Unsterstand the Law

The purpose of the law

Certain products and services must be accessible.

Everyone must be able to use them. This includes people with disabilities, impairments or deficiencies.

Often, these products and services are not yet accessible and must be modified.

The OSAPS monitors whether the companies concerned are doing this work.

What products?

When the law refers to products, it mainly means electronic devices, such as:

• a computer for accessing the Internet
• an ATM for withdrawing money
• a parking meter to pay your parking
• a television for watching video on demand
• a card reader for paying in shops
• a mobile phone for calling a friend.

Which services?

When the law refers to services, it mainly refers to Internet services, such as:

• booking a table at a restaurant
• buying a plane or train ticket
• ordering beverages online
• doing your banking online
• sending a message by mobile phone
• watching a program you missed.

Compliance

A product or service must be accessible within the meaning of the law, i.e. compliant. It is deemed compliant if, among other things,

• its interface and the information displayed are perceptible to all sensory impairments.

For example, a touchscreen dispenser must have a keypad and a video must have subtitles.

• its functions can be operated without requiring specific physical abilities.

For example, buttons on a terminal must be large enough and spaced apart, and online payments must not have a time limit.

• if its navigation and information are understandable in the event of cognitive limitations.

For example, the steps in a user manual must be logical, and a credit agreement must not be confusing.

• if its content is robust, i.e. it can be interpreted by assistive technologies.

For example, by screen readers, Braille keyboards, voice commands, speech synthesis programs.