Access-Score: Evaluate and Improve the Digital Accessibility of Websites

Access-Score is an independent project designed to measure the accessibility of websites in France, based on the criteria of the Référentiel Général d'Amélioration de l'Accessibilité (RGAA).

The initiative was founded by Lhorens Marie, with support from the consulting firm Wavestone. It operates on an open-source principle and offers a simple rating system from A to E to evaluate how well websites meet accessibility standards.

The main objectives of Access-Score are

• Provide a clear and understandable indicator of digital accessibility.
• Encourage businesses and public administrations to improve their accessibility.
• Raise awareness among users and developers about the importance of digital inclusion.

The score assigned to a website is based on an analysis of RGAA criteria. Some websites publish their own accessibility audits, which allow for a more accurate score calculation. However, the majority of websites do not, making evaluation more challenging.

The ratings range from A (excellent accessibility) to E (poor or non-compliant accessibility). These scores are assigned based on several parameters, including:

• Compatibility with screen readers.
• Keyboard navigation.
• Content clarity and contrast.
• Compliance with HTML and ARIA standards for accessibility.

The Access-Score Observatory

In addition to Access-Score, an observatory was established to track and analyze the state of digital accessibility in France. This observatory currently catalogs over 28,000 websites, with only 1.9% having a complete accessibility declaration.

The observatory has several key functions:

• Evaluating the compliance of public and private websites: It highlights businesses and administrations that adhere to legal accessibility obligations.
• Raising awareness and providing information: By publishing analyses and reports on the state of digital accessibility in France.
• Encouraging best practices: Offering recommendations to businesses and developers to improve the accessibility of their platforms.

The Impact of Access-Score

Thanks to Access-Score and its observatory, it is now easier for users to determine whether a website is accessible. This initiative encourages organizations to comply with RGAA standards, with the possibility of having their accessibility performance publicly scrutinized.

Businesses and public administrations can use Access-Score as a self-assessment tool, but also as a strategic lever to improve the user experience and comply with relevant legislation.

Looking forward, Access-Score could evolve into a more interactive platform, offering personalized recommendations to evaluated sites and integrating tools to assist developers in fixing accessibility issues.

More about Access-Score.

Disclaimer:

Accessible EU is not responsible for the accessibility of content provided by third parties.