NISO Unveils New Standard for Accessibility in Digital Resources: What It Means for Libraries and Access Institutions

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Fri, 13 Jun 2025

The National Information Standards Organization (niso) has recently unveiled a new standard for accessibility in digital resources, aiming to improve the discovery, use, and accessibility of digital content for people with disabilities. The new standard, titled "Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) 1.2: User Interface Accessibility in Web Applications" (niso Standard Z299.6-2022), outlines guidelines for developers and publishers to create more accessible digital resources, ultimately benefiting libraries and access institutions.

What is ARIA?

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) is a set of guidelines that provides a way for developers to make web applications more accessible to people with disabilities. The standard defines a set of technical attributes, or "properties," that can be applied to HTML elements in web applications to provide alternative and augmentative information about the application’s interface, allowing users to better understand and interact with the application.

What does the new standard entail?

The new niso standard for ARIA 1.2 builds upon the existing ARIA 1.1 standard, expanding the definition of accessible properties to include more situations and offering more detailed guidelines for developers. The standard aims to improve the overall accessibility of web applications, including those used in libraries and by individuals with disabilities. Some key features of the new standard include:

1. Improved navigation and orientation: The standard provides guidelines for making navigation and orientation in web applications more accessible, such as improving the availability and conveyance of information about the application’s structure and roles.
2. Enhanced event handling: The standard outlines how to make event handling in web applications more accessible, including how to provide alternative ways for users to initiate and end events.
3. More descriptive and detailed orientation: The standard encourages developers to provide more descriptive and detailed information about the application’s structure, roles, and functionality, to help users with disabilities better understand and interact with the application.

What does it mean for libraries and access institutions?

The niso ARIA 1.2 standard has significant implications for libraries and access institutions, as it aims to improve the accessibility of digital resources and online applications. By adopting this standard, libraries and access institutions can:

1. Enhance user experience: By providing more accessible digital resources, libraries and access institutions can improve the overall user experience for users with disabilities, promoting equal access to information and knowledge.
2. Mitigate legal risks: The standard helps libraries and access institutions to comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which require equal access to information and services for individuals with disabilities.
3. Foster better collaboration and communication: The standard can facilitate better collaboration and communication between developers, publishers, and accessibility experts, leading to more accessible and user-friendly digital resources.

Conclusion

The niso standard for ARIA 1.2 is a significant step forward in promoting accessibility in digital resources, and its adoption by libraries and access institutions is crucial for promoting equal access to information and knowledge. By embracing this standard, libraries and access institutions can not only enhance the user experience for users with disabilities but also demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. As technology continues to evolve, the niso standard for ARIA 1.2 will play a vital role in ensuring that digital resources are more accessible and usable for everyone, regardless of ability.