Accessibility Guidelines by the Saudi Digital Government Authority

About the Guidelines

 

The Guidelines for Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities and Elderly were issued by the Saudi Digital Government Authority (DGA) to provide accessible digital experiences. These guidelines are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), focusing on making web content accessible to all users, especially on government websites and essential services. By following global standards, these guidelines aim to simplify accessibility for developers to ensure that government websites are compatible with screen readers, text browsers, and other assistive technologies, allowing content to be universally readable and accessible.

 

How Musaed Supports Websites in Meeting Digital Accessibility Standards

 

Musaed provides comprehensive accessibility features that comply with both WCAG standards and the Saudi Digital Government Authority guidelines, helping websites meet the needs of users with different abilities. Below is a breakdown of how Musaed supports each accessibility principle and meets the necessary standards.

 

1. Perceivability

 

  • Low Vision Mode: Allows users to adjust contrast and enlarge text, with screen reader support for those with visual impairments.
  • Color Blind Mode: Adjusts color schemes and enables grayscale mode, helping colorblind users distinguish content.
  • Text and Reading Options: Includes features such as simplified fonts, customizable spacing, and text magnification on hover, making reading easier for users with low vision or reading difficulties.
  • Color Customization: Offers complete control over text, title, and background colors, enhancing contrast and visual clarity.
  • Image Descriptions: Displays text descriptions for each image to support visual perception.

 

Standards Compliance: These features provide comprehensive support for perceivability standards under WCAG, ensuring that users can access content with clarity and without distractions.

 

 

2. Operability

 

  • Navigation and Guidance: Includes options to adjust the cursor’s color and size, disable visual effects, and highlight elements on hover, making navigation easier and reducing distractions.
  • Motor Disability Mode: Supports keyboard-only navigation and voice commands, helping users with motor impairments interact with the site.
  • Virtual Keyboard: Provides an on-screen keyboard for users who cannot use a physical keyboard.
  • Epilepsy-Safe Mode: Reduces flashing and bright content, protecting users with epilepsy from potential triggers.

 

Standards Compliance: These features support WCAG operability standards, enabling users, including those with motor impairments, to navigate and interact with the website easily.

 

 

3. Understandability

 

  • Dyslexia Mode: Adjusts fonts and spacing to increase readability for users with dyslexia.
  • Learning and Cognitive Support: Simplifies layout and reduces distractions, helping users with cognitive difficulties process information.
  • Dyslexia Fonts, Link and Title Highlighting: Provides features to improve text clarity and organize page structure.
  • Reading Guide and Focus Shadow: Tools to assist users in tracking text line-by-line, minimizing distractions.
  • Language Options and Dictionary Use: Offers automatic translation and glossary support, helping users comprehend content in familiar and accessible language.

 

Standards Compliance: These features align with WCAG understandability standards, ensuring that all users, including those with learning and cognitive challenges, can understand the content.

 

 

4. Robustness

 

  • Screen Reader Compatibility: Provides audio versions of all content for users with visual impairments, ensuring compatibility with screen readers.
  • Voice Navigation: Enables users to navigate using voice commands, enhancing compatibility with modern assistive technologies.
  • Synchronized Updates: Musaed undergoes regular updates to remain compatible with emerging technologies and meet new accessibility requirements.

 

Standards Compliance: These features support the WCAG robustness standard, ensuring that websites remain compatible with assistive tools and technologies, offering lasting accessibility as technologies evolve.

 

 

By meeting these accessibility standards, Musaed ensures that websites can comply with the guidelines of the Saudi Digital Government Authority and global standards, providing a seamless and inclusive digital experience for all users.