Zapewnienie dostępności treści cyfrowych stało się wymaganym elementem budowania pozytywnego wizerunku i realizacji misji społecznych. Szczególnie istotne jest to dla organizacji pozarządowych (NGO), które często kierują swoje działania do różnorodnych grup społecznych, w tym osób z niepełnosprawnościami. Wdrożenie standardu WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) umożliwia nie tylko spełnienie wymogów prawnych, ale również zwiększa zasięg i efektywność komunikacji oraz buduje reputację organizacji jako społecznie odpowiedzialnej.
Dalszą część artykułu przeczytasz poniżej - pod formularzem.
What are WCAG?
WCAG is an international set of guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that defines principles for the design and creation of digital content that is accessible to all users, regardless of ability. The standards are based on four fundamental principles:
- Perceptibility - content must be presented in such a way that it can be perceived by all the senses. This includes, among other things, using alternative text for images and ensuring adequate colour contrast.
- Functionality (operability) - all elements of the interface, such as buttons or forms, must be operable using a variety of methods, including the keyboard.
- Understandability - content and interfaces should be intuitive and messages should be clear and predictable.
- Robustness - content should be created according to technological standards so that it can be interpreted by a variety of supporting tools, such as screen readers.
This approach ensures that every user - regardless of individual needs and limitations - has equal access to information and digital services.
Why is WCAG implementation crucial for NGOs?
Increasing the reach and effectiveness of communication
NGOs work for the wider community and digital accessibility enables them to reach people who might be excluded from traditional communication channels. The use of WCAG increases the visibility of the website in search results and improves the user experience, resulting in more beneficiaries and donors
.
Compliance with legal obligations
In Poland, according to the Digital Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications Act (Act of 4 April 2019), public entities and NGOs benefiting from EU grants are obliged to ensure digital accessibility in accordance with WCAG guidelines (at least at level AA)
. Meeting these requirements minimises the risk of financial sanctions and avoids a negative image in the event of complaints about lack of accessibility.
Building the image of a socially responsible organisation
Adapting websites and applications to the needs of people with disabilities shows the empathy and social commitment of NGOs. Organisations that care about accessibility are seen as more responsible and professional, which translates into trust from the community and business partners.
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Legal requirements and benefits of WCAG implementation for NGOs
Legal obligations
Polish legislation requires public entities and some non-governmental organisations (especially those funded by public or EU funds) to adapt their websites to WCAG standards. Key elements include:
- Publication of an accessibility declaration that informs users of the accessibility status of the website.
- Regular accessibility audits and monitoring of implemented solutions.
- Implementation of technical solutions that allow accessibility for people with different types of disabilities, e.g. through alternative texts, subtitles for videos or the possibility to navigate using a keyboard
.
Benefits of implementing WCAG
In addition to legal obligations, the implementation of WCAG has many benefits:
- Better visibility on the web - compliance with the guidelines improves indexation of pages by search engines.
- Increased inclusivity - enabling accessibility for people with disabilities increases the potential audience.
- Reduced legal risk - eliminating accessibility barriers reduces the risk of financial penalties and complaints.
- Improved user experience - a clear and intuitive interface contributes to better usability of the site, which affects user satisfaction
.
Steps for implementing WCAG in NGOs
WCAG implementation is a multi-stage process that can be divided into several key phases:
Accessibility analysis and audit
Conducting a detailed analysis of an existing website or mobile application identifies current barriers and areas for improvement. Accessibility audits can be carried out using automated tools (e.g. Lighthouse) and manual testing with people using assistive technologies.
Planning and implementation strategy
Based on the results of the audit, an action plan should be developed, which includes:
- Prioritising implementation (which elements of the site need immediate improvement and which can be implemented in subsequent stages).
- Determining the budget and timetable for action.
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Selecting tools and technologies to support accessibility, such as plug-ins for the CMS (e.g. WP Accessibility or One Click Accessibility).
