International accessibility news roundup

Image Credit: Christopher Michel

You invest a lot of time and resources into developing high-quality content. At ALHAUS, we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the fruits of your labour. Website accessibility ensures that everyone, no matter their abilities, can engage in your content. 

To help support you reaching the broadest audience possible, we publish a monthly collection of news stories from across the globe. These stories cover the latest legal, technological, and social developments in website accessibility to help you stay informed.

Here are the news stories for this month:

The gaming industry is susceptible to ADA website accessibility lawsuits (Lexology)

Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Schreck, LLP

With the rise of lawsuits, all industries must focus on website accessibility. The gaming industry is particularly vulnerable as even with assistive technologies, many people cannot utilise gaming services. To be in compliance with the ADA, gaming companies should audit their websites, apps, and consoles to ensure accessibility. 

UK regulations on public sector web and app accessibility outlined (Out-Law)

The UK government has drafted new legislation to outline the regulations implemented by the EU’s 2016 directive on accessibility. The legislation, the “Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018” was published by the Government digital service alongside a consultative paper. The public sector will have to implement these new standards by September 2019, with some industry-specific exceptions.

GDS consults on website and app accessibility (UK Authority) 

Mark Say

The UK Government Digital Service (GDS) has launched a consultation on how public sector companies can move towards compliance to the 2016 EU directive. This document is found on the GDS website and offers recommendations, guidance, and training on how to comply with the directive. The document also outlines exemptions to compliance. 

Blind customers locked out by bank web upgrades (BBC)

Sally Abrahams & Lee Kumutat

After redesigning their websites, HSBC, Metro Bank, and Halifax have all admitted these changes have created challenges for the visually impaired. Customers have had problems accessing their financial statements and other important information online. These changes are specifically problematic as the UK government moves to enforce more online accessibility compliance in the public sector.

If you’d like to learn more about website accessibility or want to ensure that your content is fully accessible, ALHAUS can help. Our content managers are experts in website accessibility and can ensure that your content is reaching everyone. 

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