ГОСТ Р 52872-2012: Internet Resources. Accessibility Requirements for People with Visual Impairments
Overview
ГОСТ Р 52872-2012 is a Russian national standard that sets accessibility requirements for websites and online resources to ensure they are usable by people with visual impairments. The goal is to make digital content more inclusive by following specific guidelines for design, navigation, and functionality.
Key Requirements in Simple Terms
The standard outlines several key rules to make websites accessible for visually impaired users, including:
1. Text Alternatives – Images, buttons, and other non-text elements must have descriptions (alt text) so screen readers can explain them.
2. Keyboard Navigation – Websites should be fully operable using only a keyboard, without requiring a mouse.
3. Contrast & Readability – Text and background colors must have sufficient contrast to be easily readable.
4. Resizable Text – Users should be able to zoom in or adjust text size without breaking the website's layout.
5. Clear Structure – Proper headings, labels, and logical order help screen readers interpret content correctly.
6. Avoid Time Limits – If content has time restrictions (like rotating banners), users should be able to pause or extend time.
7. Multimedia Accessibility – Videos and audio should have captions, transcripts, or audio descriptions.
Important Dates
- Enacted : 2013 (exact enforcement may vary by organisation).
- The standard is not a law but serves as a guideline for compliance with broader accessibility regulations in Russia.
Reference
This explanation is based on the official document ГОСТ Р 52872-2012, which can be found here: https://protect.gost.ru/v.aspx?control=8&id=176157