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Governance: Accessibility coverage & data

To what extent do relevant laws, regulations, policies, and guidance require that data collection and publication be accessible to people with disabilities?

Definitions and Identification

Ensuring that datasets and data processes are accessible to people with disabilities can take many forms. Given the focus of this survey, we expect this indicator to primarily investigate requirements for making digital information accessible—for example, in terms of compatibility with assistive technologies useful for visual and physical impairments, such as screen readers, and through implementing universal design principles for relevant websites and data tools. However, in cases where relevant data can only be used in paper versions, this will include provisions such as physical infrastructure that makes relevant archives accessible, for example, for people with mobility impairments.

Note: This indicator is intended to be complemented by an automated assessment of related websites' conformance with WCAG 2.1 (or WCAG 2.2. depending on release date), drawing on the URLs provided as answers throughout the expert survey.

First, identify whether your country has a framework that specifies how the government must make its communications accessible for people with disabilities. Next, examine the framework to determine how it applies to the government's datasets, data tools, and other data communications.

Alternatively, you can look first for a dedicated framework that addresses accessibility matters specifically with regard to government data collection and publication (these are not currently common) and then apply the second step outlined above to that framework.

Starting points

  • Search:
    • Government websites for "accessibility requirements" and similar terms.
  • Consult:
    • Government officials who serve in communications roles.

What to look for?

Look for evidence that can answer the following question:

  • Is there a framework that addresses how government datasets and data tools must be made accessible to people with disabilities? For example, mandating compatibility with regard to assistive technologies or establishing a review process to make sure websites follow WCAG 2.1 or other standards?

National and sub-national considerations

In some countries, frameworks that govern accessibility coverage may be established primarily by individual states, regions, or cities. To assess such countries, researchers should select the strongest example of sub-national practice, and then indicate whether this is an outlier or an example of widespread practice.

Show/hide supporting questions

Existence

  • What is the nature of the framework?

    • No framework exists.
      Supporting questions: In the absence of a strong legal framework, are there alternative norms or customs that play this role in the country? If so, please explain how. If there are draft laws or regulations not yet in force, but that would provide a more robust framework in future, please provide brief details here.
    • A framework exists but lacks full force of law.
      Supporting questions: In the absence of a strong legal framework, are there alternative norms or customs that play this role in the country? If so, please explain how. If there are draft laws or regulations not yet in force, but that would provide a more robust framework in future, please provide brief details here.
    • A framework exists and has the force of law.
      Supporting questions: Please identify the framework(s) you have assessed (e.g. name of law(s) or regulations)

  • Where does this requirement exist?

    • It does not exist.
    • There is a broader framework which can be presumed to apply to data.
      Supporting questions: Please indicate which section of the framework refers to this issue and explain your response.
    • There is either a dedicated framework for accessibility coverage related to data or a framework that includes specific provisions related to accessibility coverage and data.
      Supporting questions: Please indicate which section of the framework refers to this issue and explain your response.

Elements

  • Provisions for data quality:

  • The rules/guidance empower an agency or official to ensure the accurate and timely collection and publication of required data. (No, Partially, Yes)

    Supporting questions (conditional)

    If Partially: Please indicate which section of the framework refers to this issue and explain your 'Partially' response.

    If Yes: Please indicate which section of the framework refers to this issue.

  • The framework requires a verification process. (No, Partially, Yes) There are many different kinds of verification processes. In some cases, data is required from multiple parties engaged in an activity and that data is then cross-verified. In others, a dedicated agency or official has the authority to conduct audits, engaging with other agencies or external parties to verify information received.

    Supporting questions (conditional)

    If Partially: Please briefly explain the verification process used, and which parts of collected data the framework requires to be verified and which parts it does not.

    If Yes: Please briefly explain the verification process used.

Extent

  • How comprehensive, in terms of jurisdiction, is the coverage of the laws, regulations, policies, or guidance assessed for this question?
    • They cover one or more localities, but there are many other localities without such rules/guidance, or with rules or guidance of a lesser quality.
      Supporting questions: Which locality does this framework cover?
    • They cover one or more localities and are a representative example of the kind of rules/guidance that can be found for all, or most, localities.
      Supporting questions: Please explain your answer and provide supporting urls if necessary.
    • They provide national coverage.
      Supporting questions: Please explain your answer and provide supporting urls if necessary.

Accessibility coverage is a key component of making data both open and high quality. The accessibility coverage of data collection will affect how well the person providing the data understands the interaction—with consequences for both meaningful consent and data quality. Similarly, the accessibility coverage of the formats in which data and its accompanying tools and materials are published will affect who can use that data and how.