Latest news with #WebContentAccessibilityGuidelines
Daily News Egypt
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's FRA issues new website and cybersecurity rules for insurance sector
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has issued new regulations establishing licensing, technical, and cybersecurity standards for the websites of all companies and individuals operating in the country's insurance sector. The new rules, outlined in Resolution No. (62) of 2025, mandate that private insurance funds with assets of EGP 10 million or more must establish an official website. The FRA will be the sole authority to issue licences for these websites, in accordance with the Unified Insurance Law No. 155 of 2024. Smaller funds and individuals working in the insurance sector will be permitted to create websites, provided they adhere to the same set of regulations. The measures are part of a broader framework outlined in the Unified Insurance Law. Article (3) of the law defines the insurance sector as comprising insurers, reinsurers, and related professions and activities. It also authorises the FRA's Board of Directors to licence other insurance services based on market demand, subject to established standards and capital requirements. Technical and Content Mandates Under the resolution, chaired by FRA Chairperson Mohamed Farid, all insurance sector websites must meet specific technical standards. These include having a responsive design for accessibility across mobile phones, tablets, and computers, as well as compatibility with all major internet browsers. Websites must also be user-friendly, provide easy access to information, and comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for users with disabilities. Arabic must be the primary language, with other languages optional. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) best practices must be implemented. Entities are required to publish essential information, including a company profile, their FRA-issued licence number, detailed descriptions of services, and clear contact information. The sites must also feature financial reports, periodic disclosures, and a dedicated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. The resolution requires all website content to be updated regularly to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with technical controls. Cybersecurity and Data Protection The regulations place a strong emphasis on information security, mandating a range of technical safeguards to protect user data. These include: The use of modern encryption protocols (SSL/TLS). The implementation of advanced security systems such as network firewalls, Web Application Firewalls (WAF), and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS). The use of anti-virus and anti-malware software (EPP/EDR). Entities must adhere to international standards, particularly ISO 27001 and NIST, and conduct annual penetration tests and regular software updates. Any security breach or cyberattack must be reported to the FRA immediately. Furthermore, all affected entities must comply with the Anti-Cyber and Information Technology Crimes Law No. 175 of 2018 and the Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020. This includes creating clear privacy policies, obtaining written consent from users before sharing their data with third parties, and providing a mechanism for users to request the modification or deletion of their data. The rules also require regular data backups for disaster recovery and the retention of system application logs for a minimum of five years. Outsourcing and Compliance The resolution permits the outsourcing of website design and development to data hosting providers that are officially registered with the FRA. However, the licensed entity must retain qualified technical staff to evaluate the quality and security of the outsourced work. An outsourcing plan approved by the board of directors is also required. The FRA said the measures are designed to regulate the creation of websites for private insurance funds and other entities in the sector. The authority stated the initiative is part of its strategy to modernise the industry's digital infrastructure, enhance digital transformation, and ensure compliance with governance, transparency, and data protection standards. All affected entities have a three-month grace period from the resolution's effective date to regularise their status. The FRA has committed to processing complete licence applications within 15 days of submission.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Miami Herald
7 digital travel fails hurting your summer bookings (and how to fix them)
7 digital travel fails hurting your summer bookings (and how to fix them) Summer travel season is in full swing, and for many Americans, that means jumping online to book flights, hotels, and excursions. For millions of travelers with disabilities, however, that process often ends in frustration. Inaccessible websites can make it difficult, if not impossible, to complete a reservation. This can result in missed sales, negative experiences, and long-term brand damage, AudioEye reports. While some accessibility issues may seem minor, their impact is anything but. Unlabeled buttons, clunky forms, and poor color contrast aren't just usability flaws, they're digital barriers that exclude a growing portion of your customer base. And as the travel industry looks to compete in a crowded summer market, fixing these issues is a smart, high-impact way to improve experience and capture more bookings. Below are seven of the most common digital accessibility pitfalls found on travel websites today, with practical tips to help fix them before peak season is over. 1. Poor Color Contrast Makes Key Details Impossible to Read In AudioEye's 2025 Digital Accessibility Index, which analyzed over 53,000 pages across more than 1,600 travel and hospitality websites, color contrast violations emerged as one of the most common accessibility failures. The average hospitality page had 85 violations, among the highest across all industries. Meanwhile, older travelers aged 60+ represent nearly 37 % of all travelers, according to The Senior List. Many of whom are more likely to experience low vision. When critical information like room descriptions, pricing, or the "Book Now" button blends into the background, your site isn't just hard to use - it's costing you customers. How to fix it: Use accessible color contrast ratios (at least 4.5:1 for body text according to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, or WCAG) to ensure text is readable against background colors. This small design fix can make a huge difference in usability. 