Feedback requested on the implementing acts under the Web Accessibility Directive.

SW – 05/2018

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the implementing acts related to Directive (EU) 2016/2102 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies. Participation in the consultation is possible until 15 June 2018. 

Firstly, the Commission intends to adopt an implementing act on establishing a model accessibility statement. The Directive requires Member States to ensure that public sector bodies draw up and regularly update a detailed, comprehensive and clear accessibility statement on the compliance of their websites and mobile applications with the Directive. The model declaration is intended to facilitate the application of the requirements laid down in the Directive.  

Secondly, the Commission intends to adopt an implementing act setting out a method by which Member States periodically monitor the extent to which websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies comply with the accessibility requirements of the Directive. The method of monitoring should be transparent, transferable, comparable, reproducible and easy to use. 

Background

The aim of the Web Accessibility Directive, which entered into force in December 2016, is to align Member States’ laws, regulations and administrative provisions on accessibility requirements for websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies. The Directive requires all public sector bodies in the European Union to make their websites and apps accessible (see DSV article).  

What next?

The Member States must transpose the Directive into national law by 23 September 2018 and it must be implemented in public sector websites as per the following timetable: 

 

  • As of 23 September 2019, on websites published after 23 September 2018. 
  • As of 23 September 2019, on all websites. 
  • As of June 23, 2021, on all mobile applications.  

 

The European Disability Forum (EDF) has published a toolkit to assist with implementation.