1. Introduction

To enable all people, including persons with disabilities, to live independently and participate in all aspects of life, we should take every opportunity to make information accessible to all.

1.1 Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

With the rapid growth of the Internet, ensuring that websites are accessible to persons with disabilities is now an essential consideration to enable their full integration into society.

This is also in line with the spirit of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which came into force for the People’s Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), on 31 August 2008.

1.2 Promoting Web Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

Over the years, the HKSAR Government has been actively promoting web accessibility to help persons with disabilities access online information and services and enhance their user experience.

Since 1999, the Government has promulgated accessibility guidelines and best practices for the design of government websites. The guidelines are also available to the public as a reference for making their websites accessible. The latest version of the guidelines is available at: https://www.webforall.gov.hk/en

1.3 Web Accessibility Handbook

This Handbook is designed for senior executives and managers to better understand the importance of web accessibility and show how it can be successfully implemented.