Accessibility in Catalonia: Complete Guide to Compliance

What are the Accessibility Regulations in Catalonia for Digital Environments?

The accessibility regulations in Catalonia require that websites and mobile applications comply with international digital accessibility standards, especially the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at conformity level AA. This regulation applies to both public sector organizations and private companies that offer online services to users in Catalonia.

Main objectives of the regulations:

1. Ensure equal access to digital content and services.
2. Promote usability on all digital platforms, regardless of users’ capabilities.
3. Facilitate interaction and navigation for people with visual, auditory, cognitive and motor disabilities.

Who is affected by the Digital Accessibility Regulations in Catalonia?

The digital accessibility regulations in Catalonia affect both public organizations and private companies:

• Public organizations: All institutions and organizations must guarantee accessibility on their digital platforms, including web pages and mobile applications.
• Private companies: Those that offer products and services online, such as banks, e-commerce stores, health, education and leisure services, must also adapt their digital environments to the regulations.

Accessibility Requirements for Websites and Applications according to WCAG 2.1

The WCAG 2.1 Guidelines offer a clear framework to adapt websites and applications to accessibility regulations in Catalonia. The fundamental requirements that digital platforms must meet are described below.

1. Perceptibility

The content must be presented in a way that users can perceive it clearly. This implies:

• Alternative text for images: All images must include a description in text format (alt text) so that visually impaired people can understand the content through screen readers.
• Subtitles and transcripts for multimedia content: Videos must include subtitles, and audios must include a transcript to ensure that people with hearing disabilities can access the content.
• Adequate color contrast: The text should have a minimum contrast of 4.5:1 with the background, making it easier for people with low vision to read.

2. Operability

Users must be able to navigate and operate websites and applications without barriers. To do this, it is required:

• Keyboard navigation: All page elements must be accessible using the keyboard, without the need to use a mouse, to allow access to people with motor disabilities.
• Adequate time to interact: Sufficient time should be offered to complete forms or interactions, avoiding automatic timeouts that affect accessibility.
• Avoid distracting content: Flashing or fast-moving items should be minimized or eliminated, as they can be distracting or cause adverse reactions in people with photosensitivity.

3. Understandability

The content must be clear and easy to understand for all users:

• Simple language: Texts must be written clearly, avoiding complex terms and using simple and direct language.
• Help on forms: Forms should have clear labels and fields with instructions or help messages to make them easier to use.
• Predictability in navigation: The navigation structure should be consistent across all pages so that users can anticipate where to find information.

4. Robustness

Websites and applications must be compatible with assistive technologies:

• Screen reader support: Website code must be optimized so that screen readers can correctly interpret the content.
• Using appropriate HTML tags: Tags should be used correctly to structure page content and improve interpretation by assistive technologies.
• Regular updating of accessibility: Accessibility should be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure that changes in technology do not affect the usability of the site.

Steps to Adapt your Website or Application to the Accessibility Regulations in Catalonia

Below is a practical guide of the steps to follow to adapt a website or application to accessibility regulations in Catalonia.

Step 1: Perform an Accessibility Audit

The accessibility audit is the first step in identifying areas that require improvement. It is recommended to use tools such as WAVE or Lighthouse, which allow you to analyze compliance with WCAG and detect accessibility problems on the website.

Step 2: Create an Adaptation Plan

Create an adaptation plan that includes:

• The areas of improvement detected in the audit.
• The resources and budget necessary to make the adaptations.
• A schedule detailing the time required to implement the changes.

Step 3: Implement Accessibility Best Practices

During the adaptation process, it is essential to apply accessibility guidelines to all elements of the platform. This includes:

• Add alt texts to images and graphics.
• Incorporate subtitles and transcripts into multimedia content.
• Adjust the color contrast and typography in all texts and buttons.

Step 4: Test and Validate Compliance

Test with users with disabilities and use accessibility validation tools to ensure the site complies with WCAG 2.1 at level AA. Some recommendations for this phase include:

• Perform usability tests with real users.
• Use screen readers such as JAWS or NVDA to test navigability.
• Make adjustments based on feedback and test results.

Step 5: Train the Development and Maintenance Team

It is important that the team in charge of the digital platform is trained in accessibility. Provide training on WCAG and the importance of accessibility, and ensure the team can detect and resolve accessibility issues in the future.

Step 6: Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing process. Regularly review the website or application and make updates to maintain compliance with accessibility regulations in Catalonia.

Benefits of Adapting your Website and Application to Accessibility Regulations

Adapting to accessibility regulations in Catalonia not only avoids sanctions, but also provides significant advantages:

• Increased audience: By making the site accessible, a greater number of users are reached, including people with disabilities.
• Improved user experience: Digital accessibility facilitates navigation and improves satisfaction for all users.
• Legal compliance: Adapting to WCAG 2.1 guarantees compliance with current regulations, avoiding sanctions and improving corporate reputation.

Conclusion

Adapting websites and applications to accessibility regulations in Catalonia is essential to promote digital inclusion and improve the user experience. Implementing the guidelines WCAG 2.1 and following the steps described ensures that digital platforms are accessible and comply with legal standards. In addition to avoiding penalties, digital accessibility opens the door to a broader audience and demonstrates a commitment to inclusion.