Qatar e-Accessibility Score for Government Websites reaches 92%

As part of the implementation of the
digital and web accessibility policies and
the implementation of the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of Persons with
disabilities, MADA Assistive Technology
Center has launched a project that focuses
on enhancing e-Accessibility of government
websites since 2016. In the same year, Mada’s
e-Accessibility team provided consultations
and conducted evaluations and training to more
than 35 government entities.
As a result, to date the average score of
government website score has risen to 92
%. The work initially faced some challenges
as some parties did not have a clear idea or
an in-depth understanding of the concept of
e-Accessibility. Despite the challenges, Mada
has seen positive results from government
agencies that had the means and were interested
in applying e-Accessibility standards and
requirements to make their websites fully
accessible to people with disabilities.
Mada’s Accessibility team is currently working with
42 government entities to achieve full compliance
with accessibility standards for websites and mobile
applications. Ultimately, the project seeks to reach a
stage where government sites apply the criteria that
qualify them to obtain e-Accessibiliy accreditation
from Mada. Website owners in Qatar can easily search
for their level of accessibility through the internet
accessibility monitor in Qatar available at the following
link: http://qatar.checkers.eiii.eu/en/benchmarking
Mada’s website Accreditation Program is a unique
and valuable way to achieve the center’s strategic
objectives, design barrier-free websites and ensure
a positive user experience for all. In order for
government agencies to obtain Mada’s e-Accessibility
accreditation badge to be placed on their website,
they must undergo training and receive consultations
from Mada on e-Accessibility. They must also adhere
to the standards and recommendations and achieve
a score of 95% or higher on the e-Accessibility scale
and 90% for ease of use.
Mada will conduct an annual audit on the websites
of those entities after obtaining the badge in order to
ensure that the international e-Accessibility standards
continue to be implemented.