian]] blind man won a $20,000 court case against the [[Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games|Sydney Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (SOCOG)]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Maguire v SOCOG {{!}} Australian Human Rights Commission|url=https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/maguire-v-socog|access-date=2022-01-11|website=humanrights.gov.au|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111225806/https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/maguire-v-socog|url-status=live}}</ref> This was the first successful case under [[Disability Discrimination Act 1992]] because SOCOG had failed to make their official website, [[Sydney Olympic Games]], adequately accessible to blind users. [[Australian Human Rights Commission|The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC)]] also published World Wide Web Access: Disability Discrimination Act Advisory Notes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/standards/www_3/www_3.html |title=World Wide Web Access: Disability Discrimination Act Advisory Notes ver 4.0 (2010) &#124; Australian Human Rights Commission |publisher=Hreoc.gov.au |date=1 July 2010 |access-date=28 July 2013 |archive-date=31 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831085343/http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/standards/WWW_3/www_3.html |url-status=live }}</ref> All Governments in Australia also have policies and guidelines that require accessible public websites.

===Brazil===
In [[Brazil]], the federal government published a paper with guidelines for accessibility on 18 January 2005, for public reviewing. On 14 December of the same year, the second version was published, including suggestions made to the first version of the paper. On 7 May 2007, the accessibility guidelines of the paper became compulsory to all federal websites. The current version of the paper, which follows the WCAG 2.0 guidelines, is named '''e-MAG, Modelo de {{not a typo|Acessibilidade}} de Governo Eletrônico''' (Electronic Government Accessibility Model), and is maintained by Brazilian [[Ministry of Planning, Budget, and Management]].

The paper can be viewed and downloaded at its official website.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.governoeletronico.gov.br/acoes-e-projetos/e-MAG |title=e-MAG – Modelo de Acessibilidade de Governo Eletrônico |publisher=GovernoEletronico.gov.br |access-date=4 January 2014 |archive-date=4 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104210818/http://www.governoeletronico.gov.br/acoes-e-projetos/e-MAG |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Canada===
In 2011, the Government of Canada began phasing in the implementation of a new set of web standards that are aimed at ensuring government websites are accessible, usable, interoperable and optimized for mobile devices. These standards replace Common Look and Feel 2.0 (CLF 2.0) Standards for the Internet.

The first of these four standards, Standard on Web Accessibility<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=23601|title=Standard on Web Accessibility|date=2 August 2011|website=Government of Canada|access-date=4 February 2019|archive-date=23 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723232132/http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=23601|url-status=live}}</ref> came into full effect on 31 July 2013. The Standard on Web Accessibility follows the [[Web Content Accessibility Guidelines]] (WCAG) 2.0 AA, and contains a list of exclusions that is updated annually. It is accompanied by an explicit Assessment Methodology<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ws-nw/wa-aw/wa-aw-assess-methd-eng.asp  |title=Assessment Methodology  |publisher=Government of Canada  |access-date=14 December 2014  |date=25 January 2012  |archive-date=16 March 2015  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316075538/http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ws-nw/wa-aw/wa-aw-assess-methd-eng.asp  |url-status=dead  }}</ref> that helps government departments comply. The government also developed the Web Experience Toolkit (WET),<ref>{{cite web  |url=http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ws-nw/wa-aw/wet-boew/index-eng.asp  |title=The Web Experience Toolkit  |publisher=Government of Canada  |access-date=14 December 2014  |date=25 January 2012  |archive-date=10 October 2014  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010030600/http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ws-nw/wa-aw/wet-boew/index-eng.asp  |url-status=dead  }}</ref> a set of reusable web components for building innovative websites.  The WET helps government departments build innovative websites that are accessible, usable and interoperable and therefore comply with the government's standards. The [https://wet-boew.github.io/wet-boew/index.html WET toolkit is open source] and available for anyone to use.

The three related web standards are:  the Standard on Optimizing Websites and Applications for Mobile Devices,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ws-nw/mo-om/index-eng.asp |title=Standard on Optimizing Websites and Applications for Mobile Devices |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=14 December 2014 |date=30 April 2013 |archive-date=19 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319110300/http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ws-nw/mo-om/index-eng.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> the Standard on Web Usability<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ws-nw/wu-fe/index-eng.asp |title=Standard on Web Usability |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=14 December 2014 |date=25 January 2012 |archive-date=19 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319110304/http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ws-nw/wu-fe/index-eng.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the Standard on Web Interoperability.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ws-nw/wi-iw/index-eng.asp |title=Standard on Web Interoperability |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=14 December 2014 |date=2 August 2012 |archive-date=19 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319133436/http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ws-nw/wi-iw/index-eng.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2019 the [[Government of Canada]] passed the [[Accessible Canada Act]]. This builds on the on provincial legislation like the [[Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005|Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act]], [[The Accessibility for Manitobans Act]] and the [[Nova Scotia Accessibility Act]].

