Vienna’s Volkshochschule Addresses Website Accessibility Gaps
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- Vienna’s Volkshochschule Addresses Website Accessibility Gaps
Wiener Volkshochschulen GmbH has released a statement regarding the accessibility of it’s website, www.vhs.at. While striving for inclusivity, the organization acknowledges that the site only partially conforms to the “Guidelines for Barrier-Free Web Contents-WCAG 2.2” and the european Standard EN 301 549 V3.2.1 (2021-03), as mandated by Directive 2016/2102 of the European Parliament and Council. The declaration, created and last reviewed on June 25, 2025, details specific areas where the website falls short of complete accessibility.
Did You Know? According to the World Health Organization,approximately 16% of the world’s population experiences a meaningful disability.
Stand of Compatibility with Accessibility Requirements
due to several incompatibilities and exceptions, the website is only partially compliant with accessibility standards.
Non-Barrier-Free Content
The following content is identified as not fully accessible due to various reasons:
Incompatibility with Accessibility Provisions
- Color Contrast: Text and background colors, derived from corporate identity (CI) specifications, do not consistently meet the required color contrast ratios. This violates WCAG success criterion 1.4.3 (Contrast). Future updates aim to improve color contrast.
- Option Text: Not all non-text content, including images, graphics, and form elements, have meaningful text alternatives, failing WCAG success criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text Content).
- PDF and Office Documents: Many older PDF and office documents lack proper tagging, hindering screen reader usability and violating WCAG success criterion 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value). The organization plans to replace these documents gradually with web form solutions or provide accessible alternatives upon request.New documents will adhere to WCAG 2.1 and PDF/UA standards.
- Video Subtitles: Some recorded videos lack subtitles,making spoken content inaccessible to deaf users,which does not meet WCAG success criterion 1.2.2 (Subtitles (Prerecorded)).New videos are being published with subtitles.
Disproportionate stress
- Audio Descriptions: Videos hosted on YouTube lack audio descriptions, failing WCAG success criterion 1.2.5 (Audio description (Prerecorded)). Text-based alternatives for time-based media are planned.
- Online Booking Tool: The online booking tool has functionality gaps for users of assistive technologies. A barrier-free design is planned for the 2026 website redesign, as earlier reprogramming would pose excessive organizational and financial burdens. Alternative booking options are available via email, phone, or in person at VHS locations.
Content Outside Legal Provisions
- Third-Party Content: Content from external lecturers and embedded third-party content are excluded from Directive (EU) 2016/2102. No statement is made regarding the accessibility of third-party content.
Pro Tip: When creating digital content, always consider accessibility from the outset to minimize remediation efforts later.
Information about non-accessible content and alternatives can be requested via email at barrierefreiheit@vhs.at. The organization prioritizes WCAG 2.2 A and AA criteria and aims to meet AAA criteria where possible.
Creation of the clarification of Accessibility
This declaration was created on June 25, 2025, based on a self-evaluation by Wiener Volkshochschulen GmbH. It was last reviewed on the same date.
Feedback and Contact information
Report any non-accessible content via email to barrierefreiheit@vhs.at.Requests will be reviewed, and the sender will be contacted as soon as possible.
| Accessibility Issue | WCAG Criterion Affected | Planned Solution | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insufficient Color Contrast | 1.4.3 (Contrast) | Increase color contrast in website updates | Ongoing |
| Missing Alternative Text | 1.1.1 (Non-text Content) | Provide meaningful text alternatives for all non-text content | Ongoing |
| Inaccessible PDF Documents | 4.1.2 (Name, Role, value) | Replace with web forms or provide accessible alternatives | gradual replacement |
| Missing Video Subtitles | 1.2.2 (Subtitles (Prerecorded)) | Add subtitles to new videos | Ongoing |
| Lack of audio Descriptions | 1.2.5 (Audio Description (Prerecorded)) | Provide text-based alternatives for time-based media | Planned |
| Booking Tool Inaccessibility | Various | Implement barrier-free design in 2026 website redesign | 2026 |
Website Accessibility: An Ongoing Commitment
Website accessibility is not a one-time fix but an ongoing process. Organizations must continually evaluate and update their websites to meet evolving accessibility standards and user needs. The commitment by Wiener Volkshochschulen GmbH reflects a growing awareness of the importance of digital inclusion.Globally, legal frameworks such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Canada are driving organizations to prioritize web accessibility. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which EU members must implement by June 28, 2025, sets mandatory accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services, including websites.
By addressing the identified accessibility gaps, Wiener Volkshochschulen GmbH aims to provide a more inclusive online experience for all users, ensuring that everyone can access and benefit from its educational resources and services. This commitment aligns with broader efforts to create a more equitable and accessible digital world.
Frequently Asked questions About Website Accessibility
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about website accessibility and should not be considered legal or professional advice.
What accessibility features do you find most helpful on websites? How can organizations better prioritize digital inclusion?
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