ISO 55223:2018 is a technical standard that provides guidelines for creating and maintaining accessible digital content. It specifically focuses on web accessibility, ensuring that websites and digital services are usable by people with disabilities.
Why is it important?
Web accessibility is crucial because it allows everyone, regardless of their abilities, to access and navigate through online content. ISO 55223:2018 helps organizations understand and implement accessibility best practices, ensuring that their websites are inclusive and can be used by individuals with various disabilities.
Key principles of ISO 55223:2018
The technical standard outlines several key principles that organizations should follow to achieve web accessibility:
Perceivability: This principle emphasizes the importance of making information and user interface components perceptible to all users, including those with visual or hearing impairments. Providing alternative text for images, captioning videos, and using colors with sufficient contrast are some examples of perceivability guidelines.
Operability: Operability focuses on ensuring that all users, including those with motor or cognitive impairments, can operate websites and digital interfaces effectively. This includes providing keyboard accessibility, clear navigation structures, and avoiding content that might cause seizures or difficulty in focusing.
Understandability: Websites should strive to be easily understandable for all users. This principle involves using clear language, providing instructions and error messages that are easy to comprehend, and organizing content in a logical manner.
Robustness: The robustness principle ensures that websites are compatible and adaptable across different devices, browsers, and assistive technologies. It encourages adherence to web standards and guidelines to ensure long-term accessibility.
Compliance with ISO 55223:2018
Organizations can achieve compliance with ISO 55223:2018 by following the standard's guidelines and incorporating web accessibility into their development processes. Conducting regular accessibility audits, engaging users with disabilities for feedback, and training developers in accessible design practices are important steps towards compliance.
By implementing ISO 55223:2018, organizations not only ensure legal compliance but also create more inclusive and user-friendly digital experiences for all users.
Nina She