===European Union===
In February 2014 a draft law was endorsed by the [[European Parliament]] stating that all websites managed by public sector bodies have to be made accessible to everyone.<ref>{{cite web|title=MEPs vote to make online public services accessible to everyone|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20140220IPR36573/html/MEPs-vote-to-make-online-public-services-accessible-to-everyone |publisher=European Parliament|access-date=28 February 2017|date=26 February 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924195259/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20140220IPR36573/html/MEPs-vote-to-make-online-public-services-accessible-to-everyone|url-status=live}}</ref>

A [[European Commission]] ''Communication'' on eAccessibility was published on 13 September 2005.<ref name=sec1095 /> The commission's aim to "harmonise and facilitate the [[Government procurement|public procurement]] of accessible ICT products and services" was embedded in a mandate issued to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI in December 2005, reference M 376.<ref>Level Access, [https://www.levelaccess.com/accessibility-regulations/m376/ European Union's Mandate M 376] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120080336/https://www.levelaccess.com/accessibility-regulations/m376/ |date=20 November 2021 }}, accessed 20 November 2021</ref> A mandate is a request for the drafting and adoption of a European standard or European standardisation deliverables issued to one or more of the European standardisation organisations. Mandates are usually accepted by the standardisation organisation because they are based on preliminary consultation, although technically the organisation is independent and has a right to decline the mandate.<ref>European Commission, [https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/european-standards/standardisation-requests-mandates_en Standardisation requests - mandates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120080344/https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/european-standards/standardisation-requests-mandates_en |date=20 November 2021 }}, accessed 20 November 2021</ref> The mandate also called for the development of an electronic toolkit for public procurers enabling them to have access to the resulting harmonised requirements.<ref name=mandate376>European Commission, [https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/mandates/index.cfm?fuseaction=select_attachments.download&doc_id=425 Standardisation Mandate to CEN, CENELEC AND ETSI in support of European Accessibility Requirements for Public Procurement of Products and Services in the ICT Domain] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222221023/https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/mandates/index.cfm?fuseaction=select_attachments.download&doc_id=425 |date=22 December 2021 }}, M 376 - EN, published 7 December 2005, accessed 20 November 2021</ref> The commission also noted that the harmonised outcome, while intended for public procurement purposes, might also be useful for [[procurement]] in the private sector.<ref name=mandate376 />{{rp|Section 2.3}}

On 26 October 2016, the European Parliament approved the [[Web Accessibility Directive]], which requires that the websites and mobile apps of public sector bodies be accessible. The relevant accessibility requirements are described in the European standard [[EN 301 549]] V3.2.1 (published by [[ETSI]]). EU member states were expected to bring into force by 23 September 2018 laws and regulations that enforce the relevant accessibility requirements.

* websites of public sector bodies should comply by 23 September 2018; 
* mobile apps by 23 June 2021.

Some categories of websites and apps are excepted from the directive, for example "websites and mobile applications of public service broadcasters and their subsidiaries".<ref>[http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32016L2102 Directive (EU) 2016/2102 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329051132/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32016L2102 |date=29 March 2017 }}, EUR-Lex; published in the 'Official Journal of the European Union' on 2 December 2016, accessed 28 March 2017</ref>

The European Commission's "Rolling Plan for ICT Standardisation 2017" notes that ETSI standard EN 301 549 V1.1.2 will need to be updated to add accessibility requirements for mobile applications and evaluation methodologies to test compliance with the standard.<ref>European Commission: Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs: [http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/image/document/2017-13/grow_rolling_plan_ict_2017_web_170302_C7EC62EB-0196-6C12-45229D71D00B0D6B_43894.pdf Rolling Plan for ICT Standardisation 2017. COM (2016) 176 final.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329051223/http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/image/document/2017-13/grow_rolling_plan_ict_2017_web_170302_C7EC62EB-0196-6C12-45229D71D00B0D6B_43894.pdf |date=29 March 2017 }}. Accessed 28 March 2017.</ref>

In 2019 the European Union introduced the [[European Accessibility Act]], as one of the leading pieces of legislation for [[digital accessibility]] and [[digital inclusion]]. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which [https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1202&intPageId=5581&langId=en#:~:text=All%20EU%20Member%20States%20must,by%20the%20Act%20are%20accessible. will enter into force on 28 June 2025], requiring companies to ensure that the newly marketed products and services covered by the Act are accessible. All websites will need to adhere to the WCAG Principles of Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust, and deliver comparative levels of user experience to disabled customers. As of June 28, 2025, customers will be able to file complaints before national courts or authorities if services or products do not respect the new rules.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion |url=https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1202&intPageId=5581&langId=en |access-date=June 27, 2024 |website=European Commission}}</ref>

===India===
In [[India]], [[National Informatics Centre]] (NIC), under [[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]] (MeitY) has passed [[Guidelines for Indian Government Websites]] (GIGW)<ref>{{cite web |title=Guidelines for Indian Government Websites |url=https://guidelines.india.gov.in/ |website=Guidelines for Indian Government Websites |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref> for government agencies in 2009, compelling them to adhere to WCAG 2.0 Level A standards.<ref>{{cite web |title=India: Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)|url=https://www.w3.org/WAI/policies/india/ |website=W3C WAI}}</ref>

[[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]] (MeitY) has National Policy on Universal Electronic Accessibility<ref>{{cite journal |title=National Policy on Universal Electronic Accessibility |journal=Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |date=2009 |page=6|url=https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/National%20Policy%20on%20Universal%20Electronics%281%29_0.pdf |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref> clearly stated, Accessibility Standards and Guidelines be formulated or adapted from prevailing standards in the domain including [[World Wide Web Consortium]] accessibility [[Web standards]] and guidelines such as Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines ([[Web Accessibility Initiative#Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG)|ATAG]]<ref name="Shawn Lawton Henry"/>), [[Web Content Accessibility Guidelines]] (WCAG 2.0) and User Agent Accessibility Guidelines ([[UAAG]]<ref name="w3.org"/>).

