Temporary Decree on Digital Accessibility of the Government
Overview
The Temporary Decree on Digital Accessibility of the Government is a Dutch law that ensures government websites and mobile apps are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. It was enacted to align with the European Union’s *Web and Mobile Accessibility Directive (2016/2102)* and aims to make digital public services usable for all citizens 38.
Key Provisions
Who It Applies To
- The law covers government agencies at national, regional, and local levels, as well as public institutions like municipalities and partnerships 313.
- It does not apply to:
- Private businesses (unless contracted by the government).
- Certain content like pre-2018 office files, live broadcasts, or third-party content not funded by the government 3.
Accessibility Standards
- Websites and apps must follow the EN 301 549 standard, which includes WCAG 2.1 (Level A and AA) guidelines 313.
- This means:
- Text alternatives for images ("alt text").
- Keyboard navigation support.
- Clear contrast and readable fonts.
- Captions for videos 913.
Accessibility Statements
- Government agencies must publish an accessibility statement explaining:
- How accessible their website/app is.
- Any known issues and plans to fix them 13.
Exceptions ("Disproportionate Burden")
- If making content fully accessible is too costly or difficult, agencies can claim a disproportionate burden—but they must still provide an accessible alternative (e.g., a text version of a PDF) 313.
Compliance Deadlines
- New websites (published after 23 Sept 2018): Must comply by 23 Sept 2019.
- Older websites (published before 23 Sept 2018): Must comply by 23 Sept 2020.
- Mobile apps: Must comply by 23 June 2021 3.
Why It Matters
This law ensures that people with disabilities—such as visual, hearing, or motor impairments—can access essential government services online, just like everyone else 913.
This explanation is based on the official document: Temporary Decree on Digital Accessibility of the Government.