EFE

Expected results

In the jointly conducted training programme, 15 people with disabilities from Åland and the Stockholm region were trained to assess and provide feedback to public organisations on the accessibility of their websites and apps. The training course was conducted as a part-time training online in an accessible web environment. It covered both the theory and practice of web accessibility and included practical assignments that were completed both individually and in groups.

The training highlighted the benefits of sharing experiences between students with various disabilities, as the participants learned hands-on skills in testing concrete criteria of web accessibility at the same time as they gaining insights into the needs of users of varying abilities.

All of the participants were satisfied with the course and 70% thought that they had learned more about web accessibility than they had expected at the start of the course. All of the participants were interested in taking up work or assignments in web accessibility after completing the course.

After completing the course, the participants engaged in a workplace assignment to apply the web accessibility testing skills they had learned. During the assignment, the students collaborated to analyse the websites of 10 public sector bodies in Sweden and Åland. Working individually with testing and in small groups with analysis and determination of compliance, they tested the websites, documented findings, and reported the results to the organisations. The process included workshops where user experts presented their findings, allowing for direct dialogue with website owners. All of the pilot organisations found the feedback highly valuable, with many stating they had gained new insights into accessibility challenges and were willing to engage user experts on a consultancy basis.

All in all, the project demonstrated a clear mutual benefit: participants gained hands-on experience and increased employment opportunities, while public sector organisations improved their accessibility practices.

Overall, the project successfully showcased the value of expertise from lived experience in accessibility work. It provided a replicable model for enhancing digital inclusion, fostering employment for persons with disabilities, and improving public sector compliance with accessibility legislation.