Lithuania’s Web Accessibility Law: Requirements for Government Websites
Overview
The Government of the Republic of Lithuania’s 2003 April 18 Resolution No. 480 sets rules for how state and municipal institutions in Lithuania must make their websites accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. The goal is to ensure that government websites are easy to use and follow accessibility standards.
Key Requirements
The law outlines general rules that government websites must follow, including:
- Accessible Design – Websites should be designed so that people with disabilities (such as visual or hearing impairments) can use them without barriers.
- Clear Navigation – Menus and links should be easy to understand and use, helping visitors find information quickly.
- Text Alternatives – Images and multimedia should have text descriptions (like alt text) so screen readers can explain them to visually impaired users.
- Readable Content – Text should be simple, well-structured, and adaptable (e.g., resizable without breaking the layout).
- Compatibility with Assistive Tools – Websites must work with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies.
Important Dates
- Enacted: April 18, 2003
- The law applies to all state and municipal institutions in Lithuania, requiring them to meet these accessibility standards.
Based on Official Document
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