Users as experts - reducing barriers on the web by utilising the target groups’ experiences

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to investigate how lived experiences of disabilities could be used to improve web accessibility in the public sector. Two main solutions have been identified: a course on web accessibility offered by a non-academic adult education institution to persons with disabilities that gives participants competencies to carry out audits of digital interfaces on their own; and a mechanism for feedback to public sector web site owners regarding accessibility issues.

Expected results and effects

The result of step 1 of the project is that we now have insight into the needs and interests of our target groups and stakeholders. Now, we have a good view of how our solutions should be developed and implemented in future steps in order to respond to these needs and interests. We now know that there is a real demand that can be met by our solutions, and we have also been able to recruit further interested parties and pilot testers who will contribute to the continued development process.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has been carried out by a consortium consisting of the Furuboda Association, Funka, Blindas Väl, the Skåne County Administrative Board and IAAP Nordic. The cooperation has worked well and the different partners have complemented each other in a mutually advantageous manner. Furthermore, we have established new contacts during the project period, something that will make the further development and implementation process easier. The project has been completed on schedule.