Using the WCAG standard in educational projects as a tool for developing digital and inclusive competence

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25128/2520-6230.25.3.2

Keywords:

project, digitalization, inclusivity, WCAG, accessibility, social work, alternative, adaptation

Abstract

The article analyzes the implementation of the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standard in Ukraine in the context of the development of digital technologies and ensuring inclusion in social work through design. The impact of digitalization on the accessibility of information resources for persons with disabilities, in particular in the field of social services, is studied. The main challenges faced by social services in adapting web resources to international accessibility standards are identified, and alternative approaches and technologies are considered to ensure equal access to information and services for all citizens.

The article highlights the importance of implementing the WCAG standard in Ukraine, analyzes the current state of affairs, identifies the main challenges and suggests ways to overcome them through the use of innovative technologies and the development of inclusive practices in social work. Ensuring the accessibility of digital resources is a key element of creating a fair and inclusive society that meets the requirements of the modern world.

The implementation of the WCAG standard in Ukraine is an important step towards ensuring inclusivity and equal access to digital services for all citizens. Despite certain challenges, such as the lack of clear regulatory requirements, technical and cultural barriers, there are significant opportunities to improve accessibility through the implementation of modern technologies and the development of inclusive practices. Comparative analysis shows that successful implementation of WCAG is possible provided there is a comprehensive approach, including regulatory support, educational initiatives and financial resources. The implementation of the WCAG standard in Ukraine is a necessary step to ensure inclusivity and equal access to digital services. Compliance with accessibility standards will contribute to the social integration of persons with disabilities and improve the quality of social services provided in the digital environment.

Author Biography

Vitalii Kvashuk, Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, Uman

PhD Student, Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, St. Sadova, 2, Uman, Cherkasy region

References

World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). (2018). Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. URL: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/

Закон України «Про забезпечення доступності інтернет-контенту для осіб з інвалідністю». (2020). [Law of Ukraine «On Ensuring Accessibility of Internet Content for Persons with Disabilities». (2020)]. URL: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/366-2021-%D1%80#Text [in Ukrainian]

Державна служба України з питань доступності. (2023). Звіт про стан впровадження стандартів доступності в Україні. [State Service of Ukraine for Accessibility. (2023). Report on the status of implementation of accessibility standards in Ukraine]. URL: https://kyiv.dsp.gov.ua/novyny/informatsiia-pro-stan-vykonannia-planu-zakhodiv-na-2023-2024-roky-z-realizatsii-natsionalnoi-stratehii-iz-stvorennia-bezbar-iernoho-prostoru-v-ukraini-na-period-do-2030-roku-ii-kvartal-2024-roku/ [in Ukrainian]

Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2022). Digital Inclusion and Accessibility in Social Services. Kyiv: Digital Press.

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. (2021). Accessibility of Digital Services in the EU. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.

Іванов П., Петрова M. (2023). Виклики та перспективи впровадження WCAG в українських організаціях. Журнал соціальної роботи, 15(3), 45-60.

United Nations. (2018). CRPD: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. URL: https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html

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Published

2025-11-02

How to Cite

Kvashuk, V. . (2025). Using the WCAG standard in educational projects as a tool for developing digital and inclusive competence. Social Work and Education, 12(3), 324–331. https://doi.org/10.25128/2520-6230.25.3.2

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 3 (2025): Social Work and Education

Section

RECENT ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK

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Copyright (c) 2025 Vitalii Kvashuk

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