GIGW aims to ensure the quality and accessibility of government guidelines by offering guidance on desirable practices covering the entire lifecycle of websites, web portals and web applications, right from conceptualization and design to their development, maintenance and management. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances made the same a part of the Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure.

GIGW 3.0<ref>{{cite web |title=Introduction |url=https://guidelines.india.gov.in/introduction/ |website=Guidelines for Indian Government Websites |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref> also significantly enhances the guidance on the accessibility and usability of mobile apps, especially by offering specific guidance to government organizations on how to leverage public digital infrastructure devised for whole-of-government delivery of services, benefits and information.<ref>{{cite journal |title=GIGW |journal=GIGW Manual 3.0 |date=2009 |page=3 |url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3c92a10324374fac681719d63979d00fe/uploads/2023/05/2023051731.pdf |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref>

The [[Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016]] (RPwD)<ref>{{cite web |title=The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) |url=https://deoc.in/the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilitiesrpwd-act/ |website=Diversity And Equal Opportunity Centre |publisher=DEOC |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref> passed in parliament. The law replaced earlier legislation and provided clearer guidance for digital accessibility. The RPwD Act, 106 through Sections 40-46 mandates  accessibility to be ensured in all public-centric buildings, transportation systems, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services, consumer products and all other services being provided by the Government or other service providers.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 |journal=Legislative Department |date=2016 |pages=36 |url=https://lddashboard.legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A2016-49_1.pdf |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref>

===Ireland===
In [[Ireland]], the Disability Act 2005<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=4338&CatID=87 |title=Disability Act 2005 – Tithe an Oireachtais |publisher=Oireachtas.ie |date=13 November 2009 |access-date=28 July 2013 |archive-date=24 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124035229/http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=4338&CatID=87 |url-status=live }}</ref> requires that where a public body communicates in electronic form with one or more persons, the contents of the communication must be, as far as practicable, "accessible to persons with a visual impairment to whom adaptive technology is available" (Section 28(2)). The National Disability Authority has produced a Code of Practice<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nda.ie/cntmgmtnew.nsf/0/3DB134DF72E1846A8025710F0040BF3D?OpenDocument |title=Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information Provided by Public Bodies |publisher=Nda.ie |date=21 July 2006 |access-date=28 July 2013 |archive-date=19 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819235526/http://www.nda.ie/cntmgmtnew.nsf/0/3DB134DF72E1846A8025710F0040BF3D?OpenDocument |url-status=dead }}</ref> giving guidance to public bodies on how to meet the obligations of the Act. This is an approved code of practice and its provisions have the force of legally binding statutory obligations. It states that a public body can achieve compliance with Section 28(2) by "reviewing existing practices for electronic communications in terms of accessibility against relevant guidelines and standards", giving the example of "Double A conformance with the Web Accessibility Initiative's (WAI) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)".

===Israel===
The Israeli Ministry of Justice recently published regulations requiring Internet websites to comply with Israeli standard 5568, which is based on the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. The main differences between the Israeli standard and the W3C standard concern the requirements to provide captions and texts for audio and video media. The Israeli standards are somewhat more lenient, reflecting the current technical difficulties in providing such captions and texts in Hebrew.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://israeltechnologylaw.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/website-accessibility-requirements/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928203000/http://israeltechnologylaw.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/website-accessibility-requirements/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-09-28|title=Israel Technology Law Blog, Website Accessibility Requirements}}</ref>

===Italy===
In Italy, web accessibility is ruled by the so-called "[[Stanca Act|Legge Stanca]]" (Stanca Act), formally Act n.4 of 9 January 2004, officially published on the [[Gazzetta Ufficiale]] on 17 January 2004. The original Stanca Act was based on the WCAG 1.0. On 20 March 2013 the standards required by the Stanca Act were updated to the WCAG 2.0.

===Japan===
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines in Japan were established in 2004 as JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) X 8341–3. JIS X 8341-3 was revised in 2010 as JIS X 8341-3:2010 to encompass WCAG 2.0, and it was revised in 2016 as JIS X 8341-3:2016 to be identical standards with the international standard ISO/IEC 40500:2012. The Japanese organization WAIC (Web Accessibility Infrastructure Committee) has published the history and structure of JIS X 8341-3:2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=JIS X 8341-3:2016|url=https://waic.jp/docs/jis2016/understanding/201604/|website=waic.jp|publisher=Web Accessibility Infrastructure Commission|access-date=17 May 2023|language=ja|archive-date=17 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517083205/https://waic.jp/docs/jis2016/understanding/201604/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Malta===
In Malta Web Content Accessibility assessments were carried out by the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA) since 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fitamalta.eu/15-years-of-service-projects-and-innovation/|title=FITA - 15 years of service,projects and innovation|access-date=23 August 2020|archive-date=29 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229075046/https://fitamalta.eu/15-years-of-service-projects-and-innovation/|url-status=live}}</ref> Until 2018, this was done in conformance with the requirements of the Equal Opportunities Act (2000) CAP 43 and applied WACG guidelines.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fitamalta.eu/fita-services/consultancy-services/|title=FITA Services|access-date=23 August 2020|archive-date=29 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229070613/https://fitamalta.eu/fita-services/consultancy-services/|url-status=live}}</ref> With the advent of the EU Web Accessibility Directive the Malta Communications Authority was charged with ensuring the accessibility of online resources owned by Maltese public entities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mca.org.mt/webaccessibility|title=MCA - Web Accessibility|date=14 December 2018|access-date=23 August 2020|archive-date=11 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811035109/https://www.mca.org.mt/webaccessibility|url-status=live}}</ref> FITA continues to provide ICT accessibility assessments to public and commercial entities, applying standard EN301549 and WCAG 2.1 as applicable.  Therefore, both the Equal Opportunities Act anti-discrimination legislation and the transposed EU Web Accessibility Directive are applicable to the Maltese scenario.

