Summary

Overview of the results of the monitoring of digital accessibility of public sector bodies from 2022, 2023 and 2024 and the activities of the monitoring and complaint bodies in Austria

The evaluations show to what extent Austria complies with the European Directive on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies (external link - only in German) in 2022, 2023 and 2024. This report covers all the results of the accessibility checks of websites and apps from the second, third and fourth monitoring periods. The checks were carried out from February to October 2022, from January to October 2023 and from February to September 2024.

There are different approaches to the monitoring checks – "in-depth" means that a comprehensive evaluation of all accessibility criteria has been carried out; "simplified" means a purely automated check of a selection of criteria. The following number of digital offers has been checked:

Monitoring period 2022:

  • 23 in-depth checks of websites
  • 253 simplified checks of websites
  • 17 in-depth checks of apps

Monitoring period 2023:

  • 23 in-depth checks of websites
  • 341 simplified checks of websites
  • 15 in-depth checks of apps

Monitoring period 2024:

  • 23 in-depth checks of websites
  • 343 simplified checks of websites
  • 15 in-depth checks of apps

This selection was made from all websites and apps covered by the Web Accessibility Directive, taking into account different levels of governance and the diversity of public service sectors. In the case of apps, download figures and the different operating systems were also taken into account. The sample was drawn with the involvement of interest groups.

The monitoring is carried out by nine agencies at state level and one at federal level. The results of the checks were collected by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency / Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft mbH (FFG) and evaluated and published in the form of this report.

The technical basis for the reviewed criteria is the European Standard EN 301 549 V3.2.1 (2021-03) (PDF) (external link). It includes the WCAG 2.1 AA criteria and other accessibility criteria.

Key results

In addition to the detailed results for the three different test types, this monitoring report can report on developments for the first time since the start of the monitoring.

The in-depth checks of websites show a positive development over the years 2022 to 2024: The share of websites meeting less than 50% of the WCAG criteria has decreased from 39% in 2022 to 9% in 2024.

The simplified checks of websites show a slightly positive trend over the three monitoring periods: The proportion of websites that did not meet any or only one of the 13 WCAG criteria audited increased slightly continuously between 2022 and 2024. In addition, there is a slight decrease in the proportion of websites that do not meet 7 to 10 of the audited criteria. It remains unchanged that none of the audited websites does not meet 11 to 13 criteria.

No positive development can be seen for the in-depth checks of apps: The share of apps meeting less than 50% of WCAG criteria decreased in 2023, but then increased again in 2024, 13% higher than in 2022, when it was 6%.

„Digital accessibility is not a static goal, but a dynamic process that thrives on continuous engagement and collaboration. With our monitoring report, we create transparency and provide impetus for an inclusive digital future in Austria. Together with public institutions, advocacy groups and experts, we are helping to make digital participation a reality for all.“

Dr. Henrietta Egerth and Mag. Karin Tausz, Managing Directors FFG

From 2022 to 2024, a total of 9 most frequently unfulfilled WCAG criteria could be identified for websites and apps. These can be assigned to three of the four WCAG principles – "Perceptible", "Operable", "Understandable" and "Robust":

  • 1.1.1 Non-text content ("perceivable")
  • 1.3.1 Info and Relationships ("perceivable")
  • 1.4.3 Contrast (minimum) ("perceivable")
  • 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast ("perceivable")
  • 2.1.1 Keyboard ("operable")
  • 2.4.3 Focus Order ("operable")
  • 2.4.7 Focus Visible ("operable")
  • 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value ("robust")
  • 4.1.3 Status Messages ("robust")

The proportion of websites and apps that have published an accessibility statement is stagnating. Between 2022 and 2024, the share ranges from 51% to 57%.

The monitoring report also includes information on other measures complementary to the monitoring that were continued, implemented or initiated from 2022 to 2024 in order to promote digital accessibility in Austria:

  • Service for end-users: In Austria, appeal bodies have been set up in all federal states and for the Federal Government to handle the enforcement procedure. The Complaints Bodies handled a total of 80 complaints between 2022 and 2024.
  • Consultation with stakeholders: Monitoring bodies shall cooperate with stakeholders in sampling, training and events.
  • Trainings and awareness-raising: At federal and state level, events, training, further education and counselling and information activities raise awareness of the topic of digital accessibility.
  • Synergies will be used: Public authorities are jointly taking measures to break down digital barriers.
https://monitoringbericht2024.digitalbarrierefrei.at/en/summary