Implementation of technical and content changes
In this phase, developers and accessibility specialists are working on:
- Improving the HTML code and implementing the correct ARIA tags.
- Optimising content - adding alternative texts to graphics, video transcriptions and subtitles.
- Improving navigation - ensuring full keyboard control and clear page structure.
Testing and validation
Once the changes have been implemented, testing is required to ensure that all elements of the site meet WCAG requirements. Testing should include:
- Automated tools to assess accessibility.
- Manual testing with people using screen readers and other assistive technologies.
- Gathering feedback from users, including people with disabilities
.
Monitoring and continuous improvement
Digital accessibility is an ongoing process. Once implemented, the key is:
- Regularly monitoring the status of accessibility.
- Updating content and technology as new standards and solutions are introduced.
- Conducting periodic audits to respond to changing user needs
.
Tools and techniques to facilitate WCAG implementation
In the process of implementing WCAG, it is useful to use a number of tools and techniques that speed up the work and make it easier to achieve compliance:
- Automated accessibility auditing tools - such as Google Lighthouse, Axe, or WAVE, allow technical issues to be quickly detected.
- Plug-ins for content management systems (CMS) - solutions dedicated to WordPress or other popular platforms that support the addition of alternative descriptions, improved navigation and other accessibility elements.
- Training and consultancy - many IT agencies and organisations specialising in accessibility offer training and expert support to help NGO teams better understand and implement WCAG standards,
.
Challenges and barriers in the implementation of WCAG by NGOs
Limited financial and human resources
NGOs often operate with limited budgets, which can make it difficult to hire accessibility specialists or conduct a full audit. It is therefore important to plan for phased implementation and to seek support from EU sources or partnerships with technology companies.
Lack of awareness and knowledge among employees
Often the problem is insufficient knowledge of WCAG standards among the team. Regular training, workshops and collaboration with experts can significantly improve the level of knowledge and effectiveness of implementations.
Integration with existing IT infrastructure
Changes to the code and structure of a site can be difficult, especially if the site in question was created many years ago. If this is the case, it is worth considering upgrading the technology or gradually implementing fixes that will not disrupt the site.
Maintaining continuity of availability
WCAG standards are regularly updated and assistive technologies are developed. Organisations must be prepared to continuously monitor and update their solutions to ensure sustainable digital accessibility.
Examples of good practice and case studies
NGOs from the cultural and educational sectors
An organisation dedicated to promoting culture and education implemented WCAG by conducting a comprehensive accessibility audit of its website, implementing dedicated plug-ins for the CMS system and training the editorial team. The result was not only compliance with legal requirements, but also an increase in the number of users accessing content accessible to people with disabilities
Foundation for the benefit of people with disabilities
Another example is a foundation that, through cooperation with an IT agency, upgraded its website in accordance with WCAG The process included the implementation of ARIA technology, an improved navigation structure and the integration of an accessibility testing system. As a result, the foundation increased the reach of its activities and improved the experience of users using screen readers
Summary and recommendations
Implementing the WCAG standard in NGOs is not only a legal obligation, but above all an investment in inclusivity and effective communication. Key recommendations for NGOs are:
- A thorough analysis of the current state of accessibility - identifying barriers and prioritising actions.
- Education and training - raising the competence of the team in terms of WCAG standards.
- Gradual implementation of improvements - a flexible approach that allows continuous upgrading of the site without disrupting its functioning.
- Collaboration with experts - using companies specialised in digital accessibility and automated tools for auditing.
- Monitoring and updating - implementing a system of regular checks to maintain compliance with the latest guidelines.
For NGOs looking to increase their reach, improve user experience and meet legal obligations, implementing WCAG is a strategic investment. By using the tools, training and partnerships available, organisations can not only meet the requirements, but also stay ahead of the competition by offering content that is accessible to all.