===Norway===
In Norway, web accessibility is a legal obligation under the Act 20 June 2008 No 42 relating to a prohibition against discrimination on the basis of disability, also known as the [[Anti-discrimination Accessibility Act]]. The Act went into force in 2009, and the Ministry of Government Administration, Reform and Church Affairs [Fornyings-, administrasjons- og kirkedepartementet] published the Regulations for universal design of information and communication technology (ICT) solutions [Forskrift om universell utforming av informasjons- og kommunikasjonsteknologiske (IKT)-løsninger] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Regulation for universal design of information and communication technology (ICT) solutions|url=https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dokumenter/regulation-universal-design-ict/id731520/|publisher=Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation|access-date=10 November 2016|date=21 June 2013|archive-date=11 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111124230/https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dokumenter/regulation-universal-design-ict/id731520/|url-status=live}}</ref> The regulations require compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0) / NS / ISO / IEC 40500: 2012, level A and AA with some exceptions.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Giannoumis|first1=G. Anthony|title=Regulating Web Content: the nexus of legislation and performance standards in the United Kingdom and Norway|journal=Behavioral Sciences & the Law|date=2014|volume=32|issue=1|pages=52–75|doi=10.1002/bsl.2103|pmid=24504974|hdl=10642/2585|hdl-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Forskrift om universell utforming av informasjon|url=http://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2013-06-21-732?q=Forskrift%20om%20universell%20utforming%20av*1/3Forskriftomuniversellutformingavinformasjons-ogkommunikasjonsteknologiske|website=Lovdata|access-date=6 November 2014|archive-date=6 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106105319/http://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2013-06-21-732?q=Forskrift%20om%20universell%20utforming%20av%2A1%2F3Forskriftomuniversellutformingavinformasjons-ogkommunikasjonsteknologiske|url-status=live}}</ref> The Norwegian Agency for Public Management and eGovernment (Difi) is responsible for overseeing that ICT solutions aimed at the general public are in compliance with the legislative and regulatory requirements.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Government's Action Plan for Universal Design 2015–2019|url=https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/565cb331b0ee4bb4b997157a543a51d4/the-governments-action-plan-for-universal-design-20152019_q-1233-e.pdf#page=26|publisher=Norwegian Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion|access-date=10 November 2016|archive-date=11 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111124147/https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/565cb331b0ee4bb4b997157a543a51d4/the-governments-action-plan-for-universal-design-20152019_q-1233-e.pdf#page=26|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Philippines===
As part of the [[Web Accessibility Initiatives in the Philippines]], the government through the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) board approved the recommendation of forming an ad hoc or core group of webmasters that will help in the implementation of the [[Biwako Millennium Framework]] set by the [[UNESCAP]].

The [[Philippines]] was also the place where the Interregional Seminar and Regional Demonstration Workshop on Accessible Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) to Persons with Disabilities was held where eleven countries from Asia – Pacific were represented. The [[Manila Accessible Information and Communications Technologies Design Recommendations]] was drafted and adopted in 2003.

===Spain===
In Spain, UNE 139803:2012 is the norm entrusted to regulate web accessibility. This standard is based on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UNE 139803:2012 Requisitos de accesibilidad para contenidos en...|url=https://www.en.une.org/encuentra-tu-norma/busca-tu-norma/norma/?c=N0049614|website=www.en.une.org|access-date=2020-05-05|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024205823/https://www.en.une.org/encuentra-tu-norma/busca-tu-norma/norma/?c=N0049614|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sweden===
In Sweden, Verva, the Swedish Administrative Development Agency is responsible for a set of guidelines for Swedish public sector web sites. Through the guidelines, web accessibility is presented as an integral part of the overall development process and not as a separate issue. The Swedish guidelines contain criteria which cover the entire life cycle of a website; from its conception to the publication of live web content. These criteria address several areas which should be considered, including:
* accessibility
* usability
* web standards
* privacy issues
* information architecture
* developing content for the web
* Content Management Systems (CMS) / authoring tools selection.
* development of web content for mobile devices.

