Lithuania’s Web Accessibility Law: Requirements for Government Websites
Overview
The Government of the Republic of Lithuania’s Resolution No. 480, adopted on April 18, 2003, sets out the rules for how state and municipal institutions must design and maintain their websites to be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
The regulation aims to ensure that public sector websites are easy to use, understandable, and inclusive, allowing all citizens to access digital information and online services without barriers.
It establishes accessibility standards and technical requirements that align with international best practices, promoting equal access to digital government resources for individuals with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments.
Key Requirements
The Government of Lithuania’s Resolution No. 480 outlines the essential accessibility rules that state and municipal websites must follow to make online information and services available to everyone.
1. Accessible Design
Websites must be built with inclusive design principles so that people with various disabilities—such as visual, hearing, or mobility impairments—can access them without difficulty.
- Pages should be structured logically.
- Interactive features and forms must be usable by all users.
2. Clear Navigation
Websites must have simple, consistent, and well-labeled menus and links so visitors can easily find the information they need.
- Navigation elements should follow a clear hierarchy.
- Important pages and services must be reachable within a few clicks.
3. Text Alternatives
All images, videos, and multimedia content should include text descriptions (alt text) or captions so that users relying on screen readers or audio tools can understand the content.
- Videos should include subtitles or transcripts when possible.
- Non-text content must always have a meaningful equivalent in text form.
4. Readable Content
Website text must be easy to read and understand.
- Use plain, clear language and short paragraphs.
- Maintain good color contrast between text and background.
- Allow users to resize or zoom text without disrupting the page layout.
5. Compatibility with Assistive Tools
Websites must work effectively with assistive technologies, such as:
- Screen readers for visually impaired users.
- Keyboard-only navigation for users who cannot use a mouse.
- Voice recognition or magnification software.
This ensures that all users—regardless of ability or device—can navigate, read, and interact with digital government services equally.
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Important Dates
Year / Date | Milestone / Update | Focus / Notes |
|---|---|---|
April 18, 2003 | Resolution No. 480 enacted by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania | Established the first national framework for web accessibility in public sector institutions. |
2003 onward | Implementation across state and municipal institutions | All government websites required to meet accessibility standards ensuring inclusive access to online information and services. |
2018–2021 | Alignment with EU Web Accessibility Directive (EU) 2016/2102 | Lithuania updated its approach to harmonize national standards with EU-wide accessibility requirements for websites and mobile applications. |
Lithuania’s Resolution No. 480, enacted on April 18, 2003, marked the beginning of formal accessibility requirements for public sector websites. Over time, these rules evolved in line with the European Union’s Web Accessibility Directive, ensuring that all state and municipal institutions provide barrier-free digital services for every citizen.
Conclusion
This explanation summarizes the Government of the Republic of Lithuania’s 2003 April 18 Resolution No. 480. For the full legal text, visit:
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/324bbc61ff9e11e89b04a534c5aaf5ce