Quick Guide: Web
A quick process guide to build and test accessible web applications.
Quick Guide: Mobile
A quick process guide to build and test accessible mobile applications.
Quick Guide: PDF
A quick process guide to author and test accessible PDF documents.
Which WCAG version should you follow?
Both EU directives (Web Accessibility Directive – Directive (EU) 2016/2102 and European Accessibility Act – Directive (EU) 2019/882, see clause 47), which are in turn transposed (implemented) by individual member states, are based on EN 301 549, a harmonized European standard for accessibility of ICT products and services. At the time of writing (September 2023), this standard (V3.2.1) draws directly from WCAG 2.1 AA (see Section 9.6). EN 301 549 states that conformance with W3C’s WCAG 2.1 Level AA is equivalent “to conforming with all of clauses 9.1 to 9.4 and … clause 9.6“. These clauses cover Perceivability, Operability, Understandability, and Robustness – mapping with WCAG’s principles. EN 301 549 will be revised in 2025 (V4.1.1) in support of EAA – Directive 2019/882. To confirm which WCAG version to consider, always refer to the respective EU directives and the underlying accessibility standard as well as the relevant national legal notices and legislation that transposes such directives (see the National Transposition tab, within the respective Directive page on the EUR-Lex website – see WAD National Transposition details and EAA National Transposition details).
What type of impairments exist?
There is no way we can list all of the potential situational, temporary or permanent impairments we can all have. However, generally speaking, there are three major types of impairments:
- Motor: affecting the way we physically interact with devices
- Sensory: affecting the way we perceive information (vision and audio)
- Cognitive: affecting the way we process information
Building accessible technology should take all of these three aspects into account – and the result will benefit everyone. For instance, a site operable entirely using a keyboard will be beneficial for (a) “power” users, (b) users with motor limitations and (c) screen reader users.
Who will benefit from accessible tech?
Your users may have different impairments at different times. Some of them might be related to the context of use – say, at the workplace with certain physical restrictions, injury related – generally temporary such as a broken arm, or permanent – either from birth or a condition that developed over time.
Need more guidance?
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Relevant entities in Malta
- The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA) is the principal advocate and coordinator for making information communications technology (ICT) accessible for disabled people. FITA’s services include assistance for individuals in the selection, acquisition, or use of assistive technology, as well as to guide organisations in general in implementing ICT accessibility.
- The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) takes on a wider role in improving the level of accessibility in Malta, aiming at helping individuals reach their full potential in all aspects of life, enjoying a high quality of life thanks to equal opportunities. The Equal Opportunities Compliance Unit within CRPDs Secretariat promotes and implements the provisions of the Equal Opportunities Act (persons with disability), and is empowered to investigate acts of discrimination.
- The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) is responsible for the regulation of various electronic communications sectors, including telephony, Internet and TV. MCA is the designated entity to implement the EU Accessibility Directive, responsible for the monitoring, reporting and enforcement of the regulation. WAD applies to any digital product developed by or for the public sector, including government-run or owned organizations or entities.