Digital Accessibility Guide for websites and mobile applications of Greek public administration organisations

The Secretariat-General for Digital Governance and Procedure Simplification of the Ministry of Digital Governance published on 1^the publication of the Digital Accessibility Guide for websites and mobile applications of Greek public administration organisations.

The ‘Guide’ is the first attempt of the Greek public administration to draw up a comprehensive, structured and concise handbook on digital accessibility. The aim is to clarify all relevant concepts, such as usability and inclusiveness, and to provide practical advice and guidance on issues such as the involvement of users in the assessment of digital accessibility.

It is addressed to public administration officials involved in the development, updating, maintenance of their operators’ websites and mobile applications, content developers and all public administration officials interested in accessibility issues of their provider’s digital services.

It is expected to be a comprehensive, structured and concise handbook to understand the key concepts of digital accessibility, analyse its principles and how to achieve the best degree of accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of Greek public administration bodies in order to serve citizens more efficiently and inclusively.

Structure of the Digital Accessibility Guide

Initially, the key concepts related to accessibility, as developed in the European and national public policy planning system, are defined. Then, based on the current standard EN 301 549 V3.2.1 (2021-03) ‘Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services’, the principles, instructions and success criteria as referred to in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), version 2.1, level AA are described. Below, information is presented regarding the implementation of simplified checks, the possibility to use combined expertise and the involvement of users in the assessment of digital accessibility. Finally, the Accessibility Statement section lists the general framework for its training, the instructions for completing it and provides a template for it.

In conclusion, in addition to the current legal framework on accessibility, the guide aims to be a valuable tool at the disposal of public administration officials, so that online public services provided through websites and mobile applications are made more accessible, inclusive and restricted to users, in particular persons with disabilities, while ensuring that the principle of innocent design is respected in Greek public administration ICT projects.

Aspirations and benefits

The rapid dissemination of information and services provided via the internet and mobile devices now makes it essential to ensure digital accessibility by enabling everyone, including persons with disabilities, to perceive, understand, navigate and interact with the Internet.

The Accessibility Guide can serve as educational material, training tool and practical guide for both workers and citizens themselves, including persons with disabilities.

It promotes the development and upgrading of digital skills, compliance with accessibility standards, anduser-centred design of services, aiming at an inclusive ‘digital experience’. Following the guidelines set out in the Guide, organisations and citizens interact in a more accessible and inclusive digital environment, while strengthening their own digital skills and knowledge.

Please note that, for the final drafting, the views were thoroughly studied and the comments submitted in the context of the Open Public Consultation were incorporated by bodies such as the National Accessibility Authority and the National Confederation of People with Disabilities (ESDP). The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as well as Directive 2016/2012 and the accompanying Commission Implementing Decisions were used as the main source of information, which have been adapted, edited and enriched for the needs of the Greek public administration.