Digital Accessibility for Government

As a government, you want all citizens to be able to use your digital services and to comply with the Digital Government Act.

  • Who Does This Apply To?

  • Affected Services and Products

  • The Benefits

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Digital Accessibility for Government in a nutshell

Digital accessibility is essential in today’s digital-first world. Everyone, regardless of ability, should be able to access government services online. Websites, apps, PDFs, and other digital services must be accessible to all citizens, ensuring equal participation and compliance with the law.

The Digital Government Act, effective since July 2023, implements the EU Directive 2016/2102 through the Government Digital Accessibility Decree. It requires all government bodies, including municipalities, national agencies, semi-public organizations, and the judiciary, to make their digital services accessible.

Who Does This Apply To?

Governing bodies

Administrative authorities under the Dutch General Administrative Law Act (Awb), such as:

  • Municipalities: local city or town councils

  • National agencies: e.g., UWV (Employee Insurance Agency), SVB (Social Insurance Bank), Tax Office, DUO (Education Executive Agency), RDW (Vehicle Authority)

Semi-public authorities

Organizations with a public function, including:

  • Healthcare providers – hospitals, regional care institutions

  • Educational institutions – universities, vocational schools

  • Pension funds – sectoral or company pension administrators

Judiciary

  • Public prosecutors

  • Courts and court members

Which Services Are Affected?

All government digital services must comply with WCAG guidelines, including:

  • Websites and web-based services for information, interaction, transactions, and participation

  • New and existing tenders

  • Mobile applications

  • PDF documents

A WCAG Audit helps you assess and secure compliance.

More about our WCAG audit

What Do You Need to Do to Show Compliance?

Public authorities must publish an accessibility statement on their website or mobile app, detailing compliance. This statement is also listed in the Digital Accessibility Register.

The Benefits of a Digitally Accessible Government

Broaden Your Services

Ensure all citizens, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with limited internet access, can use your services.

Simplified Communication

Accessible websites and apps help citizens find and understand information quickly, speeding up application processes for permits and services.

Avoid Legal Complications

Complying with WCAG and other accessibility standards reduces the risk of legal action and demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity.

How We Make Your Government Digitally Accessible

  1. Implementation Plan for Digital Accessibility

    Our turnkey implementation plan integrates accessibility into your organization smoothly, letting your team focus on core activities while we handle accessibility.

  2. Informing External Stakeholders

    We ensure transparency and clear communication with all stakeholders about the steps taken to improve accessibility.

  3. Compliance With Laws and Regulations

    We make sure your digital platforms are accessible and fully compliant with current legislation, protecting your organization and enhancing your reputation.

    • WCAG 2.2 audits

      Use our WCAG audits to get a clear picture of how accessible your website, app or PDF document is.

    • Trainings

      Take one of our accessibility training courses and become a specialist in digital accessibility.

    • Advice

      Get additional advice and support on digital accessibility.

    • Awareness

      What is digital (in)accessibility and who are you ultimately digitally accessible to?

  4. Staying Accessible

    Through these steps, accessibility becomes part of your organization’s processes, ensuring ongoing compliance and usability for all citizens, including those with disabilities.

Your government for all

Inspired by Carolina’s passion for digital accessibility? Whether you’re ready to take the first steps or need guidance, our experts are here to help. Start making your government services accessible today.

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Carolina van Setten, Brand Manager Cardan