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Why websites have to be accessible from now on

The European Accessibility Act makes it obligatory for companies to have accessible websites. In our last webinar we were able to explain with the help of different experts how to take the first steps towards this direction and what added value it brings for all users.

People with disabilities also depend on digital accessibility in order to be able to notice information in general or shop in online shops.

"For a typical day at work in a company, it means designing all digital information in such a way that it can be perceived and used regardless of end devices, the software used, methods and comprehension skills with which users access the content." Rhea-Maria Göschl

Sensing Journey expert Lisa Lauring was born with a visual disability and uses magnifiers, glasses and electronic low vision aids as well as a reading machine in her everyday life. She recommends first to look at your own website with the computer’s screen magnifier to check it for accessibility.

“As a first step you can check accessibility for yourself by holding down the control button and scrolling in with the mouse. If the main text disappears and information gets lost, it is definitely not barrier-free.” Lisa Lauring

Furthermore, Lisa Lauring notes that companies that pay attention to accessibility on their website are recommended within the community via Facebook and WhatsAapp groups.

Rhea-Maria Göschl is senior digital accessibility expert at myAbility and has already assisted numerous companies in the implementation of more digital accessibility. The advantages of a barrier-free website are obvious:

  1. Barrier-free designs are aesthetically more pleasing.
  2. A higher page speed can be achieved through barrier-free programming.
  3. Digital accessibility increases the page's Google ranking.

BIPA decided a long time ago to make its career website accessible in order to address a larger target group of applicants. The website was certified in accordance with the so-called “WCAG guidelines”. According to WACA project manager Werner Rosenberger, this process will soon be available internationally.

 

“We are in the process of giving the WACA certificate recognition as its own entity at the European level. This is particularly relevant for websites of companies that operate internationally.” Werner Rosenberge

The certified site has several advantages for BIPA. On the one hand, getting a head start on the competition and, on the other hand, a larger and more diverse pool of applicants.

"We were asked about and praised for our accessible career page." Julia Perner

During the webinar, the 205 participants were asked what they thought to be the most common accessibility issues on websites.

Survey Results: What do you think are the most common accessibility issues on websites? Empty links 5%, Missing form input labels 11%, No alt text for images 73%, Low contrast text 47%