Digital accessibility for government

As a government, you want all citizens to be able to use your digital services and to comply with the Digital Government Act.

  • Digital Government Act

  • The benefits

  • How we make your government digitally accessible

Alle deelnemers met een bewijs van deelname of certificaat

For the government in brief

Digital accessibility is an issue that has become increasingly important within government. In a world where online communication is the norm, it is crucial that everyone, regardless of disability, can participate fully. This is especially true in communication between the government and citizens. Websites and apps of government bodies should therefore be accessible to everyone.

But how do you make sure your digital channels comply with WCAG guidelines for government? And why should you prioritise this as a government agency?

For who?

Governing bodies

Administrative bodies within the meaning of the Awb, such as municipalities and implementing bodies (UWV, SVB, Tax Office, DUO, RDW)

Semi-public authorities

Designated organisations such as the healthcare sector, educational institutions and pension funds

Judiciary

Public prosecutors, members of the court/courts.

The Digital Government Act in short

What is it.

The government has transposed Directive 2016/2102 into the Government Digital Accessibility Decree. This is part of the Digital Government Act since July 2023.

Why and for whom?

The law aims to make all (semi-)government bodies digitally accessible so that everyone can participate digitally.

Which services?

These government services should be digitally accessible:

  • Web-based information, interaction, transaction and participation services

  • New tenders.

  • Existing services.

  • Mobile applications.

  • PDFs.

How?

Websites, apps and online documents must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are designed to make the web more accessible for everyone. You can do this by deploying a WCAG survey.

Learn more about WCAG audits

What do you need to do?

As a public authority, you will need to publish an accessibility statement on the website or mobile application. This is a current statement about the conformity of the website or mobile application. This statement will also appear on the Digital accessibility register.

All about the Digital Government Act

The benefits of a digitally accessible government

Broaden your services

You ensure that all citizens, including people with disabilities, the elderly and those in remote areas with limited internet access, have access to your services and information.

Simplified communication

Clear communication ensures that citizens can find and understand information quickly and efficiently, significantly speeding up the application processes for permits and other services.

Avoid legal complications

By complying with accessibility standards, such as the WCAG guidelines, you minimise the risk of lawsuits for non-compliance.

WCAG and the Digital Government Act

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines were created to help everyone with digital accessibility. These are 55 success criteria that explain how to take digital accessibility into account. To comply with the Digital Government Act (Wdo), the WCAG guidelines play an important role.

All about the WCAG

Make your government digitally accessible

To properly secure digital accessibility in your organisation, you might need some help. Don't just think about a WCAG review of your digital services or making PDFs accessible.

To properly secure digital accessibility in your organisation, the right steps are also important.

Project Management for the Government

"Digital accessibility in government promotes equality of opportunity and inclusion for all."

Carolina van Setten

How we make your government digitally accessible

  1. Implementation plan for digital accessibility

    You can integrate our turnkey implementation plan directly into your organisation, making the transition smooth and without an immense time investment. We unburden your team, allowing employees to focus on their core activities while we take care of digital accessibility.

  2. Informing external stakeholders

    Informing external stakeholders is an important part of our approach. We understand the importance of transparency and open communication with all stakeholders, and ensure they are aware of the steps being taken to improve digital accessibility.

  3. Compliance with laws and regulations

    We ensure that your digital platforms are not only accessible to all, but also fully compliant with current laws and regulations. This protects your organisation from potential legal problems and enhances your reputation as an accessible and responsible public authority.

    • WCAG 2.2 audits

      Use our WCAG audits to get a clear picture of how accessible your website, app or PDF document is.

    • Trainings

      Take one of our accessibility training courses and become a specialist in digital accessibility.

    • Advice

      Get additional advice and support on digital accessibility.

    • Awareness

      What is digital (in)accessibility and who are you ultimately digitally accessible to?

  4. Staying accessible

    Through the previous steps, we secure digital accessibility in your organisation's processes. As a result, your organisation will be ready to comply with legislation in the years to come, but more importantly you will be digitally accessible for everyone and including people with disabilities.

Your government for all

Are you like Carolina raving enthusiasm to make your government digitally accessible? Or are you just struggling with your hands in your hair? Contact us and we will be happy to help you get started.

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Send me the latest updates on digital accessibility.
Carolina van Setten, Brand Manager Cardan