Digital inclusion in practice – a mapping of how Norwegian companies work with universal design
This summary presents the main findings from a survey carried out by Uu-tilsynet in the autumn of 2024. We have mapped how the public sector works with universal design of ICT solutions, especially related to accessibility statements.
Public and private companies work with universal design of ICT solutions
Nearly all companies maintain a digital presence, with each having a website, while 30% also have apps. Only a minority of companies have self-service machines, but most use social media as a communication platform with customers and users.
Familiarity with Norwegian universal design regulations is high across sectors, though only a minority of companies know the specific requirements for their web solutions. A significant majority of public sector organizations (>90%) are well-versed in the laws and regulations for universal design of websites, apps, and self-service machines, compared to 66% in the private sector. However, fewer than 50% of public sector organizations and only 20% of private companies fully understand the legal requirements for universal design.
Does the company have websites and/or apps?
Public vs. Private Sector Approaches to Universal Design in ICT
There is a marked difference in how public and private sector organizations implement universal design in their ICT solutions. Over half of public sector organizations have dedicated roles for overseeing universal design (with slightly higher rates in state agencies than in communal organizations). Approximately 70% of public sector organizations have set strategic goals for universal design of ICT solutions, and the same proportion report ongoing efforts to comply with universal design requirements. The private sector lags significantly in all these areas.
Does the company have one or more dedicated roles responsible for overseeing universal design within the organization?
Universal Design in Procurement and Development Processes
State agencies are most effective in ensuring universal design during procurement and development: around 80% assess user needs and verify their fulfilment in procurement processes. This figure drops to 60% for communal organisations and approximately 50% for private companies.
About 60% of organizations feel they have sufficient competence to meet ICT accessibility requirements, though public agencies report much higher levels of competence than private companies. Similarly, few private companies report having adequate access to information about ICT accessibility, compared to public organizations.
The company assesses user needs when procuring/developing ICT solutions
Public companies work with web accessibility statements
High Compliance: Over 80% of organizations have reviewed and updated their accessibility statements.
Defined Roles and Responsibilities: Although 70% of state agencies have assigned specific roles for reviewing accessibility statements, only half of communes have done so. Even fewer, just 40% of state agencies and 30% of municipalities, have clear routines for managing accessibility statements.
Positive Impact: A large majority of public organizations report that accessibility statements have improved knowledge and skills among those working on accessibility, led to tangible enhancements in the universal design of their ICT solutions, and increased management awareness, raising accessibility on the organizational agenda.
Ongoing Needs: Less than half of public organizations feel they have sufficient in-house competence to work effectively with accessibility statements. Just over half believe that available guidance from the Authority for Universal Design of ICT meets their needs.