Accessible websites for all

People with disabilities have the right to use internet. Internet can be very helpful for you. For example: you can get information, download important documents or be in touch with other people. But many websites are not accessible for people with disabilities. All websites should be accessible.

We are living in a digitalised society where many essential services and information are available online, but still 95% of public websites are inaccessible for older people and persons with disabilities. On the occasion of the first Digital Agenda Assembly on 16 June AGE platform Europe, ANEC, EBU and EDF launched a campaign to propose a binding legislation that delivers web accessibility for all as soon as possible.

Many people with disabilities need assistive technology or other help to access the Internet, but the majority of websites do not meet the voluntary standards on accessibility. This sort of e-exclusion contributes to increase the digital divide among those who are connected to the global network and those who don’t. Internet and online communication, if adequately addressed, could be a positive way to prevent social exclusion of people with disabilities. A window to the outside world to help them get remote support, keep in touch with other people or get information on their interests and needs.

According to the World Report on Disability, the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development is currently running a project to implement the ICT accessibility dimension of the CRPD with the help of a special “e-accessibility toolkit”. In collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the Global Initiative for Inclusive ICT’s (G3ict) is also developing the first digital accessibility and inclusion index for people with disabilities to monitor the implementation of the digital accessibility provisions in the CRPD by the countries ratifying it.

The European Commission has also committed to improving web-accessibility by 2015.  The Digital Agenda for Europe and the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 mention a legislative proposal that would “ensure that public sector websites and websites providing basic services to citizens are fully accessible by 2015”.

Inaccessibility to websites does not only entail a technological gap, but a barrier to social inclusion. People with disabilities are part of the community and they should not be denied access to the online network. Inclusion Europe welcomes any initiative seeking for the real implementation of accessible website solutions.