Digital Business Ireland and New Graphic partner to drive deployment of accessible digital tools ahead of deadline in 12 months.
Digital Business Ireland (DBI), the country’s largest representative body for digital and online businesses, has partnered with user-centred design agency New Graphic to work with the members of DBI to help them to democratise their websites and tools to ensure digital accessibility ahead of a major June 2025 deadline for European businesses.
By June 2025 the websites and digital assets of private sector bodies must be fully digitally-accessible under EU law.
“We believe accessible design means better design. We understand that there is a knowledge gap regarding digital accessibility”
Under the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standard and under law as per the European Accessibility Act (EAA) the websites, digital assets and applications of private sector bodies must be fully digitally accessible by 2025.
Therefore, companies across Ireland now have just 12 months to ensure compliance with this legislation.
Design meets function
Currently, 600,000 people are currently living with a disability in Ireland, and their part in the digital revolution is limited, given many platforms, digital tools and websites are not accessible to them.
This strategic partnership will bring New Graphic’s expertise in the digital sector to DBI’s membership of 8,500 businesses.
“DBI is passionate about being a voice for those who have been excluded from the digital revolution,” said Caroline Dunlea, chair of Digital Business Ireland.
“We want to see the Government actively, meaningfully deliver on an EU directive that mandates public and private sector websites to meet the requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standard, and ensure that their websites can be accessed by all users, regardless of ability.
“For this reason we are delighted to announce our strategic partnership with New Graphic. Their expertise and innovation has marked them out as a market leader, and they will be a huge asset to our members in the months and years ahead,” Dunlea said.
New Graphic will also participate at DBI’s upcoming Summit at Croke Park on September 5, where it will be on hand to assist businesses with planning for compliance on the day, as well as at a dedicated Skills Sessions later this year.
New Graphic’s current list of clients includes Heritage Ireland, The Teaching Council, The GAA, The Royal Irish Academy, and The National Archives.
“We are an experienced, passionate, and insight-driven design team,” said Diarmuid Slattery, CEO of New Graphic.
“We believe accessible design means better design. We understand that there is a knowledge gap regarding digital accessibility. We believe we are well positioned to help members of the DBI community bridge that gap.”
Main image at top: The New Graphic team
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