An English translation was released in April 2008: Swedish National Guidelines for Public Sector Websites.<ref>{{cite web|title=Swedish National Guidelines for Public Sector Websites|url=http://arkiv.edelegationen.se/verva/upload/english/swedish-guidelines-public-sector-websites.pdf|website=arkiv.edelegationen.se|publisher=VERVA|date=April 2008|access-date=15 January 2015|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222043/http://arkiv.edelegationen.se/verva/upload/english/swedish-guidelines-public-sector-websites.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The translation is based on the latest version of Guidelines which was released in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.standards-schmandards.com/2006/swe-guidelines/ |title=New Version of Guidelines for Swedish Public Sector Web Sites |year=2006 |author=Peter Krantz |publisher=standards-schmandards.com |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-date=23 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123194407/http://www.standards-schmandards.com/2006/swe-guidelines/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
In the [[UK]], the [[Equality Act 2010]] does not refer explicitly to website accessibility, but makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities. The Act applies to anyone providing a service; public, private and voluntary sectors. The ''Code of Practice: Rights of Access – Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises'' document<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/pas78.pdf |title=A guide to good practice in commissioning accessible websites |publisher=Equality and Human Rights Commission |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-date=10 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610191541/http://equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/pas78.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> published by the government's [[Equality and Human Rights Commission]] to accompany the Act does refer explicitly to websites as one of the "services to the public" which should be considered covered by the Act.

In December 2010 the UK released the standard ''[[BS 8878|BS 8878:2010 Web accessibility. Code of practice]]''. This standard effectively supersedes PAS 78 (pub. 2006).  PAS 78, produced by the [[Disability Rights Commission]] and usable by disabled people. The standard has been designed to introduce non-technical professionals to improved accessibility, usability and user experience for disabled and older people.<ref>{{cite web|title=BS 8878:2010 Web accessibility. Code of practice|url=http://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030180388|publisher=[[British Standards Institute]]|access-date=15 January 2015|archive-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223153732/http://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030180388|url-status=live}}</ref> It will be especially beneficial to anyone new to this subject as it gives guidance on process, rather than on technical and design issues. BS 8878 is consistent with the [[Equality Act 2010]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents |title=Equality Act 2010 |publisher=Legislation.gov.uk |access-date=28 July 2013 |archive-date=1 April 2011 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20110401110633/http%3A//www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents |url-status=live }}</ref> and is referenced in the UK government's e-Accessibility Action Plan as the basis of updated advice on developing accessible online services. It includes recommendations for:

* Involving disabled people in the development process and using automated tools to assist with accessibility testing
* The management of the guidance and process for upholding existing accessibility guidelines and specifications.

BS 8878 is intended for anyone responsible for the policies covering web product creation within their organization, and governance against those policies. It additionally assists people responsible for promoting and supporting equality and inclusion initiatives within organizations and people involved in the procurement, creation or training of web products and content. A summary of BS 8878<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hassellinclusion.com/bs8878/ |title=BS 8878 web accessibility standards – all you need to know |publisher=Hassell Inclusion |access-date=28 July 2013 |archive-date=12 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812122647/http://www.hassellinclusion.com/bs8878/ |url-status=live }}</ref> is available to help organisations better understand how the standard can help them embed accessibility and inclusive design in their business-as-usual processes.

On 28 May 2019, BS 8878 was superseded by ISO 30071-1, the international Standard that built on BS 8878 and expanded it for international use. A summary of how ISO 30071-1 relates to BS 8878<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hassellinclusion.com/iso-30071-1/ |title=ISO 30071-1 digital accessibility standards (supersedes BS 8878) – all you need to know |publisher=Hassell Inclusion |access-date=28 May 2019 |archive-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527162649/https://www.hassellinclusion.com/iso-30071-1/ |url-status=live }}</ref> is available to help organisations understand the new Standard.

On April 9, [[National Rail]] replaced its blue and white aesthetic with a black and white theme, which was criticized for not conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. The company restored the blue and white theme and said it is investing in modernising its website in accords to the latest accessibility guidelines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/national-rail-prince-philip-death-black-grey-b1830257.html|title=Prince Philip: National Rail's 'accessibility process' failed to see …|website=[[Independent.co.uk]] |access-date=19 May 2022|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210413081114/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/national-rail-prince-philip-death-black-grey-b1830257.html|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>

In 2019 new accessibility regulations<ref>{{Cite web|title=Regulations on the accessibility of new public sector websites come into force|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/regulations-on-the-accessibility-of-new-public-sector-websites-come-into-force|access-date=2021-09-03|website=GOV.UK|language=en|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901124401/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/regulations-on-the-accessibility-of-new-public-sector-websites-come-into-force|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Understanding accessibility requirements for public sector bodies|url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/accessibility-requirements-for-public-sector-websites-and-apps|access-date=2021-09-03|website=GOV.UK|language=en|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903213503/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/accessibility-requirements-for-public-sector-websites-and-apps|url-status=live}}</ref> came into force setting a legal duty for public sector bodies to publish accessibility statements and make their websites accessible by 23 September 2020 <ref>{{Cite web|title=Understanding new accessibility requirements for public sector bodies {{!}} Local Government Association|url=https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/accessibility|access-date=2021-09-03|website=www.local.gov.uk|language=en|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903213505/https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/accessibility|url-status=live}}</ref> Accessibility statements include information about how the website was tested  and the organisation's plan to fix any accessibility problems. Statements should be published and linked to on every page on the website.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Accessibility Regulations for Public Sector Bodies|url=https://accessibility.campaign.gov.uk/|access-date=2021-09-03|website=accessibility.campaign.gov.uk|language=en-GB|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903213510/https://accessibility.campaign.gov.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===United States===
In the [[United States]], [[Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973]] requires all Federal agencies' electronic and information technology to be accessible to those with disabilities. Both members of the public and federal employees have the right to access this technology, such as computer hardware and software, websites, phone systems, and copiers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards|title=About the Section 508 Standards – United States Access Board|first=Dave|last=Yanchulis|website=www.access-board.gov|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322141909/https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards|url-status=live}}</ref>  
Also, [[Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act]] prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability for entities receiving federal funds and has been cited in multiple lawsuits against organizations such as hospitals that receive federal funds through medicare/medicaid.

