There are strong indications that more guidance and targeted information are needed to help small and medium-sized enterprises comply with the new web accessibility regulations.
This is the key conclusion of the research recently completed by Nadia Elida Rye Aamand, a lecturer on the Multimedia Design programme at the IBA.
The new legislation, which came into force during the summer, is intended to ensure throughout the EU that certain digital products and services – such as online shops and e-books – are accessible to everyone. This includes people with visual impairments, dyslexia, motor difficulties, reduced concentration, or other challenges.
According to Nadia Aamand, however, many businesses are not prepared for the new legislation. This is evident from her research involving a selection of companies. The Danish findings align closely with two international studies on the same topic.
“Many businesses have not even heard of the legislation. And among those that have, several report that they lack the time, knowledge or resources to get started,” explains the lecturer.
Nadia Aamand conducted both surveys and interviews with Danish SMEs. She found that smaller businesses in particular struggle to prioritise the issue.
“Many have only one person responsible for marketing or e-commerce, who must manage the online shop, customer service and all technical matters. As a result, accessibility is often pushed down the priority list.”
A Question of Ethics – and Opportunity
For Nadia Aamand, web accessibility is not only about regulations and technology. It is also about ethics, inclusion and responsibility.
“At its core, it is a question of inclusion rather than exclusion. Just as we now take lifts and accessible toilets for granted in the physical world, we should ensure the same level of access in the digital world,” says the IBA lecturer.
She adds that web accessibility can also represent a business opportunity for companies that choose to comply with the new requirements.
“There are more than one billion people worldwide living with various forms of disability. By making an online shop more accessible, you also improve the user experience for everyone – and that can ultimately increase revenue.”
