Are you aware of the differences between legal accessibility and real accessibility on the Web? Here at inSuit we would like to keep you informed about the importance of both when working to meet the goal of the world wide web, namely, universality!
At present, it’s no longer a secret that any team developing an application or web page must ensure that it is accessible.
The aim of this task is to allow everyone, and especially people experiencing some form of disability, to perceive, access, understand, and use applications or web pages they need or are interested in.
Recently, web accessibility has gained ground due to a series of requirements based on legislation in this field. These standards, when coupled with an understanding and consideration of user needs, can help us ensure full use of said apps or web pages by users regardless of their personal or sensory capabilities, or even the extent of their technical knowledge when they browse the Web.
If this is our goal, we need to understand the difference between these two types of web accessibility, legal and real. By knowing how they differ, we will understand how to best combine them in order to achieve high-quality results with greater impact.
Legal accessibility is concerned with compliance with established requirements or recommendations that designate a given website as accessible, such as WCAG 2.1 or Royal Decree 1112/2018. The aim of these requirements is to ensure that good practices are achieved at all times for the greater benefit of all those wishing to have access to the digital world.
However, in the case of real accessibility, the concern not only centres on meeting minimum legal standards, but also the goals of web accessibility itself. Their principal aim being to enable everyone with disabilities to navigate and interact with websites and mobile applications independently.
For inSuit it is especially important to achieve both types of web accessibility. Why? Because by understanding the needs of each user we are able to develop solutions that adapt more effectively to the various situations that limit access to the digital world for people with disabilities. In doing so, we are automatically adhering to the standards that promote everyone’s well-being.
First, it’s important to note that in recent years web accessibility standards and guidelines have been evolving quickly both in Spain and around the world, with a view to ensuring access to information, services, education, and recreation for a greater number of people, without barriers.
Indeed, we are now paying more attention to the requirements and recommendations made by the organisations that work hard to make web accessibility a reality.
Currently, these standards and guidelines are being observed as part of a transformative commitment to making the Internet accessible to all.
This is where the concept of “legal” web accessibility gains importance, supported by international and national regulations such as European Directive 2016/2102 and Royal Decree 1112/2018, which call for real web accessibility based on the guidelines created by World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the international organisation that sets the course for web accessibility.
In order to comply with this legislation, we need to understand the reasons for these solutions and their objectives. That is why it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the needs of people with disabilities. That is the only way we can effectively achieve our objective: true web accessibility!
By meeting both legal and real accessibility on the Web we take charge and become agents for change, contributing to the process of digital transformation. This will guarantee one’s right to universal accessibility, equality, equal opportunities, a level playing field for all, improved user experience, more job creation, access to information and enable commerce and business to reach a segment which has gone unnoticed until now.
Do you agree that web accessibility is an essential tool in sustainable development and social and economic growth? Do you need to make your website truly accessible? Contact us and make the difference!
