Web accessibility entails other obligations that go beyond adapting a portal or a mobile application to all types of users. The Web Accessibility Directive of the European Union and Royal Decree 1112/2018 establish, among others, the publication of an accessibility declaration. This document includes what the accessibility level is and what errors the website contains. If you have questions, we explain how to make a web accessibility declaration.
The declaration is considered a fundamental element for web accessibility to be implemented in public sector organizations and institutions. Both web pages and mobile applications must have a specific section with this report. Furthermore, its location must be easy for the user and it is mandatory that it can be accessed from any page on the website.
What should the accessibility statement contain?
The European model, as the main reference, establishes minimum requirements for making the web accessibility declaration. Although there are sections that can be considered complementary, it does explicitly indicate a series of mandatory points:
- The declaration must convey the commitment and commitment of the institution to the demands regarding web accessibility.
- The degree of compliance. According to the current standard or the RD 1112/2018, the website may be fully, partially or non-compliant. In non-accessible content, it is indicated if it does not comply with national legislation; if it is an exception (disproportionate burden); or it does not affect the scope of application.
- Date and method of the declaration. When and how was the document prepared? Includes the date it was first done after analyzing the site or web application and also the date it was updated. Who has made the web accessibility declaration? You must inform if it was a self-assessment or if it was carried out by a third party.
- Information and contact details. How user requests are processed in the event of accessibility breaches on the web page or app. Remember that a communication mechanism with the public sector must be provided for these cases, as well as a direct link to use it. It is necessary to add which person or entity is responsible in this section.
Optional content
As noted above, there are some data that can be included optionally and therefore are not mandatory. Among them, the evaluation report stands out, especially when the website or app is fully compliant with the legislation.
Additional assistance or external audit could be included. Likewise, all information of interest that affects web accessibility can be incorporated. Assistive technology for people with disabilities or website publication date are among the non-mandatory content.
Deadlines: when do I do it?
If you haven’t done it on your website yet, you’re already late and you should hurry up. If your website existed before September 23, 2018, the deadline expired on September 23, 2020. On the contrary, pages created after that date should have their declaration published on September 23, 2019.
As for web applications, the deadline will run out in a very short time. It ends on September 23, 2021 and the declaration is required to be visible.
What do I need for my accessibility statement?
As a prior step to completing the web accessibility declaration, you need an evaluation of your page or application to know its status. Automatic and manual aspects must be taken into account in the review. To do this, it is best to opt for specialized professionals.
The Web Accessibility Directive establishes that the declaration is updated once a year, which requires an audit. Don’t forget that the document must have an accessible format and the name of its link is “Accessibility”.
