Understanding China's Web Accessibility Law: YD/T 1761-2008
What is YD/T 1761-2008?
YD/T 1761-2008 is a Chinese technical standard titled "Information Accessibility for People With Physical Disabilities – Technical Requirements for Web Accessibility." It provides guidelines to make websites more accessible for people with disabilities, ensuring they can navigate, understand, and interact with online content easily.
Key Requirements in Simple Terms
The law focuses on four main areas to improve web accessibility:
- Perceivable Content
- Text alternatives must be provided for images, videos, and other non-text elements (like alt text for screen readers).
- Text size and contrast should be adjustable to help users with visual impairments.
- Multimedia (like videos) should include captions or audio descriptions. - Operable Interface
- Websites must work with keyboard navigation (not just a mouse) for users who can’t use a touchscreen or mouse.
- Avoid content that flashes or flickers excessively, as it can trigger seizures.
- Users should have enough time to read and interact with content (e.g., no fast timeouts). - Understandable Information
- Content should be clear and simple, with helpful instructions for forms or inputs.
- Websites should provide navigation aids like sitemaps or search functions. - Compatibility with Assistive Technologies
- Websites should work with screen readers and other tools used by people with disabilities.
Important Dates
- Enacted in 2008, this standard was introduced as a voluntary guideline that encourages but does not legally require compliance.
- Updated in 2012: A newer version (YD/T 1761-2012) replaced this standard, but it remains relevant as a foundation for accessibility practices in China.
Why It Matters
While not mandatory, following YD/T 1761-2008 helps make the internet inclusive for everyone, including people with disabilities. Many organisations, especially government websites, use these guidelines to improve accessibility.
This explanation is based on the official document. For more details, refer to the original YD/T 1761-2008 standard.