Access Denied: how reliable have our WCAG surveys been?
With the project Access Denied, we surveyed all hospital websites in the Netherlands for digital accessibility using the WCAG guidelines. In this way, we offer insights into the accessibility of all hospital websites in the Netherlands! Together with Proud Nerds, we started this project to create more awareness. Our mission is to provide equal online access to care for everyone.
In the previous blog, we explained more about WCAG 2.2 and help with digital accessibility. You can read more in the previous blog. In this blog, we will delve into the reliability of our WCAG surveys.
What is a WCAG survey?
A WCAG survey gives a clear picture of the accessibility of your website, app or online document. We perform a manual inspection according to the WCAG-EM.
How do we ensure reliable research?
To survey all hospital websites in the Netherlands, we quickscans. This way, you get a good first impression of accessibility. The surveys we conduct all follow the WCAG-EM. This method was developed by the W3C. The W3C (The World Wide Web Consirtium) is an international community. Its goal is to make the internet work for everyone. Also, this method is advised to use from the government. We will be happy to explain more about our method.
What is the difference between a quick scan and full investigation?
The difference between a full WCAG survey and a quick scan is mainly in the size of the survey. Whereas for a full study we make a sample of about 20 pages, for a quick scan it is 5 pages. In this sample, we pick out "special pages". Think of pages with videos, forms, images, etc. In contrast, the report of a full survey can be used for the accessibility statement.
An examination at Cardan goes as follows
We start with the WCAG survey
Our researchers conduct a manual survey that meets legal requirements. We conduct our surveys according to the W3C's Website Accessibility Conformance Evaluation Methodology (WCAG-EM) 1.0.
Your personal dashboard is ready
At my.technobility.co.uk, your personal dashboard is ready with all information about the planned surveys, trainings and consultancy.
You will receive the first report
After three weeks at the latest, you will receive a clear report with all the findings. This report includes identified problems, but we also offer solution-oriented advice. The report can be used for the accessibility declaration
We schedule a consultation
Reading such a report is not always easy. We are happy to schedule a consultation with you. In this conversation of up to one hour, questions can be put to one of our specialists.
Getting started with the findings
After receiving the initial report and consultation, it is time to get to work on all the findings. In order to make your website, app or online document digitally accessible.
Time for the WCAG retest
In consultation, we schedule the retest after 12 weeks. In it, we check to what extent the website or app is digitally accessible after receiving the first report.
Your website or app for everyone!
Based on all the findings, you set to work on improving your website or app. After the retest, you will receive the second report containing all the improved results.
Who are we digitally accessible to?
Marijn, a true Tilburger with a lively personality, found his way to Amsterdam. His passion for the water, the gym, cycling and early morning runs is undeniable. At Cardan, he dedicates himself daily to promoting digital accessibility, where his own experience with dyslexia is a distinctive strength.
Want to know more about this project?
Curious about all the research findings? On the Access Denied website, all reports are available for download. In doing so, Simone, Tim and Jantina also share their stories. Together, we make sure we make the internet accessible to everyone. Want to get started developing digitally accessible websites for everyone yourself? Then take a look at all our training courses.
