We are proud to announce that our website, www.brusselshealthnetwork.be, has obtained the AnySurfer accessibility label – a recognition that affirms our commitment to ensuring inclusion for all users, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.
A Commitment to Greater Accessibility
Ensuring digital inclusion is a priority for the Brussels Health Network. That is why we have initiated a continuous improvement process for our website to make it accessible to as many people as possible, particularly those with disabilities. To achieve this, we enlisted AnySurfer, which conducted a thorough audit of our site to assess its compliance with the WCAG 2.1 AA standard.
Obtaining this label is an important first step, but we recognize that digital accessibility is a continuous improvement process. We will continue our efforts to ensure that our website, in all its language versions (FR, NL, EN), adheres to these standards and meets the needs of all our users.
WCAG 2.1 Standards and the Legal Obligation in Belgium
The WCAG 2.1 standards are internationally recognized guidelines that define best practices for making websites and applications accessible to a wide audience, including people with disabilities. Comprising around sixty technical criteria, this standard covers various aspects of accessibility: visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive. The label requires, among other things, text alternatives for images, keyboard-friendly navigation, subtitles and transcripts for videos, high contrast, and a clear content hierarchy for more intuitive navigation.
In Belgium, the law of July 19, 2018, mandates that websites and mobile applications of public sector organizations comply with these strict digital accessibility standards. This legislation aims to ensure that all citizens, including people with disabilities, can access information and online services without barriers. According to a study conducted in Belgium, nearly half of public sector websites still do not meet accessibility standards. The Brussels Health Network is proud to be among the organizations committed to this inclusive approach.
An Accessible Website: A Benefit for Everyone
An accessible website benefits not only people with disabilities but all users. A clear and intuitive interface enhances the overall user experience, whether for someone using a screen reader, navigating with a keyboard, or simply browsing the site in low-light conditions.
Understanding Health Data Management: A Priority
Beyond accessibility, the Brussels Health Network’s website aims to be a true information platform on health data management. It offers explanatory articles, detailed tutorials, and educational and testimonial videos, helping everyone better understand the importance and functioning of secure health data sharing. Whether you are a patient, a healthcare professional, or simply curious, our website guides you through every step to help you better manage your digital health.
We invite you to explore all the available resources at www.brusselshealthnetwork.be and enjoy a website designed for everyone!
[1] To learn more about digital accessibility and how to make your website more accessible, visit https://www.anysurfer.be/en.