Recently, the Web Accessibility Observatory presented the results of its 2023 website monitoring, providing a comprehensive assessment of the current web accessibility landscape.
These evaluations have been carried out in accordance with the provisions of RD 1112/2018, complying with the requirements established on the accessibility of websites. In this blog post, we will analyze the conclusions that have been reached.
To begin with, we see that the two most representative pillars for the study have been the analysis by administrative area and the analysis by accessibility verifications.
Resultados por Ámbito Administrativo
Regarding the analysis by administrative area, we find that this provides us with a series of quite revealing pills.
For example, in the AGE field, more than half (52%) of the websites manage to reach the AA level. On the other hand, in other areas such as the CCAA, the situation is less encouraging, with only 38% of websites complying with accessibility standards. And finally, in the EELL area, this percentage is only 12%.
These data show the need for more specialized attention for web accessibility in these areas, especially with regard to the CCAA and EELL. Furthermore, the estimated compliance situation reflects a similar reality, where only a small fraction of websites can be considered fully compliant.
Resultados por Verificaciones de Accesibilidad
On the other hand, for the analysis by accessibility verifications, we find that the Accessibility Observatory also identifies specific areas that require immediate attention.
For example, at level A we find great variability in compliance with the different criteria. Having some such as “Primary language identification” or “Forms and structure” that have a percentage of pages that pass these high criteria (88% and 74%, respectively). And having some like “Use of headings” and “Descriptive links” with quite discouraging percentages (32% and 34%, respectively).
At the AA level, we find less variability and specifically we have that criteria such as “Adaptive layout” or “Consistent navigation” have the highest compliance percentages.
Resultados Globales del Observatorio de Accesibilidad Web
When examining the results at a global level, it is observed that only a quarter of the websites (26.95%) manage to reach the AA level of adequacy and that only 15.70% reach level A.
Furthermore, more than half of the websites (57.35%) are considered invalid, highlighting the prevailing need to implement accessibility measures to eliminate access barriers.
Evolución de Resultados y Comparativa con 2022
Comparing the results with the previous year’s report, there is a slight decrease in compliance with accessibility standards, especially at level AA, where a decrease of 3.25% was recorded. Accompanied by an increase in invalid ones (+2.69%), which underlines the urgency of proactive action to improve web accessibility.
Conclusiones
The 2023 Accessibility Observatory report reveals the prevailing need for significant improvements in the field of web accessibility.
In addition, we found that there are critical areas that require specialized attention such as the proper use of headings, device independence, and improving contrast and readability.
It is essential that organizations prioritize these areas in their accessibility improvement strategies to move towards a more inclusive and accessible online environment for all.
If you want to know more about it, the Report has been published on the Electronic Administration portal and we offer it at the following link:
