Public sector bodies in the UK are required by law to make sure their websites meet certain accessibility standards. This means that websites should be designed and built so that people with disabilities, including those who use assistive technology, can use them without difficulty. The guidelines for accessibility, known as WCAG, are the most widely accepted standards in the world for web accessibility. In the year 2023 significant updates were made to these standards. This article will delve into what these guidelines entail and how they apply to the design and content of public sector websites.
Understanding WCAG and Its Importance
WCAG, or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, is an internationally recognised set of recommendations for improving web accessibility. They are developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), a global community that works to develop web standards. The guidelines are important not only for compliance with laws but also for ensuring that all users, regardless of their abilities, can navigate, understand, and interact with the web.
WCAG guidelines are organised under four fundamental principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (POUR). Each principle has a set of guidelines that provides specific guidance on how to achieve it. In 2023, updates were made to these guidelines to enhance user experience, particularly for those using assistive technologies.
Designing for Accessibility
When it comes to design, WCAG guidelines provide a roadmap for creating websites that are user-friendly and accessible to all, including those with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurological disabilities.
A key aspect of this design approach involves the use of text and colour. For instance, WCAG requires that text be readable and understandable, so font size, line height, and spacing between lines should be considered. Colour should not be used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.
Design must also cater for different types of interaction. This means ensuring that all functionalities are available from a keyboard and providing users enough time to read and use content. Interactive components should be predictable in their appearance and operation, and users should be guided in avoiding and correcting mistakes.
Implementing Accessible Content
Creating accessible websites is not just about design. The content you provide plays a crucial role in accessibility. WCAG guidelines require that text content is readable and understandable. This involves using clear and simple language, providing definitions for jargon or complex terminology, and making sure content is structured in a logical manner.
In addition to text, WCAG guidelines also cover other forms of content. For instance, non-text content, such as images, should have text alternatives that serve the equivalent purpose. Multimedia content should have captions and other alternatives. For those who cannot perceive content visually, an audio description or a full-text alternative should be provided.
Adapting for Mobile Accessibility
Mobile accessibility is increasingly becoming a focal point, as more and more people are accessing the web through their mobile devices. WCAG guidelines clearly detail that web content should be accessible across all platforms and devices.
This includes ensuring that the website is responsive, which means that the layout adjusts to fit the screen size, making it easier for users to navigate and interact with the content. The use of touch targets that are large enough to touch easily on a small screen, and the implementation of mobile-friendly forms, are also key aspects of mobile accessibility.
Meeting Public Sector Accessibility Requirements
Public sector bodies have a responsibility to make their digital services accessible to all. This includes central and local government organisations, as well as some charities and public corporations.
To meet WCAG guidelines and UK government compliance, public sector bodies should conduct regular accessibility audits and make improvements based on the findings. Staff should be trained on the importance of digital accessibility and how to implement it. And finally, an accessibility statement should be published, detailing measures taken to make the website accessible, any known issues, and how users can get information in an accessible format.
By ensuring your website is compliant with WCAG guidelines, you not only meet legal obligations but also ensure your services are inclusive and accessible to all users.
Integrating Accessibility in Mobile Apps
The accessibility standards don’t stop at websites mobile but extend to mobile applications as well. An increasing number of public sector bodies are developing mobile apps to facilitate their services, making mobile accessibility equally significant.
For mobile apps, the guidelines recommend using a design system that is intuitive and easy to use, with clear, simple navigation. The app should be fully operable via a keyboard and assistive devices, with all functionality available from the keyboard. Any gestures required should be simple and not rely on complex movements that could be difficult for some users.
Moreover, any media content within the app, like videos or audio clips, should have transcripts, captions, or other text alternatives. If the app includes data visualisations, consider providing a text description to make the information accessible to those who cannot perceive the visual content.
In addition, avoid time-limited functions that could place unnecessary pressure on users, as some people may require more time to complete tasks within the app. The design should consider different types of colour blindness and ensure there is sufficient contrast between text and background colours.
It is important for public sector bodies to include mobile apps in their accessibility audits and ensure they meet the same accessibility standards as their websites. This way, all digital services provided by a public organisation will be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
Managing Disproportionate Burden and Exceptions
While the goal is for all public sector websites and mobile apps to be fully accessible, the UK government recognises that in some cases, the burden of compliance may be disproportionate to the benefits. This is where the concept of disproportionate burden comes into play.
In such cases, the public sector body must make a detailed assessment considering the size, resources, and nature of their organisation, the cost of making the changes, and the impact on users. If they determine that meeting certain accessibility requirements would be a disproportionate burden, they must explain this in their accessibility statement and provide an alternative way for users to access the information or service.
However, it’s worth noting that the disproportionate burden exception does not exempt public sector bodies from the legal obligation to make their online services accessible. Rather, it provides a mechanism for managing the challenges of compliance in complex or resource-constrained contexts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2023 updates to the WCAG guidelines for creating accessible public sector websites and mobile apps in the UK emphasise the importance of making digital content accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Whether it’s through design, content, or mobile accessibility, public sector bodies can leverage these guidelines to make their digital services more inclusive.
The guidelines place a strong focus on the user experience, urging organisations to create digital platforms that are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. From the choice of colours and text to the functionality available from a keyboard, every aspect of a website or a mobile app should be considered from an accessibility perspective.
Meeting these guidelines requires ongoing commitment from public sector bodies. Regular audits, staff training, and clear accessibility statements are essential steps towards full compliance.
While the concept of ‘disproportionate burden’ acknowledges the challenges faced by some organisations, the ultimate aim remains clear: to ensure digital services are accessible to all, regardless of abilities or disabilities. This not only meets legal requirements but also aligns with the fundamental principles of equity and inclusivity in public service.
Accessibility, in essence, is not just a box-ticking exercise, but an integral part of public service, echoing the UK government’s commitment to digital accessibility and an inclusive society.
