Mapping The European Digital Accessibility Field: The IMPACT Project

Abstract

New advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have generated a convergent media environment towards the web. Digital media is ubiquitous and sometimes we might not realise how now much it affects our daily lives, as it is being used to communicate, entertain, learn, and almost all other activities. At present, most digital content is still not accessible for all. The requirement for digital accessibility when accessing ICT products has increased since the endorsement of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) by European Directives. This article will first present an overview of the current state of digital accessibility legal framework in Europe. This will enable a better understanding of the existing gaps in the market and the training needs in the digital accessibility field. The methodology followed in the first stage of the IMPACT project will then be presented. Firstly, an analysis of the existing training in the digital accessibility field was conducted, which was used as the basis to create a first draft of the competences and skills that a digital accessibility professional should acquire and master. Secondly, an online survey to assess the defined competences and map the current status of digital accessibility in Europe was conducted. Results obtained will be discussed and further steps in the project which involve the design of a modular curriculum and the certification process will be outlined.

Demystifying Digital Accessibility and Fostering Inclusive Mindsets. Compliance with the European Standard for Digital Accessibility EN 301 549

“…This work is essential but, without a significant political engagement, it can be insufficient to ensure that people with disabilities have full access to information and communication. In the case of France, the Accessibility Statement can be deceptive and non-reflective of the actual level of accessibility, as highlighted by some 12 See En savoir plus sur nos critères d'évaluation -L'Observatoire de la qualité des démarches en ligne. Retrieved from: https://observatoire.numerique.gouv.fr/Aide/Observatoire associations and press articles 13 .…”

“…In a best-case scenario, the management team will fix the maximum failures to reach a score previously set, and conduct an audit to check if they achieved the target goal. In the French Administration, this goal is set to 75% 12 . If a score of 75% is reached, the digital service is considered to have taken disability into account.…”

“…Most digital accessibility training is included in academic IT studies related to the development of technological systems, services and products. It aims to comply with standards without providing a deep understanding of the users' needs (Oncins et al, 2020). On many occasions, a web developer enables a web page to be compatible with screen readers without having received training on how users of this service navigate the internet.…”

Accessible and inclusive public communication

“…Some platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or even TikTok have various and sometimes limited features to accommodate some of the needs of persons with a disability. For example, alternate texts can be added to published images and the services on which governments can post videos sometimes automatically generate subtitles (Olson, n.d. [76]). However, these tools are not necessarily optimal.…”

Assessing the Readiness of Government and Semi-Government Institutions in Qatar for Inclusive and Sustainable ICT Accessibility: Introducing the MARSAD Tool

“…Article 9 of the United Nations Convention for Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) outlines that the provision of accessible ICT is a fundamental obligation for all State parties. The requirement for digital accessibility when accessing ICT products has increased since the endorsement of the UNCRPD [2]. Furthermore, the article ensures the preservation of fundamental human rights and economic opportunities for sectors of society, including the persons with disabilities communities [3].…”