What happened in web accessibility news this month?
Each month, the Lumar team rounds up some of the top headlines for website managers and web accessibility professionals.
For December 2024, our accessibility news roundup includes:
- An updated WCAG 3.0 working draft is now available for review.
- New accessibility standards for Australian government websites are going into effect starting on January 1, 2025.
- The US Access Board will present its findings on AI for the disability community on January 14, 2024 (free to join)
- Internet pioneer Vint Cerf says software designers need more exposure to accessibility issues to create a more inclusive internet – and explores how AI might help.
- A United Nations HCR director makes the case for digital connectivity as a human right.
- Video game maker Electronic Arts (EA) has provided open access to 23 new accessibility tech patents to help the industry create more inclusive gaming experiences.
Read on for the top digital accessibility news stories this month.
An updated WCAG 3.0 working draft is now available for review
On December 12, 2024, W3C posted an updated working draft for the Web Content Accessibility Guides 3.0. (Note: the currently active WCAG version is 2.2. The W3C regularly updates its WCAG guidelines as digital accessibility technologies evolve.)
For those looking to stay ahead of what’s to come in the WCAG compliance space, reading through the WCAG 3.0 draft is a good place to start.
Per the W3C documentation:
“WCAG 3.0 builds on the WCAG 2.0 Requirements of 2006. The WCAG 2.0 requirements are:
- Ensure that requirements may be applied across technologies.
- Ensure that the conformance requirements are clear.
- Design deliverables with ease of use in mind.
- Write to a more diverse audience.
- Clearly identify who benefits from accessible content.
- Ensure that the revision is “backwards and forward compatible”.
WCAG 3.0 wishes to advance the WCAG 2.0 Requirements of:
- applied across technologies,
- clear conformance,
- ease of use,
- diverse audience, and
- identify who benefits.”
(Source: W3.org / WAI Web Accessibility Initiative)
New accessibility rules for Australian government websites starting January 1, 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, any newly launched government websites in Australia must meet three new standards to improve accessibility, consolidate entry points, and maintain a quality user experience. The new Australian website accessibility requirements are outlined in the Digital Experience Policy documentation, published in mid-2024.
Australia’s Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has also published a digital experience toolkit to help government agencies meet the new and pre-existing digital service standards.
(Source: OpenGovAsia and Australian Government Digital Transformation Agency)
US Access Board to present its findings on AI for the disability community on January 14, 2025
In a virtual presentation on January 14, 2025 (2:00–3:30 p.m. ET), the US Access Board will share preliminary findings on the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) for individuals with disabilities. This session is part of the AI Equity, Access & Inclusion for All Series conducted in partnership with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT).
No pre-registration is required to attend the presentation. To attend the presentation of preliminary findings on AI for accessibility, use the following Zoom link and entry information:
- Zoom Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1601731944
- Meeting ID: 160 173 1944
- Passcode: 524293
- Date and Time: January 14, 2025, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (ET)
(Source: Access Information News and the Center for Democracy & Technology)
United Nations USA for UNHCR director makes the case for digital connectivity as a human right.
In a recent article, Anne-Marie Grey, Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR, argues that digital connectivity should be considered a human right, emphasizing its critical role in accessing information, education, and opportunities. As part of the United Nations’ refugee organization, Grey highlights the challenges faced by refugees who lack internet access, leaving them isolated from vital information and services, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She calls for global efforts to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from the opportunities that digital connectivity provides.
(Source: United Nations, UN Chronicle )
Electronic Arts (EA) provides open access to more of its accessibility tech patents
Video game industry heavyweight Electronic Arts (EA) has opened up access to more of its accessibility tech patents to help further accessibility and inclusion in online gaming. On December 5, EA announced that is expanding its Accessibility Patent Pledge by adding 23 patents and open-sourcing key technologies like its photosensitivity analysis plugin for Unreal Engine 5.
These efforts aim to support players with disabilities by improving speech recognition, text visibility, and reducing photosensitivity barriers. EA’s accessibility initiative, launched in 2021, shares accessibility technology royalty-free, encouraging industry-wide collaboration.
(Source: Electronic Arts press release and The Verge, “EA adds more tech patents to its accessibility program,” December 5, 2024)
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