House of Representatives: even more focus on digital accessibility

Recently, Cardan Technobility, together with other researchers, worked on the Digital Accessibility Monitor 2021. For this, we did several spot checks and manual inspections on various government websites. We already saw that there are still quite a few steps to take.

Only 4% of websites fully accessible

The Digital Accessibility 2021 Monitor revealed that only 4% of government websites are fully accessible. 47% are well on their way to becoming fully accessible, but are not yet. This means that since the introduction of the Temporary Digital Accessibility Decree in 2018, only a small proportion of websites are compliant. The figures for apps (Android & iOS) are even worse unfortunately.

Roadmap to comply with Temporary Government Digital Accessibility Decree

Today, the House of Representatives adopted the Motion Bisschop. In this motion, Roelof Bisschop (MP Staatkundig Gereformeerde Partij) proposes a roadmap to make government websites and apps digitally accessible as soon as possible.

Legal obligation for government websites

Since July 2018, the Temporary Digital Government Accessibility Decree has been in force. This stipulates that every government organisation is responsible for ensuring that websites and apps comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Within Europe, this is part of EN 301 549. An important part of this legislation is that an organisation has insight into how accessible a website or app is, and that an accessibility statement states where any problems are, what alternatives there are for this and how the organisation ensures that the problems disappear as soon as possible.

Cardan Technobility helpt mee

We help make websites and apps even more accessible. With our inspections, organisations gain insight into the accessibility of their website, apps or documents and see where the opportunities lie to become even more accessible in the short and long term.

Through our advice and training, we work with our clients to ensure that digital accessibility becomes a serious part of the organisation and together ensure that communication is and remains fully inclusive as well. We are therefore extremely pleased that the House of Representatives is now (again) paying attention to the accessibility of government websites and will hopefully soon come up with a clear step-by-step plan to improve website accessibility.

Curious how we make digital accessibility fun and make sure your website or app works perfectly for everyone? Then get in touch soon, our consultants will be happy to help.