Accessibility

Accessibility audit 

An external accessibility audit was performed. This audit was a simplified analysis. You can read the report here:  https://scan.accessibility.belgium.be/nl/report/2024/www.arteveldehogeschool.be

Compliance status

This website is partially compliant to level AA of the WCAG 2.1 guidelines, resulting from the following non-conformities and exemptions.

Non-accessible content

Even though, in the development and maintenance of the website www.arteveldehogeschool.be, we have focussed on digital accessibility, based on the WCAG-audits carried out by the government, we have established a few more difficulties. These mainly concern the following aspects:

• Alternative text for images (H37): Not all images have correct or sufficiently descriptive alternative texts. This may be an obstacle for users of screen readers.
• Colour contrast (G18): On some pages, the colour contrast between text and background is insufficient. This could reduce the readability for partially sighted users.
• Use of h1-h6 headings (H42): Not every page has an h1 section head, and certain pages do not always have a logical sequence of titles. This may be confusing for users of screen readers.
• Headers in tables do not always have an attribute (H43): Certain tables contain cells without (correct) ID or header attribute, so the cell is not seen as a header or heading. This may be an obstacle for users of screen readers.
• Labelling of forms (F68): Certain forms contain entry fields that are not labelled correctly, so that it is not always clear to screen readers which information is expected.
• Navigation problems with keyboard (G1, G123, G124, SCR20):
  Not all components are accessible via keyboard navigation, and sometimes it is not possible to navigate using shortcut keys or logical focus order[IV1] . This may be an obstacle for users who navigate by means of a keyboard.
• Insufficiently clear or limited focus indication (G149, G165, G195, C15, SCR31): When the keyboard is used for navigation, it is not always visible which element has the focus. This creates an obstruction for users who do not work with a mouse.
• Incorrect semantics for buttons and links (H30): Certain buttons and links lack descriptive text or contain labels that are too generic to give a proper indication of the content behind the link, so it is not always clear for screen readers which information is expected.
• Forms do not have a send button (H32): Certain input fields do not have a send button. In this way, users do not have a standard mechanism to specifically request context changes.
• Several elements with the same ID-value (F77): Certain pages have several elements with the same ID. This may be an obstacle for users of screen readers.

We commit to tackle these obstacles one by one and to solve them in collaboration with our web developers and internal services. Where possible, new content and functionalities are immediately developed according to the WCAG-directives (version 2.1, level AA), and existing content is gradually adjusted based on priority and impact.

Suggested alternatives

Artevelde University of Applied Sciences strives to make all digital information accessible to all. In expectancy of structural adjustments on the website we provide visitors temporary or additional alternatives to access the content or functionalities that currently do not or only partially meet the accessibility criteria.

In concrete terms, we provide the following alternatives:

• Contact option for support:
  Visitors who experience problems consulting certain content, can use the general email address info@arteveldehs.be or the central number to contact us. We provide support in the research for or provision of information in an accessible format.
• Personal assistance via student services or help desk:
  Students and external visitors can contact the student services or IT help desk for assistance with filling out forms or consulting documents that are digitally inaccessible.
• Documents or pages in accessible format upon request:
  Pages or registration forms that do not yet meet the accessibility standards can be delivered in an alternative format such as a PDF file upon request.
• Guidance on appointment:
  If you prefer to get help in person, you can make an appointment to get assistance with the use of digital applications.
• Use of alternative channels:
  Certain information (such as programme information, contact details or events) is also available via alternative channels such as brochures, email newsletters or social media. Where possible, this information is adjusted according to accessibility guidelines.

Exemptions

For schools and facilities for childcare and out-of-school care, the legal requirement concerning digital accessibility only applies to the website's significant online administrative functions.

Schools and facilities for childcare and out-of-school care do not need separate accessible websites or mobile apps if access to the significant online administrative functions can also be ensured via a central website. 

There is not an official list of the significant administrative functions, but in practice this means that website visitors at least must have access to the address and contact details, the curriculum, the school regulations, information about registrations and enrolments, and the details of the Centre for Pupils' Counselling.

Artevelde UAS makes use of a series of separate websites and subsites, either or not under the main domain, to facilitate initiatives from the departments or offices. It mainly concerns websites in the context of research projects, tools to support the internal operation, bachelor's theses etc. Even though we strive for a sustainable way to set up each website in terms of security, accessibility, privacy, current events, etc., due to the aforementioned legal requirement, these do not fall under this accessibility declaration.

Contact information

Should you have any questions or remarks concerning the accessibility of our website/application, you can contact webmaster@arteveldehs.be.

Should there be any questions, remarks or complaints about the accessibility of this website you can contact the Office of Marketing and Communication at Artevelde UAS via DienstCommunicatie@arteveldehs.be.

If the aforementioned office does not reply, you can contact the following inspection body:

Should the person responsible for the accessibility of this website fail to respond within a reasonable term, then you can contact the Diversity Policy Office of the Public Officers Agency at the Flemish Government via webtoegankelijkheid@vlaanderen.be.

Improvement plan

Artevelde UAS commits to structurally improve the digital accessibility of its website. To this end, we are developing a systematic and sustainable approach, based on three tracks:

1. Substantial improvements – gradual adjustments according to WCAG:
   We will systematically screen the existing content of our website and adjust it where needed, so that it meets the directives of WCAG 2.1 level AA. The emphasis is on the improvement of alternative texts, correct heading structure, clear linking texts, and accessible forms. In collaboration with the communication office, we are providing clear guidelines and support for all content managers in the organisation. From now on, new content is created with direct focus on accessibility.
2. Sustainable quality plan – safeguarding accessibility in processes:
   We are providing clear guidelines and support for all content managers within the organisation. From now on, new content is created with direct focus on accessibility. To guarantee that this future content and updates meet the accessibility standards, we are working on an internal accessibility policy. This comprises among other:
   1. Guidelines and checklist for editors and content managers;
   2. Periodical checks and audits of the content;
   3. Training sessions and awareness raising on digital accessibility;
   4. A permanent point of contact for accessibility questions within the organisation.
3. Technical optimisation:
   We work with the website developers to discuss the results of the WCAG-audit and come up with a plan of action for technical corrections. This will relate to, among other:
   1. Improvement of keyboard navigation and focus management;
   2. Recasting of inaccessible components;
   3. Optimisation of the colour contrast and responsive behaviour;
   4. Improved semantics of HTML-structure.

The combination of substantial, organisational and technical interventions must result in an accessible website that is in line with the European directive on accessibility of government websites and applications.

This declaration was drawn up on 20/05/2025.

The last revision of the declaration dates from 20/05/2025.