Essential Accessibility Standards to Follow for Inclusive Design
Creating accessible designs ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use and enjoy digital content. There are several key standards and guidelines that designers can follow to make their work more accessible. This article will cover the main accessibility standards, including BITV compliance.
1. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
The WCAG compliance is a widely used set of guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It provides comprehensive advice on how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
Principles: WCAG is based on four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
Levels: The guidelines are organized into three levels of compliance: A, AA, and AAA. Level AA is generally considered the acceptable standard for most websites.
2. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
The ADA is a civil rights law in the United States that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including websites and digital content.
Requirements: Websites must be accessible to people with disabilities, which means they need to follow guidelines like those outlined in WCAG to comply with ADA.
3. BITV (Barrierefreie Informationstechnik-Verordnung)
BITV compliance is a set of accessibility regulations used in Germany to ensure that digital content is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
Coverage: BITV covers various aspects of digital design, including text readability, navigation, and multimedia use.
Legal Requirement: Public sector websites in Germany are required to comply with BITV standards, making it crucial for designers working in or with German public entities.
4. Section 508
Section 508 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in the United States, which requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.
Standards: It incorporates WCAG guidelines and adds additional requirements specific to federal agencies.
5. EN 301 549
EN 301 549 is a European standard for accessibility requirements for public procurement of ICT products and services.
Scope: It covers a wide range of digital products, including software, hardware, and web content.
Harmonization: It aims to harmonize accessibility standards across Europe, making it easier for companies to comply with multiple national regulations.
6. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)
ARIA is a set of attributes that can be added to HTML to make web content and applications more accessible to people with disabilities, especially those using assistive technologies like screen readers.
Usage: ARIA helps improve the accessibility of dynamic content and advanced user interface controls developed with JavaScript.
7. ISO 9241-171
This standard provides ergonomic requirements and recommendations for the design of accessible software.
Focus: It emphasizes making software usable for people with a wide range of disabilities.
Application: It is particularly relevant for software developers looking to ensure their applications are accessible.
Implementing Accessibility Standards
Understand the Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the relevant standards for your region and industry.
Use Accessible Design Practices:
Text: Ensure that text is readable with proper contrast and font size.
Navigation: Create simple and intuitive navigation structures.
Multimedia: Provide captions and transcripts for audio and video content.
Test Your Designs: Use accessibility testing tools to check if your designs meet the required standards.
Get Feedback: Engage with users, especially those with disabilities, to get feedback on your designs.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest guidelines and best practices.
Following these accessibility standards, including BITV compliance, is crucial for creating inclusive and accessible designs. By adhering to these guidelines, designers can ensure their work is accessible to all users, enhancing usability and widening their audience reach. This commitment to accessibility is not only a legal and ethical responsibility but also a step towards a more inclusive digital world.
Author Bio
Emilie Brown works with the Content Marketing team at Continual Engine, a leading AI-based accessibility solutions provider, enabling organizations to create digitally accessible content in compliance with universal accessibility laws. Her approach and methodology are simple, concise, and to the point and connect with readers seeking solution-driven content on topics related to accessibility and remediation. Apart from her time at work, she loves to spend time with her dog, volunteer, and play her guitar.