Implementing a WCAG standard for NGOs is a process that requires a multi-faceted approach - from analysis and planning, to implementation and testing, to continuous monitoring and improvement. This enables organisations to fulfil their mission in a more inclusive, compliant way and to effectively reach a wide audience
The implementation of WCAG not only enables compliance with statutory requirements, but also builds the image of an organisation that cares about the community, which is particularly important in the NGO sector. We therefore encourage all NGOs to take steps towards making their websites more accessible - a step that will benefit both them and society as a whole.
Jak ICEberg CMS 5 pomaga NGO w WCAG (dostępności cyfrowej)?
The implementation of WCAG standards is a key element of a digital accessibility strategy, especially for NGOs that want to reach a wide audience, including people with disabilities. For this process to be effective, it is necessary to use tools that automate many complex technical aspects and allow you to focus on your social mission. ICEberg CMS 5 is a solution that supports the implementation of WCAG guidelines, making it easier to create and maintain websites that comply with the highest accessibility standards.
Automate accessibility with ICEberg CMS 5
Built-in tools compliant with WCAG 2.1
ICEberg CMS 5 is designed to meet the most important WCAG criteria, offering built-in mechanisms to:
- Automatic generation of alternative texts for images: The system facilitates the addition of alternative descriptions, which is essential for users using screen readers. This ensures that every graphic on the page has an associated description, improving its perceptibility.
- Optimisation of colour contrast and available graphic schemes: ICEberg CMS 5 has a visual editor that enables the selection of colour schemes that meet the contrast requirements (minimum 4.5:1 for text), which increases the readability of content for people with visual impairments.
ICEberg CMS 5 automatically optimises forms for accessibility and integrates mechanisms to support the addition of alternative descriptions, significantly simplifying the work of content creators.
Intuitive user experience and responsiveness
A key aspect of accessibility is the ability for users of different devices to use the website. ICEberg CMS 5 provides:
- Responsive interface: Pages created in this system automatically adapt to different screen sizes - from desktops to mobile devices. This means that users using assistive technologies, such as screen enlargers or voice-controlled software, receive a consistent experience regardless of device.
- Full keyboard navigation support: Thanks to the system's built-in modules, navigation elements and forms are optimised for keyboard-only operation. This is particularly important for people with motor limitations.
Ease of integration of available content
ICEberg CMS 5 makes it easy to manage content in a way that guarantees accessibility:
- Multimedia integration: the system allows subtitles to be automatically added to video content and transcriptions to audio files, which is invaluable in the context of WCAG 2.1. This allows organisations to publish multimedia material that is accessible to people who are deaf or use screen readers.
- Convert documents to accessible formats: Built-in tools allow the conversion of published documents to the PDF/UA standard, which ensures that content complies with accessibility requirements.
ICEberg CMS 5 allows pages to be designed in accordance with the most important WCAG guidelines - from alternative image descriptions to responsive structure to the automation of multimedia support.
How does ICEberg CMS 5 support the implementation of the statutory requirements?
Compliance with regulations and guidelines
Implementation of WCAG not only improves the quality of the website, but is also a prerequisite for compliance with the obligations under the Digital Accessibility of Web Pages and Mobile Applications Act. ICEberg CMS 5 enables:
- Publish accessibility declarations: The system makes it easy to add a link to the accessibility declaration, placed in a visible place (e.g. in the footer of the page), which is required by law.
- Regular accessibility audits: Thanks to the integration with automatic auditing tools (such as Lighthouse or Axe), administrators can monitor their site's WCAG compliance on an ongoing basis and react quickly to any non-compliance.
Process automation and time savings
ICEberg CMS 5 significantly simplifies the process of implementing accessibility features thanks to:
- Ready-made modules and templates: the system offers a range of ready-made solutions that can be easily adapted to the specific needs of the organisation. This makes the implementation of accessibility faster and more efficient, and reduces the costs associated with upgrading the website.
- Automation of repetitive tasks: Automatic generation of alternative descriptions, optimisation of forms or responsive content adaptation reduces the need for manual intervention, allowing resources to be focused on other important aspects of the NGO's activities.