In addition, [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990#Title III—public accommodations (and commercial facilities)|Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)]] prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.  There is some debate on the matter; multiple courts and the U.S. Department of Justice have taken the position that the ADA requires website and app operators and owners to take affirmative steps to make their websites and apps accessible to disabled persons and compatible with common assistive technologies such as the JAWS screen reader, while other courts have taken the position that the ADA does not apply online.  The U.S. Department of Justice has endorsed the WCAG2.0AA standard as an appropriate standard for accessibility in multiple settlement agreements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleIII_2010/titleIII_2010_regulations.htm|title=Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities|website=www.ada.gov|date=8 March 2012 |access-date=14 May 2018|archive-date=18 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518160944/https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleIII_2010/titleIII_2010_regulations.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Numerous lawsuits challenging websites and mobile apps on the basis of the ADA have been filed since 2017. These cases appears spurred by a 2017 case, ''Gil v. Winn Dixie Stores'', in which a federal court in Florida ruled that [[Winn Dixie]]'s website must be accessible. Around 800 cases related to web accessibility were filed in 2017, and over 2,200 were filed in 2018. Additionally, though the Justice Department had stated in 2010 that they would publish guidelines for web accessibility, they reversed this plan in 2017, also spurring legal action against inaccessible sites.<ref name="dominos"/>

A notable lawsuit related to the ADA was filed against [[Domino's Pizza]] by a blind user who could not use Domino's mobile app. At the federal district level, the court ruled in favor of Domino's as the Justice Department had not established the guidelines for accessibility, but this was appealed to the [[Ninth Circuit]]. The Ninth Circuit overruled the district court, ruling that because Domino's is a brick-and-mortar store, which must meet the ADA, and the mobile app an extension of their services, their app must also be compliant with the ADA. Domino's petitioned to the Supreme Court, backed by many other restaurants and retail chains, arguing that this decision impacts their [[Due Process Clause|Due Process]] since disabled customers have other, more accessible means to order.<ref name="dominos">{{cite web | url = https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/25/dominos-asks-supreme-court-to-say-disability-protections-dont-apply-online.html | title = A blind man couldn't order pizza from Domino's. The company wants the Supreme Court to say websites don't have to be accessible | first = Tucker | last = Higgens | date = 25 July 2019 | access-date = 1 August 2019 | work = [[CNBC]] | archive-date = 30 July 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190730025336/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/25/dominos-asks-supreme-court-to-say-disability-protections-dont-apply-online.html | url-status = live }}</ref> In October 2019, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, which effectively upheld the decision of the 9th Circuit Court and requires the case to be heard as it stands.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robles v. Domino's Pizza LLC |url=https://adasoutheast.org/court/robles-v-dominos-pizza-llc/ |website=Information, Guidance and Training on the Americans with Disabilities Act |publisher=Southeast ADA Center |access-date=22 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408074426/https://adasoutheast.org/court/robles-v-dominos-pizza-llc/ |archive-date=8 April 2022 |location=Syracuse University |date=23 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://equidox.co/blog/robles-vs-dominos-pizza-explained-no-published-guidelines-doesnt-mean-no-standards/|title = Robles v. Domino's Pizza Explained|date = 18 October 2019|access-date = 27 January 2020|archive-date = 19 May 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220519225329/https://equidox.co/blog/robles-v-dominos-pizza-explained-no-published-guidelines-doesnt-mean-no-standards/|url-status = live}}</ref>

The number and cost of federal accessibility lawsuits has risen dramatically in the last few years.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Number Of Federal Website Accessibility Lawsuits Nearly Triple, Exceeding 2250 In 2018|url=https://www.adatitleiii.com/2019/01/number-of-federal-website-accessibility-lawsuits-nearly-triple-exceeding-2250-in-2018/|date=2019-01-31|website=ADA Title III|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-14|archive-date=18 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518095813/https://www.adatitleiii.com/2019/01/number-of-federal-website-accessibility-lawsuits-nearly-triple-exceeding-2250-in-2018/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Website accessibility audits==
A growing number of organizations, companies and consultants offer ''website accessibility audits''. These audits, a type of [[system testing]], identify accessibility problems that exist within a website, and provide advice and guidance on the steps that need to be taken to correct these problems.

A range of methods are used to audit websites for [[accessibility]]:
* Automated tools such as the [https://www.checkmeister.com/evaluation Check Meister] website evaluation tool are available which can identify some of the problems that are present. Depending on the tool the result may vary widely making it difficult to compare test results.<ref>{{cite web|last=Krantz|first=Peter|title=Pitfalls of Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools|date=23 April 2009 |url=http://www.standards-schmandards.com/2009/pitfalls-of-web-accessibility-evaluation-tools/|publisher=Standards-schmandards.com|access-date=23 December 2012|archive-date=19 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219084918/http://www.standards-schmandards.com/2009/pitfalls-of-web-accessibility-evaluation-tools/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Expert technical reviewers, knowledgeable in web design technologies and accessibility, can review a representative selection of pages and provide detailed feedback and advice based on their findings.
* User testing, usually overseen by technical experts, involves setting tasks for ordinary users to carry out on the website, and reviewing the problems these users encounter as they try to carry out the tasks.

