Why care about Accessibility in Design?
In the UK, legal requirements for print accessibility are primarily guided by the Equality Act 2010 and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as part of the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. While the latter specifically addresses digital accessibility, it indirectly influences the broader concept of accessibility, including print materials.
Equality Act 2010:
- Prohibition of Discrimination: The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This includes discrimination related to access to information.
- Public Sector Duty: Public authorities, including government agencies and public services, have a duty to ensure that their services are accessible to all, and this extends to providing accessible information in various formats, including print.
Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018:
- Accessibility of Websites and Mobile Applications: While this regulation primarily addresses digital accessibility, it indirectly affects the creation and provision of accessible information in various formats, including print, as part of an inclusive approach to communication.
- Compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA Standards: The regulations require public sector bodies to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards. While these standards focus on digital content, they emphasize principles that are applicable to print accessibility, such as clarity of language, contrast, and the provision of alternative text for non-text content.
- Accessible Formats and Communication Support: Public sector bodies are required to provide information in accessible formats, taking into consideration the diverse needs of individuals, including those with visual impairments.
