The Accessibility Review Report (IRA) is a document that evaluates the level of accessibility of a website, that is, the ability for anyone, regardless of abilities or disabilities, to access and use the content of the site.
In an increasingly digital world, web accessibility has become a legal requirement in many countries, and an important factor in ensuring a positive and satisfying user experience for everyone.
In this article, we will explore what the Accessibility Review Report (IRA) is and why it is important for your website.
What are Accessibility Review Reports?
Accessibility Review Reports (IRAs) are a document that evaluates the accessibility level of a website or mobile application.
Its objective is to identify the barriers that prevent access for people with disabilities and provide recommendations to correct the problems detected.
At the end of 2018, the European Commission published the need to submit periodic reports every 3 years on the status of accessibility and make them publicly available. We will have to indicate the data of our website, the technologies used and the sample pages.
It is important to emphasize that even though the IRAs were initially created with the objective that the web pages of public administrations complied with accessibility regulations, there are many companies that join and must submit this report.
Not only due to regulations, but also due to the visibility and brand reputation of private companies, it is becoming a more crucial issue every day.
How are Accessibility Review Reports filled out?
To perform an Accessibility Review Report, manual and automated tests must be performed to evaluate the accessibility of a website or mobile application. These tests must follow the accessibility guidelines established in the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) guidelines.
The IRA must include a detailed description of the tests performed, the results obtained, and recommendations to improve the accessibility of the website or mobile application.
It is important that the report be clear and concise, so that developers can understand the problems and take steps to fix them.
Who should fill out the Accessibility Review Reports (IRA)?
In some countries, such as the United States, accessibility laws require that public sector websites and mobile applications and certain private companies comply with established accessibility standards.
In these cases, it is mandatory for organizations to conduct an accessibility review and file an IRA.
However, although not required, it is recommended that all organizations conduct accessibility reviews and submit an IRA to improve the accessibility of their websites and mobile applications and ensure they are available to all users, regardless of disability.
In Spain, web accessibility is regulated by Law 34/2002, of July 11, on Information Society Services and Electronic Commerce (LSSI-CE) and by Royal Decree 1112/2018, of September 7, on the accessibility of websites and applications for mobile devices in the public sector.
According to Spanish regulations, all public sector websites and mobile applications are required to comply with the accessibility standards established in the WCAG 2.1 level AA guidelines. This includes organizations and companies that provide public services, as well as companies that receive public funds.
Additionally, although not required, it is recommended that all organizations, both public and private, conduct accessibility reviews and submit an IRA to ensure that their websites and mobile applications are available to all users, including people with disabilities.
In summary, in Spain, public sector organizations and companies are required to comply with accessibility standards and file an IRA, while private companies are not legally required to do so, but it is recommended that they do so to ensure the accessibility of their websites and mobile applications.
Tools to carry out the Accessibility Review Report (IRA)
There are various tools and techniques that can be used to conduct an accessibility review and prepare an Accessibility Review Report (IRA) appropriately. Here I present some of the most recommended tools:
Automatic Accessibility Assessment Tools: These tools scan the website or mobile app for accessibility issues and provide a report of the issues found. Some popular tools are Axe, AChecker, Tenon.io, and Wave.
However, it is important to keep in mind that these tools cannot detect all accessibility problems and can generate false positives, so they must be used in combination with other techniques.
Manual accessibility testing: Manual testing by accessibility experts can help identify issues that automated tools cannot detect, such as navigation, interaction, and layout issues. These tests may include the use of assistive tools, such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, alternative keyboards, among others.
Content review: It is important to review the content of the website or mobile application to ensure that it is accessible to all users. This includes reviewing text, images, videos, links and other elements to ensure they are understandable and accessible.
Usability Analysis: A usability analysis can help identify accessibility issues related to usability, such as lack of contrast, navigation problems, and difficulties completing tasks.
Regulatory compliance review: It is important to verify that the website or mobile application complies with the regulations and accessibility standards established by law, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
In summary, it is advisable to use a combination of accessibility review tools and techniques, including automated tools, manual testing, content review, usability analysis, and regulatory compliance review, to ensure a complete and accurate assessment of the accessibility of a website or mobile application.
If you want to find out in depth about what the IRA is or how to fill it out, contact us and we will answer all your questions about it.
