The accessibility guidelines ensure that websites, apps and digital content are also usable for persons with visual disabilities. The guidelines have been translated from English under the leadership of HAN professor Eric Velleman together with a large group of stakeholders.

The “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2” have been available in English for some time. There has always been a high demand for a Dutch translation, because many Dutch developers prefer to read a Dutch document, but also because from June 28, 2025, products and services of European organizations must comply with these guidelines. Sometimes it’s about simple things like good contrast between text and background, or descriptive text for an image or video that otherwise cannot be used by someone who has poor vision. But also whether a website or document works on a tablet or can be read by speech software.

The guidelines have recently been updated. A number of new guidelines have been added and one guideline has disappeared. The Dutch translation is intended for web professionals and is available on the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) website, where more than 400 organizations are internationally involved, including many companies, governments, and interest groups: https://www.w3.org/Translations/WCAG22-nl/ 

The importance of website accessibility

Experience shows that when an online shop, site, or app is easily usable for someone with a (visual) disability, it often works easier for everyone. Online stores could even increase their customer base by 15%.

“By making websites, apps, and online documents accessible, we ensure that everyone can participate, including people with visual, auditory, motor, intellectual, or other disabilities,” says Eric Velleman, professor of Inclusive Digital Design & Engineering at HAN. “With this Dutch translation, we want to further increase the understanding and application of the guidelines.”