The year 2024 is seen as a major turning point in France regarding accessibility, marked by imminent legislative changes and new obligations. Let's go back together on the key principles and current challenges to ensure user-friendly and compliant online experiences.
I. Accessibility web: the fundamentals
Web accessibility aims to make online content accessible to all users, regardless of their needs and capabilities. The approach includes taking into account the various cognitive, visual, motor, etc. characteristics, as well as the different devices used by users – desktop, mobile, application, etc...
Beyond standards, web accessibility is a generic approach to providing user-friendly and inclusive online experiences. For businesses, its integration goes beyond mere legal compliance, ensuring positive experience, expanding the reach of the public, strengthening reputation and contributing to branding.
The key principles of web accessibility, as defined by directives such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or the General Reference for Improvement of Accessibility (RGAA) in France, are based on four fundamental pillars.
- Perceptible: The information and interface elements must be presented in such a way as to be understandable by all, using in particular alternative texts and contrasting colours.
- Operator: All users, including those with physical limitations, must be able to interact effectively with the interface, with keyboard-accessible features, reasonable time frames and predictable navigation.
- Understandable: The information and operation of the interface must be understandable to all, through clear language, logical layout and intuitive design.
- Robustness: content must be designed to ensure interoperability with different current and future technologies, thus ensuring the sustainability of accessibility over time.
Companies and organisations will need to know these basic principles and apply them by next year to ensure a respectful and inclusive online presence.
II. Towards 2024: future changes
The year 2024 is an important step, marked by legislative changes and new legal obligations. Companies will have to prepare to meet these new requirements and strengthen their commitment to a more inclusive experience.
One of the main priorities is the achievement of the goal of 100% digital accessibility, declared at the National Conference on Disability (CNH) on 26 April 2023 by President Emmanuel Macron.
The Government has officially endorsed Ordinance No. 2023-859 of 6 September 2023, which strengthens the penalties related to the digital accessibility of online communication services of public administrations, in accordance with Act No. 2005-102 of 11 February 2005 on equal rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
This order introduces three significant new features relating to the accessibility of websites:
- Non-compliance with accessibility, already made mandatory since the 2005 Act, is now punishable with a maximum of 50,000€.
- The Authority for the Regulation of Audiovisual and Digital Communication (ARCOM) becomes competent to identify and detect breaches and issue injunctions prior to sanctions.
- If a sanctioned breach persists for more than six months, a new penalty may be imposed (instead of one year earlier).
The challenge is now to speed up efforts and ensure compliance with all sites from 2024 onwards.
III. Accessibility: practical tips for optimising navigation
- Assess the accessibility of its site This is the first crucial step. The use of automated tools and the conduct of regular audits are essential practices for identifying areas for improvement and maintaining a high level of accessibility.
- Technically, optimization of tags, image descriptions and code structure is essential. Ensure that HTML tags are correctly defined, that the images are accompanied by descriptive descriptions for the screen readers, and that the source code is structured logically.
- In addition to technical aspects, content structuring and readability play a key role in the accessibility of a site. A clear hierarchy of content, with properly structured titles and subtitles, facilitates understanding. In addition, the choice of a readable font and the implementation of an appropriate contrast between the text and the background contribute to a better readability.
- It is also recommended that user-centred design practices, taking into account the varied needs of end users. Conducting usability tests with people with specific needs can provide valuable feedback to optimize accessibility.
In summary, web accessibility is based on a combination of technical efforts and good practices aimed at creating inclusive and satisfying online experiences for all users.
IV. Web accessibility and SEO
Web accessibility is also of strategic importance in the field of natural SEO. Accessible websites offer an improved user experience, a criterion taken into account positively by search engines when evaluating page ranking.
An accessible site is synonymous with a better positioned site, as it meets the user experience criteria that search engines encourage. Therefore, integrating accessibility practices into the design and development of a website becomes a winning strategy to maximize its online presence and reach a wider audience.
Conclusion
Web accessibility appears to be an essential step in ensuring an inclusive digital experience and strengthening its online position. In the face of the constant evolution of standards and requirements, keeping informed is essential. Companies should commit themselves to keeping up-to-date with developments in the field of web accessibility, for example by enclosing specialized partners, such as expert web agencies such as Be API. These partners will not only provide state-of-the-art technical expertise but will also guide their customers through regulatory changes, ensuring ongoing compliance and a sustainable online presence.
