Mapping The European Digital Accessibility Field: The IMPACT Project

Abstract

New advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have generated a convergent media environment towards the web. Digital media is ubiquitous and sometimes we might not realise how now much it affects our daily lives, as it is being used to communicate, entertain, learn, and almost all other activities. At present, most digital content is still not accessible for all. The requirement for digital accessibility when accessing ICT products has increased since the endorsement of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) by European Directives. This article will first present an overview of the current state of digital accessibility legal framework in Europe. This will enable a better understanding of the existing gaps in the market and the training needs in the digital accessibility field. The methodology followed in the first stage of the IMPACT project will then be presented. Firstly, an analysis of the existing training in the digital accessibility field was conducted, which was used as the basis to create a first draft of the competences and skills that a digital accessibility professional should acquire and master. Secondly, an online survey to assess the defined competences and map the current status of digital accessibility in Europe was conducted. Results obtained will be discussed and further steps in the project which involve the design of a modular curriculum and the certification process will be outlined.