Digital accessibility. Adaptation of website and mobile app to WCAG guidelines (as a service) - Company websites and portals accessible to people with disabilities

One way to achieve this is to bring web portals in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

As the demand for accessibility increases, adapting a web portal to WCAG guidelines is not only a necessity, but also an opportunity to create a more inclusive online experience for all users.

Co to są wytyczne WCAG?

The WCAG guidelines are internationally recognised standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure the accessibility of web content for people with disabilities. These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for designing and creating websites and web applications that are perceivable, functional, understandable and robust for people of all abilities. The WCAG guidelines are categorised into different levels of compliance: A (lowest), AA and AAA (highest), allowing organisations to choose the level of accessibility that meets their needs and legal requirements.

Importance of website accessibility

The accessibility of the web portal is crucial for several reasons:

Digital accessibility = Legal compliance

Many countries have legal obligations to ensure equal access to information and digital services for people with disabilities. By adapting web portals to the WCAG guidelines, organisations can meet legal requirements and avoid potential lawsuits or penalties.

In Poland, this obligation has applied to public institutions since 2015.

The currently applicable WCAG 2.1 standard was introduced in Poland in 2019 with the Act on Digital Accessibility of Public Entities' Websites and Mobile Applications of 4 April 2019. Various public institutions have been obliged to implement WCAG 2.1-compliant accessibility - in particular:

• organisations belonging to the public finance sector,
• state organisational entities without legal personality,
• legal entities established to meet needs of general interest,
• non-governmental organisations carrying out public activities.

Penalties for digital inaccessibility

An institution may be penalised for failing to comply with the requirements to adapt its website to persons with disabilities. The amount of the fine can be up to PLN 5,000 (for failure to declare accessibility) or up to PLN 10,000 (for failure to comply with accessibility obligations on, for example, a website or mobile application). Penalties are applied in the case of persistent and unjustified violations of the regulations, which in practice may mean the absence of WCAG and the lodging of complaints by an increasing number of users.

So if there has been a first complaint - act immediately. If there hasn't been one yet - act preventively.

Improved user experience

Accessible websites and portals provide a better user experience for all users, not just those with disabilities. Improved navigation, clear content structure and flexible design elements benefit all users, leading to greater engagement and satisfaction.

The accessibility mode implemented by Krakweb includes a number of options that benefit both able-bodied users and those with disabilities, as well as the site owners. This is because the options the user receives are not only contrast enhancement, which, by the way, is also an element that fully able-bodied users benefit from. Options such as enlarging the font, reading text, turning off animation or changing the background are options that are increasingly being used by more user groups. Indeed, many of us like the so-called dark mode. It is one of the options available in our WCAG mode.

Find out more and enquire about implementing WCAG on your site.

Expanded audience reach

By optimising company websites and web portals for accessibility, organisations can reach a wider audience, including people with disabilities. This broadens the potential customer base and opens up opportunities for growth and inclusion.

Branding. Building a positive brand image.

Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility sends an important message to customers and stakeholders. It shows that the organisation values diversity, inclusion and equal access to information, enhancing its brand reputation.

ESG

ESG is a group of factors (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance). These are key criteria that any company striving for responsible and sustainable development should take into account. The implementation of the WCAG undoubtedly fits into the ESG and is therefore desirable at the level of companies wishing to communicate social responsibility and sustainability.

Adaptation of the web portal to WCAG guidelines (service)

The service of adapting a web portal to WCAG guidelines involves an organisation working with a company - a WCAG expert - to make digital platforms accessible according to WCAG 2.1 standards. Here is how this service can be organised:

Digital accessibility audit

Start by conducting a thorough accessibility audit of your website/web portal to identify existing barriers and areas for correction. This includes assessing elements such as colour contrast, alternative text for images, accessibility of keyboard navigation, reading page content aloud and more.

Digital accessibility design and WCAG compliance development

Work with designers and developers to implement necessary adaptations based on WCAG guidelines. This may include optimising code, modifying design elements and integrating assistive technologies to ensure compatibility with screen readers, magnifiers and other accessibility tools.

At Krakweb, we implement WCAG-compliant websites that are adapted for people with disabilities and adapt existing websites to meet WCAG guidelines.

Content optimisation

Supporting your organisation in optimising website content to make it more accessible can take many forms. This can include adding alternative text to images, subtitling videos, structuring headings correctly and ensuring readability by introducing plain language.

Accessibility tests

Conduct user testing with people with disabilities to gather feedback and ensure the effectiveness of adaptations. Use their insights to further improve the accessibility and usability of the web portal.

Ongoing support

Provide ongoing support and maintenance services to address any accessibility issues that may arise in the future. Keep abreast of updates to WCAG guidelines and emerging accessibility technologies to continually improve the accessibility of the web portal.

Benefits of the web portal adjustment service to WCAG guidelines

Expertise and compliance with WCAG standards

Your organisation can, like many others, benefit from the knowledge of experts with expertise in web accessibility and with experience in WCAG implementation. Krakweb's experts will ensure that your website complies with WCAG guidelines and keep you (you and your website) up to date with changing accessibility standards.

Time and cost savings

Outsourcing WCAG - the service of making your web portal / company website compliant with WCAG guidelines saves your organisation time and resources by utilising the specialist skills and knowledge of experienced practitioners. Eliminates the need for in-house training or hiring additional staff for accessibility tasks.

Focus on core competencies

By working with Krakweb, your organisation can focus on its core competencies while making sure that the web portal / company website meets accessibility standards. This will allow you to meet your business objectives without compromising integration.

Reputation and competitive advantage

Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility will enhance your organisation's reputation and set it apart from the competition. It will demonstrate social responsibility and position your organisation as a leader in inclusive practices.

Summary

Adapting a web portal / company website to comply with WCAG guidelines is an essential step towards creating an inclusive online experience for all users. By working with organisations to optimise web portals / company websites for accessibility, Krakweb can help meet legal requirements, improve user experience, expand audience reach and build a positive brand image.At a time when an increasing proportion of the population is struggling with disabilities - particularly visual impairments - , ensuring accessibility is not only a legal and ethical obligation, but also a way to include more users in their interactions with the brand.

Find out more - arrange a free consultation with an expert.