Internet more accessible for people with a disability

The EU member states and the European Parliament have reached an agreement about a Directive for making the internet more accessible for people with a disability. Government institutions, such as cities and municipalities, public hospitals and police services must make their websites and mobile applications available for everyone.

The agreement means progress for, among others, the blind, the visually impaired, the deaf and the hard of hearing. They will, for example, be able to adjust the colour and the font, and videos will have subtitles.

No unnecessary burden

“Europe has taken responsibility and proves that it can and wants to bring added value for all citizens,” says European Parliament member Anneleen Van Bossuyt, who played an important role at the negotiation table. “In addition, a good balance has been reached and government institutions will certainly not be burdened with unnecessary expenses.” European Parliament member Helga Stevens, deaf herself, resoundingly agrees: “People with a disability should also have access to public websites and should be able to use apps. That is still not self-evident, but it is an essential condition for a more inclusive society.”