Digital accessibility means that for example the content of websites, including digital video, should be accessible for those using screen readers, or that elements on a webpage can be adjusted by the user for ease of reading. Work to adapt the University’s websites has been carried out by departments and offices in the run up to the 23 September deadline.

The aim of the new law is to make digital services more accessible, especially for people with disabilities. In Sweden, roughly 20 percent of the population today has some form of disability, such as impaired vision or mobility. The new law is designed to ensure that no one is excluded from gaining access to digital public service.

New website for Stockholm University

A new website is due for release in early October, which sees the implementation of new templates produced according to the web standards on which the law is based. In addition to technical changes, the new website reflects the work of web editors across the University, who have been intensively engaged in restructuring and simplifying content to reflect the new standards.

DIGG, the Agency for Digital Government

The Swedish authority responsible for the implementation of the new law is called DIGG, the Agency for Digital Government. DIGG is a government authority aimed at addressing new challenges like implementing digital accessibility.

More information

DIGG, the Agency for Digital Government:

www.digg.se/en

About the new web standard 

www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/

Digital governance in Sweden:

joinup.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/inline-files/Digital_Government_Factsheets_Sweden_2019.pdf 

The law on accessibility to digital public service (in Swedish):

www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-20181937-om-tillganglighet-till-digital_sfs-2018-1937