What is Document Remediation?
Document remediation refers to a legal concept primarily found in European accessibility legislation, particularly the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR). It allows organizations to claim exemption from making certain content accessible when the cost or effort required is deemed disproportionate to the benefit provided. However, this exemption requires substantial evidence and is only valid if the inaccessible content doesn't significantly impact users with disabilities.
For example, an organization might invoke document remediation when faced with digitizing thousands of historical PDF documents, where the cost of making each document fully WCAG 2.1 compliant would exceed their annual budget, yet the documents are rarely accessed and alternative formats are available.
Importance in Digital Accessibility
Document remediation plays a crucial role in balancing accessibility compliance with practical implementation challenges. Under WCAG guidelines and accessibility standards like Germany's BFSG (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz), organizations must strive for digital inclusion while recognizing resource limitations.
The concept acknowledges that while web accessibility is essential, there may be exceptional circumstances where full compliance creates an undue burden. However, this doesn't diminish the overall commitment to accessibility compliance - it simply provides a structured framework for handling edge cases.
Practical Implementation and Use Cases
When considering document remediation, organizations should:
- Document thoroughly: Maintain detailed records of costs, technical challenges, and alternative solutions explored
- Assess user impact: Evaluate how many users with disabilities would be affected and the severity of the impact
- Explore alternatives: Provide accessible alternatives like summaries, audio versions, or person-to-person assistance
- Regular review: Reassess exemptions annually as technology and resources change
Common use cases include legacy CMS platforms with thousands of non-compliant documents, complex interactive media with prohibitive remediation costs, or third-party content where direct control is limited.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Many organizations misunderstand document remediation as a blanket excuse to avoid accessibility work. Key misconceptions include:
- Overuse: Applying exemptions too broadly without proper justification
- Insufficient evidence: Claiming disproportionate burden without detailed cost-benefit analysis
- Ignoring alternatives: Failing to provide accessible alternatives when claiming exemptions
- Static mindset: Treating exemptions as permanent rather than temporary solutions
Best Practices and Key Takeaways
The most important principle is that document remediation should be the exception, not the rule. Organizations should:
- Prioritize accessibility from the start to minimize remediation needs
- Use exemptions sparingly and only with robust justification
- Always provide alternative accessible formats or assistance
- Plan for gradual improvement rather than permanent exemptions
Remember that digital inclusion benefits everyone, and the goal should always be to make content as accessible as possible within reasonable constraints. Document remediation provides a safety valve for exceptional circumstances while maintaining the overall commitment to web accessibility and WCAG compliance.