There are many reasons why public and/or private entities adopt good practices or follow recommendations in the field of digital accessibility. In an era where technology is increasingly used to promote a fairer and more inclusive society for all, more than the right thing to do or a trend to follow, digital transformation must present people-centered solutions that improve their quality of life. life.
The numbers in Portugal
According to the 2021 Census, more than one million people residing in Portugal have a permanent or temporary disability, which means that one in ten people in Portugal needs digital platforms to be more usable and accessible. It is in this sense that there is an urgent need to assume a commitment in the face of these numbers.
Accessibility is more than communicating for blind people, adding an additional plug-in, or an old-fashioned (but functional) design. Today, accessible websites do not only benefit a small percentage of people, but society at large. Creating more intuitive user experiences makes navigation easier for users, while generating more traffic to the page in question.
What happens in case of non-compliance?
It is important to point out that accessibility is already a legal obligation in the public sector, and this trend will be replicated in the private sector, bringing the importance of non-discrimination against people with disabilities to the social sphere.
In accordance with the provisions of Article 13 of Decree-Law No. 83/2018 of October 19, it is already possible to report discriminatory practices resulting from less favorable treatment of people with disabilities, to the competent authorities.
Applicable legislation in Portugal
Learn more about current legislation in Portugal and accessibility requirements for digital products and services in the public and private sectors.
Public sector:
The most recent national legislation on Web accessibility in Portugal is the Decree Law No. 83/2018, which is supported by part of the European accessibility standards EN 301 549.
The legislation makes it mandatory for all public sector websites to publish their Accessibility and Usability Statement, where the checklist of the 10 critical aspects of functional accessibility must be guaranteed.
- Europe – Directive (EU) 2016/2102 – Relating to the accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies
- Europe – EN 301 549 v3.2.1 (2021-03) – Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services
- Portugal – Decree-Law no. 83/2018, of October 19 – National transposition of Directive (EU) 2016/2102
Private sector:
O Decree Law 82 / 2022 of December 6th, transposes Directive (EU) 2019/882 on accessibility requirements for products and services.
- Europe – Directive (EU) 2019/882 – Relating to accessibility requirements for products and services
- Portugal – Decree-Law No. 82/2022, of December 6 – National transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/882
LBC presents a team of certified experts in digital accessibility auditing with a methodology applied in the public sector. In order to ensure that your website and/or mobile application meets the minimum accessibility and usability requirements, ask us for your free preliminary diagnostic report. Contact hugo.dias@lbc-global.com.
Also learn how to start your Accessibility Assessment & Roadmap by downloading our expert presentation. Available here