Each of these methods has its strengths and weaknesses:
* Automated tools can process many pages in a relatively short length of time, but can only identify a limited portion of the accessibility problems that might be present in the website.
* Technical expert review will identify many of the problems that exist, but the process is time-consuming, and many websites are too large to make it possible for a person to review every page.
* User testing combines elements of usability and accessibility testing, and is valuable for identifying problems that might otherwise be overlooked, but needs to be used knowledgeably to avoid the risk of basing design decisions on one user's preferences.

Ideally, a combination of methods should be used to assess the accessibility of a website.

==Remediating inaccessible websites==
Once an accessibility audit has been conducted, and accessibility errors have been identified, the errors will need to be remediated in order to ensure the site is compliant with accessibility errors. The traditional way of correcting an inaccessible site is to go back into the source code, reprogram the error, and then test to make sure the bug was fixed. If the website is not scheduled to be revised in the near future, that error (and others) would remain on the site for a lengthy period of time, possibly violating accessibility guidelines. Because this is a complicated process, many website owners choose to build accessibility into a new site design or re-launch, as it can be more efficient to develop the site to comply with accessibility guidelines, rather than to remediate errors later.

With the progress in [[AI]] technology, web accessibility has become more accessible. With 3rd party add-ons that leverage AI and [[machine learning]],  it is possible to offer changes to the [[website design]] without altering the source code. This way, a website can be accessible to different types of users without the need to adjust the website for every accessibility equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/ai-for-accessibility|title=Ai for Accessibility|date=13 March 2020|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310100401/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/ai-for-accessibility/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Accessible Web applications and WAI-ARIA==
For a web page to be accessible all important semantics about the page's functionality must be available so that assistive technology can understand and process the content and adapt it for the user.  
However, as content becomes more and more complex, the standard HTML tags and attributes become inadequate in providing semantics reliably. Modern Web applications often apply scripts to elements to control their functionality and to enable them to act as a control or other dynamic component. These custom components or widgets do not provide a way to convey semantic information to the user agent. [[WAI-ARIA]] (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) is a specification<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.w3.org/WAI/PF/aria/ |title=Accessible Rich Internet Applications (WAI-ARIA) 1.0 |date=12 December 2012 |publisher=World Wide Web Consortium |access-date=18 December 2012 |archive-date=30 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230204403/http://www.w3.org/WAI/PF/aria/ |url-status=live }}</ref> published by the [[World Wide Web Consortium]] that specifies how to increase the [[accessibility]] of [[dynamic content]] and [[Elements of graphical user interfaces|user interface components]] developed with [[Ajax (programming)|Ajax]], [[HTML]], [[JavaScript]] and related technologies. ARIA enables accessibility by enabling the author to provide all the semantics to fully describe its supported behaviour. It also allows each element to expose its current states and properties and its relationships between other elements. Accessibility problems with the focus and tab index are also corrected.

==Neurological UX==
Neurological UX is a specialised branch of web accessibility aimed at designing digital experiences that cater to individuals with neurological dispositions such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and anxiety. Coined by Gareth Slinn in his book NeurologicalUX [https://neurologicalux.com/ neurologicalux.com], this approach goes beyond conventional accessibility by addressing cognitive, emotional, and behavioural needs.

Neurological UX focuses on creating interfaces that reduce cognitive load, support diverse ways of thinking, and accommodate challenges in executive functioning. Core principles include:

* Clarity and Simplicity: Streamlining interfaces to reduce distractions and enhance focus for users with ADHD and similar conditions.
* Cognitive Support: Offering features like tooltips, hover states, or progressive disclosures to help users with memory and information processing challenges, such as those with dyslexia or traumatic brain injuries.
* Emotionally Comfortable Design: Using calming color schemes, predictable navigation, and consistent layouts to reduce anxiety for users prone to stress.
* Flexible Interaction Models: Providing adjustable settings for font size, spacing, and contrast to suit the needs of users with dyslexia, visual stress, or sensory processing disorders.
* Intuitive Feedback: Ensuring interactive elements provide clear, immediate feedback to accommodate difficulties with impulse control and decision-making.
* Minimising Overstimulation: Avoiding overly busy layouts, autoplay media, or complex animations that can overwhelm users with ASD or ADHD.
* By prioritising usability and emotional well-being, Neurological UX seeks to create inclusive digital experiences that empower all users, regardless of their cognitive or neurological profile. This approach not only improves accessibility compliance but also fosters a more equitable and human-centered web.

