State Portals and Apps Now Under Review for Inclusive Access
Digital accessibility is a core part of inclusive public services. The Digital Accessibility Competence Center has started auditing government websites and mobile applications, looking at how easily all people can use them. Specialists have already examined the Ministry of Digital Transformation’s online resources, the Social Portal of the Ministry of Social Policy, Ukrzaliznytsia’s website and mobile app, the Pension Fund’s services portal, and a number of other state platforms. The inspections produced five practical tips for making these digital tools more accessible.
“We are not handing out grades or building rankings. Our aim is to find the actual barriers that users encounter and assist developers in removing them,” the Digital Accessibility Competence Center explained.
How to Make Digital Services More Inclusive
- Contrast: Text, buttons, and graphics should be sharp and easy to distinguish for comfortable reading.
- Keyboard navigation: Every interactive feature should be usable without a mouse.
- Assistive technology: Buttons that rely on icons need clear names, and control states should be communicated through accessibility attributes.
- Alt text: Add descriptions that explain the meaning and content of infographics and illustrations.
- Skip link: Include a button that lets users jump over the website header.
These audits are a significant step toward equal access to online public services for every citizen, especially for people with disabilities. Following the recommendations that came out of the reviews can greatly enhance the user experience and make the digital environment more welcoming for all. That, in turn, may strengthen citizens’ confidence in state services and improve how well those services work.
Let’s build a barrier-free Ukraine together.
As the initiative progresses, it's essential to understand the broader implications of these audits on the accessibility of public services. For a deeper insight into the steps being taken by the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the impact on state websites and applications, consider exploring how these measures aim to enhance user experience and inclusivity. Learn more about the ongoing accessibility evaluations in our detailed coverage regarding state websites and apps.