Operationalising Accessibility in Legislative Digital Transformation Strategies
Written on September, 2022
Introduction
Digital transformation within legislative bodies has been underway for several years, yet the incorporation of accessibility remains a nascent field. A multi-faceted approach, which takes into account the complexities of legislative work, is required to ensure that digital services are accessible to all, including internal users and citizens. This essay aims to critically analyse the key elements that could comprise an initial or subsequent roadmap for improving digital accessibility in legislative settings.
The Imperative of Normative Frameworks
The first pivotal point is the need to be well-versed and disseminate knowledge on the existing norms and guidelines related to digital accessibility. While some may argue that this is self-evident, a closer examination reveals that many stakeholders within legislative bodies lack an in-depth understanding of these guidelines. Norms such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) must not only be understood but also be incorporated into the development and procurement processes for digital solutions. Consequently, it is crucial to have a comprehensive internal awareness campaign aimed at both technology teams and other key stakeholders.
Diagnosing and Mitigating Barriers in Existing Solutions
Secondly, there is an urgent need for mechanisms to identify and ameliorate barriers in existing digital solutions. This is a complex undertaking that requires channels of communication to be established with a wide range of users, including staff and citizens. Without a systematic feedback loop, even well-intentioned initiatives can fail to meet the actual needs of the users. Furthermore, there must be teams trained and equipped to assess and remediate these barriers on a continual basis, thereby ensuring that the digital transformation strategy is adaptive and responsive.
Standardisation of Basic Requirements
The third element is the significance of standardising basic requirements for digital accessibility. This can serve as a template not just for in-house development but also for procuring external solutions. It is not enough to rely solely on international standards; instead, legislative bodies should aim to tailor these standards to fit their unique needs, possibly even developing internal checklists to ensure compliance.
Capacity Building Among Content Managers
The fourth point to consider is the upskilling of content managers who are responsible for both internal and external content. In the digital age, content is not limited to text but includes images, audio, and video. Ensuring that these diverse forms of content are accessible requires specific skill sets, such as the ability to provide descriptive text for images or audio descriptions for videos.
Technological Innovations and Assistive Technologies
Lastly, it is vital to invest in the development and procurement of innovative technologies that are compatible with a range of assistive technologies. Examples include screen readers and specialised input devices. These technologies not only facilitate accessibility but also encourage inclusion by allowing individuals with varying degrees of ability to participate fully in the legislative process.
Conclusion
As legislative bodies continue to digitise their operations, the issue of accessibility cannot be an afterthought. A nuanced and multi-dimensional approach, encompassing awareness of norms, diagnosis and mitigation of barriers, standardisation, capacity building, and technological innovation, is crucial. Implementing these elements into an initial or ongoing roadmap can significantly enhance the efficacy and inclusivity of a legislative body's digital transformation strategy. While this may require a substantial investment of resources, the dividends in terms of civic engagement and institutional efficacy are invaluable.