Training on website feedback strengthens the voice of users

The Web Accessibility Directive has been in force since 2019. Despite this, many public organisations within the EU still find it difficult to meet the requirements for websites and apps to be accessible for everyone. Increased feedback from users can help to create a better understanding of what needs to be addressed.

People with disabilities often have personal experience of inaccessibility in digital environments and can contribute important insights into shortcomings. However, few are aware of their rights to submit comments or how the formal feedback mechanism in the directive works.

In a new project, we are working with the Åland Islands Disability Rights Federation
to develop training that empowers and inspires people with disabilities to actively report shortcomings in digital accessibility to companies and authorities. The project is funded by Erasmus+ and will run from autumn 2025 to spring 2027.

During the project, we will work closely with people with disabilities in Åland and Sweden to develop and test the material.

Results and benefits

The training focuses on practical knowledge and skills for providing constructive feedback based on the personal experiences of users of digital services.

Unlike traditional digital skills initiatives, where participants are expected to absorb completely new and often unfamiliar information, this training builds on the participants’ own motivation and experiences. The training highlights and reinforces the knowledge that participants already have. The aim is to strengthen participants’ digital confidence and give them the tools to use their experiences to contribute to improvements in websites and digital services.

The result is open training material in Swedish and English that can be used by organisations for people with disabilities, study circles, folk high schools, adult education centres and similar institutions.