==See also==
* [[Accessible publishing]]
* [[Augmentative and alternative communication]]
* [[Blue Beanie Day]]
* [[Computer accessibility]]
* [[Device independence]]
* [[Digital divide]]
* [[European Internet Accessibility Observatory]]
* [[Knowbility]]
* [[Maguire v Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (2000)|''Maguire v Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games'' (2000)]]
* [[Multimodal interaction]]
* [https://neurologicalux.com/ Neurologicalux]
* [[Progressive enhancement]]
* [[Universal design]]
* [[Web Accessibility Initiative]]
* [[Web engineering]]
* [[Web interoperability]]
* [[Web literacy]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{Cite news
 | last = Bangeman
 | first = Eric
 | title = Judge: ADA lawsuit against Target can proceed
 | publisher = Ars Technica
 | date = 10 September 2006
 | url = https://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060910-7705.html
 | access-date = 26 September 2006 }}
* {{Cite book | first = Joe | last = Clark | year = 2003 | title = Building Accessible Websites | publisher = New Riders Press | isbn = 978-0-7357-1150-1 | url = https://archive.org/details/buildingaccessib0000clar | url-access = registration }}
* {{Cite book|first=Sarah |last =Horton |author2=Whitney Quesenbery |year=2013 |title=A Web for Everyone: Designing Accessible User Experiences  |publisher=Rosenfeld |location=Brooklyn, New York |isbn =978-1-933820-97-2 |url=http://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/a-web-for-everyone/ }}
* {{Cite book | first = Michael | last = Paciello | year = 2000 | title = Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities | publisher = CMP Books | isbn = 978-1-929629-08-4 | url = http://www.paciellogroup.com/resources/books.htm | access-date = 21 February 2006 | archive-date = 26 December 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121226034247/http://www.paciellogroup.com/resources/books.htm | url-status = dead }}
* {{Cite book | first = Olga | last = Revilla | year = 2010 | title = WCAG 2.0 made easy | publisher = Itákora Press | isbn = 978-84-614-6177-6 | url = http://www.wcag2madeeasy.com/index_en.html | access-date = 26 July 2014 | archive-date = 14 May 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150514092034/http://wcag2madeeasy.com/index_en.html | url-status = dead }}
* {{Cite book| first = John | last = Slatin |author2=Sharron Rush  | year = 2002 | title = Maximum Accessibility: Making Your Web Site More Usable for Everyone | publisher = Addison-Wesley Professional | isbn = 978-0-201-77422-1 }}
* {{Cite book| first = Jim | last = Thatcher |author2=Cynthia Waddell |author3=Shawn Henry |author4=Sarah Swierenga |author5=Mark Urban |author6=Michael Burks |author7=Paul Bohman  | year = 2003 | title = Constructing Accessible Web Sites | edition = Reprint | publisher = Apress (Previously by Glasshaus) | isbn = 978-1-59059-148-2 }}
* {{Cite book | first = Heydon | last = Pickering | author2 = Steve Faulkner | year = 2014 | title = Apps For All: Coding Accessible Web Applications | edition = eBook | publisher = Smashing Magazine GmbH | isbn = 978-3-94454079-5 | url = https://shop.smashingmagazine.com/products/apps-for-all/ | access-date = 20 April 2016 | archive-date = 31 January 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200131103153/https://shop.smashingmagazine.com/products/apps-for-all | url-status = dead }}
* {{Cite book| first = Jonathan | last = Hassell | year = 2014 | title = Including your missing 20% by embedding web and mobile accessibility | publisher = BSI | isbn = 978-0-58081-204-0  }}

==External links==
{{external links|date=September 2019}}
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/gel/guidelines/how-to-design-for-accessibility How To Design For Accessibility (BBC)]
* [https://inclusivedesignprinciples.org Inclusive Design Principles]
* [https://developer.apple.com/accessibility/ Apple Developer Accessibility Resources]
* [https://bbc.github.io/gel/ BBC GEL Technical Accessibility Guides]
* [https://neurologicalux.com/ Neurological UX]
* [https://www.google.co.uk/accessibility/for-developers/ Google Developer Accessibility Resources]
* [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/resources?activetab=pivot_1:primaryr3 Microsoft Developer Accessibility Resources]
* [https://www.w3.org/WAI/roles/developers/ W3C WCAG Developer Accessibility Resources]
* [https://github.com/brunopulis/awesome-a11y A Curated List of Awesome Accessibility Tools, Articles, and Resources]
* [https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/01/21/ada-compliance-for-websites-getting-it-right ADA Compliance For Websites Checklist]

===Standards and guidelines===
* [https://www.w3.org/WAI/ W3C – Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)]
* [https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/ W3C – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0]
* [https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/accessibility-statement Equality and Human Rights Commission: PAS 78: a guide to good practice in commissioning accessible websites (which BS 8878 supersedes)]
* [https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-540-70540-6_57 European Union – Unified Web Evaluation Methodology 1.2]
* [http://html.cita.illinois.edu University of Illinois iCITA HTML Accessibility Best Practices] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208143538/http://html.cita.illinois.edu/ |date=8 February 2020 }}
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility/forproducts/ BBC GEL Product Accessibility Guidelines]
* [http://bbc.github.io/subtitle-guidelines/ BBC GEL Subtitles (Captions) Guidelines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715191550/https://bbc.github.io/subtitle-guidelines/ |date=15 July 2022 }}
* [https://www.bbc.com/editorialguidelines/guidance/visually-and-hearing-impaired-audiences BBC Editorial Accessibility Guide (Online and TV)]
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}

{{Web accessibility}}
{{Disability navbox}}

[[Category:Web accessibility| ]]
[[Category:Accessible information]]
[[Category:Web design]]
[[Category:Usability]]