Accessibility Manifesto -
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Accessibility Manifesto
Business Accessibility Forum (BAF)

Introduction

In 2006, the UN established accessibility standards for people with disabilities. In 2019, the European Union decided that products and services must be accessible to everyone. On April 26, 2024, Poland introduced new laws to help build a society without discrimination. This ensures equal access to information, technology, and services for all.

What is important to us?

  • Accessibility is a human right: It enables the enjoyment of many other rights, such as access to information, work, education, culture, and freedom of speech.
  • Access to digital resources is crucial: Without it, these rights remain out of reach for people facing various barriers.
  • New laws bring opportunities: They encourage companies to innovate and adopt new technologies, helping them reach new customers and benefiting the businesses.

BAF’s Vision

  • Collaboration is key: Ensuring accessibility requires cooperation between public and private sectors and experts from various fields.
  • Clear and reasonable rules: Broad cooperation helps create clear and practical accessibility standards.
  • Commitment to high standards: We aim to uphold the best accessibility standards, spread knowledge, and help build an inclusive society for everyone.

Our Mission

We believe that a common understanding of accessibility is crucial for its effective implementation in the EU market. Therefore, we strive to promote good practices in Poland and worldwide.

The Ten Accessibility Commandments

  1. Flexibility: Accessibility is a continuous process.
  2. Harmonization of regulations in the EU: This will facilitate international trade and reduce costs for businesses.
  3. Common standards: We need to prevent differences in standards within Poland.
  4. Clear procedures: Simple implementation rules are necessary.
  5. Open communication: We are open to feedback.
  6. Constructive dialogue: We believe in cooperation between businesses, consumers, and regulatory bodies.
  7. Technological understanding: We support companies in adopting new technologies.
  8. Partnership: We aim to educate the market on the benefits of accessibility.
  9. Investments: We advocate for funding in accessibility to benefit consumers and business growth.
  10. W3C standards: These should be the global benchmark for accessibility.

Call to Action

Accessibility is essential, not optional. It ensures equal access to rights and freedoms for everyone. We encourage everyone who agrees with our vision of an accessible world to share the content of this Manifesto.