Examples of ICEberg CMS 5 applications in NGOs
For social organisations
NGOs working in the areas of education, culture or social support can use ICEberg CMS 5 to:
- Create information pages that are accessible to people with disabilities - thanks to an intuitive editor, the system automatically takes care of contrast, navigation and alternative descriptions.
- Publish educational materials (e-books, tutorials, training videos) with subtitles and transcriptions to increase reach and enable outreach to groups requiring additional forms of support.
For international projects
In the context of cooperation with foreign institutions, ICEberg CMS 5 provides:
- Accessibility standards in line with international guidelines, which facilitates the exchange of information and cooperation on EU-funded projects.
- The ability to implement multilingual versions of pages in which every element is optimised for accessibility, which is crucial for global projects.
Summary
ICEberg CMS 5 is a tool that not only streamlines the content creation and management process, but also ensures compliance with WCAG requirements and current digital accessibility legislation. With built-in features that automate key elements of accessibility - from alternative descriptions for images to contrast optimisation to multimedia integration - the system is an ideal solution for NGOs that want to achieve their mission in an inclusive and legally compliant way.
Implementing ICEberg CMS 5 allows NGOs not only to meet legal requirements, but also to build a positive image of a socially responsible organisation, increase reach and improve user experience. The automation of processes and ease of integration of new features is key to saving time and resources, which is particularly important in the non-profit sector.
Read more:
- - "How ICEberg CMS 5 automates web accessibility..." (Krakweb)
- - "WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and the law on ensuring compliance with accessibility requirements..." (Krakweb)
With ICEberg CMS 5, NGOs can focus on their mission with the confidence that the technical aspects of accessibility are being implemented effectively and in line with the latest standards.
Jak Krakweb wdraża WCAG w NGO?
Wdrożenie standardów dostępności cyfrowej, takich jak WCAG, to zadanie wymagające nie tylko solidnej wiedzy technicznej, ale także praktycznych rozwiązań umożliwiających automatyzację wielu skomplikowanych procesów. Dla organizacji pozarządowych, instytucji publicznych oraz podmiotów gospodarczych, które chcą spełnić wymogi prawa i zwiększyć zasięg swojej komunikacji, wsparcie ekspertów jest kluczowe. Krakweb, jako doświadczona agencja interaktywna, oferuje kompleksowe usługi, dzięki którym proces wdrażania dostępności staje się prostszy i bardziej efektywny.
Kompleksowe wsparcie techniczne
Automatyzacja dostępności dzięki ICEberg CMS 5
Jednym z flagowych rozwiązań Krakweb jest ICEberg CMS 5 – nowoczesny system zarządzania treścią, który automatyzuje wiele aspektów związanych z dostępnością cyfrową. Dzięki ICEberg CMS 5 możliwe jest:
- Automatyczne generowanie opisów alternatywnych dla obrazów: System umożliwia łatwe dodawanie tekstów alternatywnych, co jest kluczowe dla użytkowników korzystających z czytników ekranowych.
- Optymalizacja kontrastu i schematów kolorystycznych: Wbudowany edytor wizualny dba o to, by wszystkie elementy strony spełniały wymagania kontrastu, co znacząco poprawia czytelność treści.
- Responsywność i pełna obsługa nawigacji klawiaturą: ICEberg CMS 5 gwarantuje, że strony są przyjazne dla użytkowników mobilnych oraz tych, którzy korzystają z technologii wspomagających.
Dzięki tym funkcjonalnościom Krakweb umożliwia tworzenie stron zgodnych z WCAG 2.1, co pomaga klientom nie tylko spełnić wymogi ustawowe, ale także zwiększyć zasięg i poprawić doświadczenia użytkowników.
