Dostępność stron internetowych uczelni wyższych w świetle wytycznych WCAG 2.1
Accessibility of University Websites in the Light of WCAG 2.1 Guidelines

Author(s): Jakub Bucko, Aleksandra Czarnota
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Sociology
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: digital accessibility; disability; higher education; WCAG standard; websites
Summary/Abstract: In today’s world, the Internet has become an integral part of academic life, providing access to information and educational resources. However, to meet the requirements of equal access, it is essential to ensure that university websites are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This paper focuses on assessing the accessibility of higher education institution websites in relation to the WCAG 2.1 guidelines, with particular attention to the needs of people with visual impairments. WCAG 2.1 is a standard embedded in the Act on Digital Accessibility of Public Sector Websites and Mobile Applications, outlining the principles of web development that allow individuals with various disabilities to navigate digital platforms comfortably. The methodology includes an analysis of website structure, layout, and interface usability, as well as an evaluation of content readability for visually impaired users. The study covered 16 public universities in Poland, each located in a different voivodeship. Using both automated analysis tools and manual evaluation, we identified areas where university websites can be improved to better accommodate the needs of users with visual impairments. Our findings offer insights into the current state of digital accessibility in higher education and provide recommendations for enhancement, aiming to support a more inclusive educational environment. The presentation will share the research results and foster discussion on future strategies to improve the accessibility of university websites for visually impaired users, contributing to the development of a more accessible and equitable academic landscape.

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