Landscape Act (2019:7) on Accessible Digital Services (2023/61)
What Is This Law About?
The Landscape Act (2019:7) on Accessible Digital Services is a law in Åland (a Finnish autonomous region) that ensures digital services, like websites and mobile apps, are accessible to everyone—including people with disabilities. The goal is to make sure no one is excluded from using online services due to visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments.
Key Requirements of the Law
The law sets rules for how public sector websites and apps should be designed to be accessible. Here’s what it requires in simple terms:
1. Accessible Design – Digital services must follow accessibility standards so people with disabilities can use them without barriers. This includes features like:
- Text alternatives for images (for screen readers).
- Keyboard navigation (for those who can’t use a mouse).
- Clear and simple language.
- Adjustable text size and contrast.
2. Public Sector Responsibility – Government agencies, municipalities, and other public organizations in Åland must comply with these rules.
3. Accessibility Statements – Organizations must publish an accessibility statement explaining how well their digital services meet the requirements and how to report any issues.
4. Feedback & Corrections – If a user finds an accessibility problem, the organization must respond and fix it within a reasonable time.
Important Dates
- The law was originally enacted in 2019 but was updated in 2023 (2023/61) to align with EU accessibility standards.
- Public sector organizations must ensure their digital services comply with the law by the deadlines set in the regulation.
Based on the Official Document
This explanation summarizes the Landscape Act (2019:7) on Accessible Digital Services (2023/61). For the full legal text, visit the official document here:
https://www.regeringen.ax/alandsk-lagstiftning/alex/20197