Integracja multimedialna i dostępne dokumenty
Krakweb zadbało o to, aby każda strona czy aplikacja nie tylko spełniała standardy dostępności w zakresie treści tekstowej, ale również multimedialnej. Oferowane rozwiązania obejmują:
- Dodawanie napisów i transkrypcji: Materiały wideo publikowane na stronach klientów Krakweb mogą być wzbogacone o napisy oraz transkrypcje, co umożliwia dostęp osobom niesłyszącym.
- Konwersję dokumentów do formatów zgodnych z PDF/UA: Dzięki temu wszystkie publikowane dokumenty są dostępne dla użytkowników korzystających z narzędzi wspomagających, takich jak czytniki ekranu.
Doradztwo i audyty dostępności
Profesjonalny audyt dostępności
Krakweb oferuje kompleksowe audyty dostępności, które pozwalają zidentyfikować bariery techniczne oraz funkcjonalne na stronach i aplikacjach. Dzięki zastosowaniu narzędzi takich jak Google Lighthouse czy Axe, specjaliści Krakweb dokonują szczegółowej analizy, a następnie przedstawiają rekomendacje umożliwiające eliminację problemów i optymalizację interfejsu.
Konsultacje i szkolenia
Zespół ekspertów Krakweb nie tylko wdraża rozwiązania, ale również edukuje klientów:
- Szkolenia dla zespołów IT i redakcyjnych: Podnoszenie kwalifikacji w zakresie tworzenia treści dostępnych jest kluczowe dla utrzymania ciągłości wdrożonych rozwiązań.
- Konsultacje dotyczące strategii dostępności: Krakweb pomaga opracować długofalową strategię, która umożliwia regularne aktualizowanie treści i technologii w zgodzie z najnowszymi wytycznymi WCAG oraz zmieniającymi się wymaganiami prawnymi.
Korzyści ze współpracy z Krakweb
Zgodność prawna i zmniejszenie ryzyka sankcji
Wdrożenie narzędzi i usług oferowanych przez Krakweb zapewnia pełną zgodność z przepisami dotyczącymi dostępności cyfrowej, co minimalizuje ryzyko kar finansowych oraz negatywnego wizerunku w przypadku skarg na niedostępność stron czy aplikacji.
Oszczędność czasu i zasobów
Dzięki automatyzacji wielu procesów Krakweb pozwala klientom na szybsze i efektywniejsze wdrożenie wymogów dostępności. Gotowe moduły ICEberg CMS 5, zintegrowane systemy audytu i dedykowane szkolenia znacząco obniżają koszty oraz skracają czas realizacji projektu.
Budowanie wizerunku organizacji odpowiedzialnej społecznie
Dostępność cyfrowa to nie tylko obowiązek prawny, ale także element budowania pozytywnego wizerunku. Dzięki wsparciu Krakweb, firmy i organizacje mogą pochwalić się stronami przyjaznymi dla wszystkich użytkowników, co zwiększa ich wiarygodność i zaufanie w oczach społeczności.
Podsumowanie
Krakweb to partner, który oferuje kompleksowe rozwiązania w zakresie wdrażania dostępności cyfrowej. Dzięki ICEberg CMS 5, profesjonalnym audytom, konsultacjom oraz szkoleniom, Krakweb pomaga klientom spełnić wymagania WCAG oraz ustawowe, automatyzując procesy, oszczędzając czas i zasoby oraz budując wizerunek organizacji społecznie odpowiedzialnych. Jeśli Twoja organizacja potrzebuje wsparcia w zakresie dostępności – Krakweb jest gotowy, by pomóc Ci przejść przez ten proces sprawnie i efektywnie.
Źródła:
- – Informacje o ICEberg CMS 5 i automatyzacji dostępności (Krakweb).
- – Przykłady funkcjonalności ICEberg CMS 5 wspierających zgodność z WCAG.
Skontaktuj się z Krakweb, aby uzyskać bezpłatną wycenę i dowiedzieć się, jak ich rozwiązania mogą podnieść dostępność Twojej strony internetowej lub aplikacji mobilnej
