The Codi d’accessibilitat de Catalunya, regulated by Decret 209/2023, is a key regulation to guarantee that buildings, services and technologies compleixin amb estàndards d’accessibilitat that allows the inclusion of people with disabilities in various areas. Both public and private entities in Catalonia have to ensure the compliance of this code, which includes requirements for physical, sensitive and digital accessibility.
What is the Accessibility Code of Catalonia?
This decree specifies the legal obligations of Llei 13/2014 for the accessibility of Catalonia, defining criteria for inclusion in public and private countries. Through this code, the necessary adaptations are regulated for people with disabilities in different areas, including physical, sensory, cognitive and digital accessibility.
Ambits of application of the Accessibility Code of Catalonia
The Accessibility Code of Catalonia regulates accessibility in multiple areas. Això allows a comprehensive application, favoring the inclusion of all col·lectius:
- Digital accessibility: All web portals, applications and digital resources must comply with the criteria established by the Web Contingut Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). These guidelines are essential for adapting digital contexts and guaranteeing complete accessibility for people with visual, auditory, motor or cognitive disabilities.
- Accessibilitat in architecture: All public and newly constructed buildings must meet minimum accessibility requirements. Això includes adapted accesses with ramps and elevators for people with reduced mobility, also with other measures with adapted sinks and senyalitzacions inclusive.
- Transports inclusive: The decree includes standards to guarantee that public transport and mobility infrastructure (stations, stops, vehicles, etc.) are adapted for people with disabilities. It includes easy access to facilities, auditory and visual communications, and support for people with hearing and visual disabilities.
- Accessible urbanism: Urban spaces must be designed to guarantee the mobility and accessibility of all citizens, including adaptations, braille signage and access ramps. Accessibility in parks, leisure zones and spaces in the open air is equally important.
Canvis principals in the new Codi d’accessibilitat
Among the novelties provided by Decree 209/2023, it is worth highlighting:
- Regulations for digital platforms: For the first time, it is defined in detail the obligation to comply with the Web Contingent Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), established at an international level to ensure the accessibility of people with disabilities in digital countries.
- Alignment with international standards: The new code adopts criteria established in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Això implies a commitment to equal opportunities and the right to full social participation.
- More rigorous sanctions: Companies and public and private entities face more severe sanctions in cases of non-compliance with accessibility regulations. These sanctions are based on the severity of the non-compliance and may include fines and suspension of service.
- Simplification of procedures: It is reducing bureaucratic barriers to implement accessibility adaptations, facilitating companies and institutions the possibility of complying with both regulations.
Obligations for public and private entities
The Accessibility Code of Catalonia implies obligations for both public and private entities. Below are some of the main responsibilities:
- Periodic evaluations: The countries, both public and private, must undergo periodic evaluations to ensure that they complete the accessibility criteria established in the code.
- Reasonable adaptations: Reasonable adaptations are established that companies must make to allow access to people with disabilities, ensuring that all employees remain accessible.
- Staff training: It is required that customer service staff receive specific training in accessibility and inclusive care, in order to be able to offer appropriate care to people with special needs.
- Accessible communication channels: Companies must provide accessible alternatives in communication to users, such as telephone lines adapted for people with hearing disabilities or contact options for people with visual disabilities.
How to comply with the Accessibilitat Code of Catalonia in web accessibilitat?
Web accessibility is one of the key points of the new code. To comply with both legal requirements, companies must adopt a series of measures, especially on the various digital platforms:
- Compliance with WCAG 2.1: The Guidelines for Accessibility of Contingut Web (WCAG 2.1) provide a specific framework of criteria to ensure that web pages remain accessible to people with different types of disabilities. These guidelines include elements such as keyboard navigation, compatibility with screen readers and alternative text usage for images.
- Periodic reviews: It is essential that websites and digital applications are reviewed periodically to identify and correct possible accessibility problems. Això helps to maintain continuous compliance with the regulations.
- Compatibility with assisted technologies: Web sites and applications must be compatible with assisted technologies such as screen readers, text magnifiers and other devices that facilitate access to digital contents.
Sanctions for non-compliance with the Accessibility Code
In case of non-compliance, sanctions may include:
- Multes: Variables according to the severity.
- Suspensió de l’activitat: Per incompliments greus.
- Urgent adaptations: Obligation to immediately adapt the spaces and services.
Concluded
The Accessibility Code of Catalonia represents a step towards a more inclusive and egalitarian society, ensuring that all countries, services and technologies remain accessible to everyone. These updated regulations are essential for creating a more accessible Catalonia.
