Accessibility

Definition

Accessibility, in its broadest sense, is the quality that something can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. As far as the internet is concerned, its definition does not change much. Web accessibility is the practice of making websites usable by as many people as possible. That is, through design, development and content, we seek to offer everyone an excellent experience, regardless of their resources or how the devices are used.

According to Tim Berners-Lee, director of World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and inventor of WWW, the power of the Web lies in its universality: Access for all regardless of disability is an essential aspect.

About one in seven people have a disability that affects the way they interact with the world and their devices. People can experience disabilities at any age, for any duration and at different levels of severity. For example, occasional damage – such as injury to the wrist from falling or loss of voice from overuse – can affect how devices interact at different times.

In the European Union, the standard containing the accessibility requirements applicable to the web and mobile applications is the standard EN301549, copy of the compliance standard WCAG 2.1 ‘AA’. In Greece, these requirements are included in the Digital Accessibility Guide.

Benefits of using

(see mosaico)

Simplification of code language (HTML semantics).
Opportunity to reach more users.
Increased ability and the degree of independence of the user and, consequently, a reduction in the time of execution of a task.
Reduction of face-to-face service costs and possible release of resources for other tasks.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Easier maintenance, updating and redesign of websites.
Greater and better compatibility with other electronic devices.

Institutional framework

European Accessibility Requirements Directive
Approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the accessibility requirements of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies, thereby allowing those websites and mobile applications to be more accessible for users, in particular persons with disabilities.

See Directive (EU) 2016/2102 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies
Transposition into Greek law of Directive (EU) 2016/2102

See “NOMOS No 4727”
European Accessibility Law
Transposes Directive (EU) 2019/882 on accessibility requirements for products and services

See Directive (EU) 2019/882 on the accessibility requirements for products and services

Good practices

It will be taken from the Mosaic.

Tools