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The web is a predominant channel for disseminating information and providing services to the public. Its usefulness will be greatly enhanced if the contents are accessible by the widest possible audience, including persons with disabilities.
 

Web Accessibility is to make sure that the website content is available for all, including not only persons with disabilities but also persons with specific difficulties such as the elderly and persons beset with colour-blindness, cognitive and physical issues such as dyslexia, epilepsy, etc. An accessible website not only helps deliver messages wider across, but also improves the general usability for all users. It also helps building a caring and inclusive society. Over the years, the Government has been actively promoting web accessibility to facilitate persons with disabilities to access online information and services and enhance their user experience.

The Government has developed a set of accessibility requirements and best practices for the design of government websites and e-services since 1999, and published them in the Guidelines on Dissemination of Information through Government Websites for all Bureaux and Departments. The Guidelines are updated regularly through an inter-departmental committee led by the Home Affairs Bureau, taking into account the latest international standards, web design technologies and feedback from the industry and persons with disabilities groups. The current version of the Guidelines, issued in March 2012, is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.0 Level AA accessibility requirements promulgated by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

To supplement the Guidelines, the OGCIO has also produced the following practical guides for reference by website developers and administrators –

- Technical Notes on Website Development and Maintenance

- Handbook on Web Accessibility

Furthermore, illustration web pages are provided to facilitate understanding of the key requirements for web accessibility.

Besides, the OGCIO is mounting a Web Accessibility Campaign to promote wider adoption of accessible website design in both public and private sectors. A series of activities have been organised to raise awareness and drive adoption of web accessibility through publicity, instilling knowledge and promulgating technical resources. The OGCIO and the Equal Opportunities Commission have jointly launched the Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme to show appreciation to businesses and organisations for making their websites accessible.

To facilitate the sourcing of ICT professional services for the implementation of web accessibility designs, we have set up a Web Designers' Corner for companies/organisations interested in providing such service. Interested service providers can sign up by providing information on their services and a maximum of two projects involving web service undertaken by them. The information will be posted onto the Government’s Internet and Intranet websites for reference by Government and visitors of the website.

If you have any comments or suggestions on web accessibility, please send us an email at wac@ogcio.gov.hk or use our online Suggestion Box.