Adopting ETSI EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1) Standards and Addressing Limitations
Scrive complies with WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA, following EN 301 549 across our core product interfaces. Accessibility is built into our design, development, and QA processes, supported by audits, training, and continuous improvement.
Compliance may vary in the following cases due to third-party or user-generated content:
Scrive will adopt WCAG 2.2 once it is included in EN 301 549 by ETSI.
We’re committed to European accessibility standards and to making our solutions inclusive and usable for all.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 is an internationally recognised standard for web accessibility, established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It aims to make web content more accessible to a broader range of people with disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurological disabilities. WCAG 2.1 builds on previous versions (WCAG 2.0 and 2.1) and introduces additional success criteria to address emerging accessibility challenges.
EN 301 549 is a European standard for digital accessibility, created by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) in collaboration with the European Commission. This standard specifies the functional accessibility requirements for ICT (Information and Communication Technology) products and services.
Incorporates WCAG 2.1: EN 301 549 includes the WCAG 2.1 guidelines as part of its criteria for web accessibility.
EN 301 549 is a broader standard that applies to a wide range of ICT products and services, not just web content. It uses WCAG 2.1 as a reference for the web accessibility portion of the standard.
The name “EN 301 549” reflects its status as a European Norm (EN), which is a standard that has been harmonised and adopted across European countries. The number “301 549” is a unique identifier for the standard within ETSI’s catalogue.
In summary, it’s called EN 301 549 because it’s a European standard that encompasses more than just web accessibility, while WCAG 2.1 is a specific set of guidelines within that standard. In Scrive’s case, we will be following the EN 301 549 WCAG 2.1 standard that includes all the required criteria for web accessibility.
Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive. This includes providing text alternatives for non-text content, creating adaptable content, and ensuring distinguishable visual and auditory content.
Adhering to EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1) is crucial for creating inclusive digital experiences that cater to all users, regardless of their abilities. It not only enhances user satisfaction and engagement but also helps organisations comply with legal and regulatory requirements. By integrating these guidelines into our workflows and design processes, we can ensure our web content is accessible, usable, and beneficial for everyone.
To effectively implement EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1), Scrive will focus on the following steps:
By prioritising accessibility, we not only comply with standards but also demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the digital space.
While Scrive is committed to adhering to the EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1) guidelines to ensure our application suite is as inclusive as possible, there are inherent limitations related to certain external factors that impact the overall accessibility of our services. Two primary areas where these limitations are evident include the integration of electronic identification (eID) systems and the use of PDF files in the signing flow.
Scrive integrates various eID systems to facilitate secure and verified electronic signatures. However, the accessibility of these eID systems is contingent on the design and implementation by the respective eID providers. As a result:
The use of PDF files for document signing presents another challenge in achieving full accessibility. Key issues include:
Despite these limitations, Scrive remains dedicated to improving accessibility within the scope of our control. Our approach includes:
By acknowledging these limitations and actively working to mitigate their impact, Scrive aims to offer a more accessible and user-friendly experience for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
At Scrive, our commitment to accessibility is a long-term endeavour with the goal of continually improving our services in alignment with the EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1) standards. Given our diverse product suite, including eSign Online, eSign GO, eSign API, eID Hub, and ID Check, we need a structured approach to ensure each service gradually enhances its accessibility.
Given that many documents processed through Scrive are user-generated PDFs, which often have varying levels of accessibility, we must:
By integrating these practices into our operations, Scrive aims to gradually enhance the accessibility of our services, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all users. For more information about our product offerings and accessibility efforts, you can visit Scrive.
By taking these steps, we demonstrate our long-term commitment to making our services accessible to everyone, thereby fostering inclusivity and compliance with international accessibility standards.
The Scrive design team plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s commitment to accessibility and adherence to EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1) standards, both in the short and long term. Their responsibilities and initiatives include:
Leadership in Accessibility Design:
Collaboration and Integration:
Continuous Improvement and Support:
Long-Term Commitment:
Through Leadership, collaboration, and commitment, the Scrive design team ensures that the company not only meets but exceeds accessibility standards, creating a more inclusive digital experience for all users.
At Scrive, our dedication to accessibility is not merely a project with a defined endpoint but a continuous journey towards creating a more inclusive digital environment. As we strive to enhance our compliance with EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1) standards across all our services, we recognize that accessibility is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with new challenges and innovations.
Our approach is holistic, involving regular audits, user feedback, and collaboration with eID providers to ensure that every aspect of our service is as accessible as possible. By prioritising inclusive design and offering robust support and resources, we aim to empower all users, including those with disabilities, to fully utilise our services.
This long-term commitment reflects our core values of inclusivity, innovation, and excellence. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to refining our processes, embracing new technologies, and fostering an environment where accessibility is a fundamental aspect of our digital solutions.
Together, we can make a significant impact, not just by complying with standards but by leading the way in accessibility. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to create a more accessible digital world for everyone.
If you are looking for more information on our accessibility features and best practices, you can find these in our help centre.
