MeAC – Measuring Progress of eAccessibility in Europe

Policy approaches based on equality / anti-discrimination legislation have considerable potential in the eAccessibility field. Such approaches can provide people with disabilities – individually or collectively – with a right to seek redress if they are confronted with inaccessible ICT equipment or services, either in relation to ICT-based goods and services in a general sense or in relation to specific usage contexts.

Legislation/regulations

There are various constitutional and other provisions against discrimination in Sweden. None specifically reference eAccessibility, but they do set the standards for how Swedish society should work against discrimination of persons based on the ground of disabilities, including discrimination related to eAccessibility issues.

The law against discrimination (SFS 2003:307) implements various aspects of EU Directives. This law outlaws discrimination in access to employment, goods and services, and other areas. It establishes a means of redress through the Disability Ombudsman, and contains provisions for financial compensation. However, it does not contain any specific reference to eAccessibility.

The government authorities’ responsibility for the implementation of disability policies is set out in the decree 2001:526. This decree says that all government authorities shall conduct their activity with concern to the goals of disability legislation. They should ensure that disabled people are fully involved in society, and given equal opportunities concerning living conditions. The authorities shall especially focus on providing the same accessibility to their premises, activities, and information to disabled people as to the rest of the population. The decree concerns all different kinds of communication between the government and the citizens, including web pages, mail correspondence, telephone etc.

SOU 2006:22 is a commitment to coherent disability legislation. A proposal for the Swedish parliament based on this document was expected to be presented in February 2007, and implemented in January 2008. The legislation is expected to provide an improvement for disabled people in matters of eAccessibility.

Goods and services equality

The law against discrimination (SFS 2003:307) covers access to goods and services, though it does not contain any specific reference to eAccessibility.

The SOU 2006:22 document on proposed disability legislation addresses commercial companies who are required to take reasonable action against discrimination of disabled people that could arise in their business area, and this may encompass web site accessibility.

Employment equality

In addition to anti-discrimination legislation, the Ordinance on particular contributions for people with occupational disability (2000:630) sets out responsibilities for providing Assistive Technology. There are grants available to employers and/or employees. These cover the full cost if not of any other value, otherwise the employer gets half of the cost. Free training on how to use ICT-related Assistive Technology is also provided.

Education

Information was not available regarding eAccessibility in relation to education.

Impacts – cases and other activity

There are no reported cases on eAccessibility.

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