Accessibility Conformance Report

The Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) is a document that shows users whether a website, app or digital product is accessible to everyone - including people with disabilities. It helps to make digital spaces inclusive and usable for everyone.

What is an Accessibility Conformance Report?

An ACR is a summary that shows how well a digital product complies with accessibility standards. These standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), define how websites and apps can be made usable for people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.

The ACR emphasizes:

• What works well - Features that meet accessibility standards.
• What needs to be improved - Areas where the product does not meet the guidelines.

An ACR is usually based on a test in which experts evaluate the product against the standards.

Why is an ACR important?

• Inclusivity - It helps to ensure that everyone - regardless of ability - has access to digital platforms.
• Legal requirements - Many countries require accessible websites. An ACR can demonstrate compliance with these laws.
• Improved user experience - Accessibility features, such as subtitles for videos or easy-to-read text, often benefit all users.
• Business growth - Accessible websites reach a wider audience, including people with disabilities.

How is an ACR created?

A simple process to create an ACR includes:

• Audit the website/app - Accessibility experts review the platform against the WCAG accessible guidelines.
• Documentation of the results - Areas that meet or do not meet the standards are noted.
• Assessment of conformity - Conformity is categorized into levels such as A (basic level), AA (intermediate level) or AAA (highest level).
• Share report - The ACR is presented to stakeholders such as customers or developers.

What does an ACR look like?

An ACR usually includes

• Product information - Name, version and description of the product.
• Accessibility standards used - The guidelines used, e.g. WCAG 2.1.
• Detailed evaluation - A list of features that pass or fail.
• Next steps - Recommendations to improve accessibility.

How can an ACR be used?

• For improvement - Developers can use the ACR to fix problems and improve accessibility.
• To safeguard - Organizations can demonstrate their commitment to inclusion to customers or users.
• For legal purposes - An ACR helps to document compliance with accessibility laws.

Accessibility for all

Making digital spaces accessible is not only a requirement, but also a responsibility. An ACR is a useful tool for organizations to ensure that they are on the right track.

By using an ACR, you can create a digital experience that works for everyone. If you're unsure how to get started, consult accessibility experts or automated tools for assessment. Even small steps can make a big difference!