Creatim has obtained the IAAP accessibility certificate

Miso Slogar, an accessibility expert at Creatim, has earned the IAAP certification, which is recognized as the global standard in accessibility. This certification reflects Mišo's dedication to making the web more accessible for individuals with disabilities and highlights Creatim's commitment to fostering a modern, inclusive society. Finance journalist Vlado Kadunec recently conducted an interview with Mišo.

Miso, how should companies approach adapting to the new legislation?

Companies should first assess the current accessibility of their digital products and services. Key steps include conducting audits of websites and mobile applications and evaluating compliance with accessibility standards. It is advisable to collaborate with accessibility experts to obtain an objective picture of the current state and create an adaptation plan.

Are there guidelines and standards?

Yes, the most established standard for web accessibility is WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), developed by the international organization W3C. These guidelines specify the technical requirements for web accessibility that digital content must meet and are also a key source for European Union legislation. An important European standard is EN 301 549, which focuses on requirements for ICT (information and communication technologies) and is based on WCAG 2.1. This means that EN 301 549 includes specifications from WCAG 2.1 and further adapts them for the European context, ensuring compliance of digital products and services with European legislation.

What should companies pay special attention to?

When adopting, it is essential to ensure accessibility of content for all users, which includes various functionalities such as:

• Alternative text for images to make visual information accessible to visually impaired users.
• Accessible keyboard navigation allows easy use of the website without a mouse.
• Sufficient color contrast for better text readability, especially for users with poor vision.
• Readability of texts and use of plain language to ensure information is understandable to the general public.
• Accessible forms and web applications emphasizing clear field labels and understandable instructions.
• Clear error messages in forms to help users easily identify and correct mistakes.
• Subtitles and transcripts for video content, enabling access to information for users with hearing impairments.
• Adjustable text size, allowing users to increase font size without losing functionality or content.
• Avoiding flashing elements to prevent triggering seizures in users with epilepsy.
• Clear and consistent buttons and links to facilitate navigation without confusion.
• Responsive design for various devices, ensuring websites are accessible on mobile devices and tablets.
• The ability to pause or disable scrolling and animated content to avoid distracting users.
• Appropriate heading structure and semantic markup to facilitate understanding of content and better accessibility for screen readers.

What mistakes have those who have already tackled this made?

Common mistakes include superficial implementation of accessibility, where companies only address basic requirements but overlook more complex aspects. They often neglect the importance of involving users with various disabilities in the testing process, leading to inadequate solutions. A significant mistake is also insufficient training of employees and failing to consider accessibility as an ongoing process.

Additionally, many companies rely on accessibility plugins that are supposed to quickly fix website accessibility. However, these plugins often do not fully resolve the issues, as they typically only provide cosmetic fixes that do not improve the actual user experience for people with disabilities. Plugins do not address deeper structural and content-related problems and often do not cover all requirements of the WCAG standard, meaning that the website remains inaccessible to many users despite the use of a plugin.

How long does such an adaptation take?

The time required for adaptation depends on the size and complexity of the digital product. Basic adaptations can take a few months, while larger organizations and more complex digital solutions can take from 6 to 12 months or more, especially if they involve employee training and establishing processes for ongoing accessibility monitoring.

How much does adaptation cost?

Adaptation costs can vary significantly depending on the scope of work and the complexity of digital solutions. Smaller websites require fewer adjustments, while larger companies with more complex digital platforms need more extensive renovations. All solutions require at least partial training of employees to understand the principles of accessibility and integrate them into their daily work. Additionally, regular accessibility monitoring is crucial, as ensuring compliance is an ongoing process requiring adjustments with content or functionality updates.

Investing in accessibility is crucial because it offers long-term benefits. It broadens access for users, enhances the company's reputation, improves the overall user experience, and reduces legal risks associated with non-compliance with regulations.

What else would you emphasize?

Education and awareness are essential. It is not just about making technical adjustments; it’s about changing the mindset within the company. All departments should be involved in this process to understand the importance of accessibility. Companies must view accessibility as an ongoing effort rather than a one-time project. This requires regular reviews and updates to ensure compliance with the latest guidelines and regulations.

At Creatim, we recognize this need, which is why our approach focuses on long-term customer support. We provide consulting and employee training to help teams acquire the necessary knowledge about accessibility and learn how to integrate it into their daily tasks. Additionally, we conduct regular audits and testing to ensure compliance with guidelines, even as content and functionalities are updated. Our adaptations prioritize user experience and adherence to legislation by following proven standards and best practices. Our team ensures that accessibility becomes a natural part of the workflows for every company we collaborate with.

Mišo Šlogar
User Experience Designer, Accessibility Specialist
miso.slogar@creatim.com
Creatim

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