2. Inaccessible Forms Disrupt the Booking Flow Travel websites averaged four inaccessible forms or buttons per page in AudioEye's Index, which is a major issue when you consider users encountering them are often at the final step of the journey. They've done the research, picked a hotel or experience, and are ready to book. If form labels or instructions are missing, assistive technology users can hit a wall at checkout, causing frustration and sending their business straight to a competitor with a more accessible site. How to fix it: Ensure every form field has a clear label and instructions. Avoid using vague error messages or unlabeled buttons, which can greatly impact usability. 3. Broken Date Pickers Cause Booking Mistakes Poorly designed date pickers can lead to booking errors, particularly for users who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation. Without clear visual or audio confirmation, it's easy to select the wrong dates, resulting in confusion, added costs, and lost trust. "I thought I picked Sunday to Monday, but it actually booked me Monday to Tuesday," said Marche, an AudioEye A11iance community member. "I didn't realize until later, and it cost me $175 to fix." How to fix it: Use accessible date pickers that clearly indicate selected dates and offer keyboard navigation. Provide a summary confirmation before booking is finalized. 4. Missing Alt Text on Images Limits Traveler Confidence Travelers often rely on photos to make booking decisions, but the average hospitality page has 26.9 inaccessible images. Without alt text, users with visual impairments are left guessing what a room or amenity actually looks like. "Amenities are just pictures with no descriptions," said Ana, an A11iance community member. "I need a wheelchair-accessible room, but they never tell you what that means. Just saying 'accessible' isn't enough." How to fix it: Add descriptive alt text to all images, especially for rooms, amenities, and location features. Be specific about accessibility features (e.g., "roll-in shower," "grab bars by toilet"). 5. Keyboard Navigation Is Broken AudioEye's research found that 41% of travel pages were difficult or impossible to navigate with a keyboard alone. For users who rely on keyboard commands, including those with motor disabilities, this can be a complete barrier to booking. How to fix it: Ensure your site supports full keyboard navigation. That includes tabbing through links, selecting drop-downs, and completing forms without needing a mouse. 6. Unclear or Vague Links Leave Users Guessing The average hospitality page had 5.4 inaccessible links, according to AudioEye's Index, which often meant vague text like "Click here" or buttons that didn't describe what they did. For screen reader users, this makes site navigation confusing and frustrating. How to fix it: Use descriptive link text like "View room details" or "Add WiFi package." Screen reader users should understand exactly where each link will take them. 7. Accessibility Details Are Missing or Misleading Even when hotels offer accessible accommodations, they often fail to explain what that really means. Vague or generic language, like simply labeling a room "accessible," leaves travelers guessing. Is there a roll-in shower? Are doorways wide enough for a wheelchair? Without answers, travelers with disabilities are forced to book elsewhere or take on unnecessary risk. "Just saying 'accessible' doesn't help. I want to know if the bed is high, if there are grab bars, how wide the doorways are. If you show me you're open and inclusive, I'll book with you - and come back," Marche continued. How to fix it: Be specific in your accessibility listings. Include detailed information about rooms, amenities, transportation, and dining. Make it part of the booking flow, not a buried footnote. Make Summer Travel Seamless for Everyone It's hard to remember the last time booking a trip didn't start online. Whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a long-anticipated summer vacation, today's travelers expect digital convenience from start to finish. But when accessibility is overlooked, you risk alienating a large and growing portion of your customer base. Travel brands that invest in accessible design have a unique opportunity to not only welcome a broader audience but to become the go-to choice for travelers seeking ease, clarity, and confidence by creating better experiences for everyone who walks through their (virtual) front door. This story was produced by AudioEye and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
University of Phoenix Leadership Presents at 1EdTech
Vice President of Accessibility and Student Affairs Kelly Hermann discusses digital content guidelines at 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference PHOENIX, June 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Phoenix is pleased to announce that Vice President of Accessibility and Student Affairs Kelly Hermann co-presented at the 2025 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference held June 2-5 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown in Indianapolis, Indiana. The presentation, titled "Equitable Education and the 1EdTech Accessibility Rubric," focused on the importance of ensuring digital ecosystems are accessible and compliant with the newest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. "As digital learning environments evolve, it's increasingly helpful for institutions to stay aware of current accessibility standards," Hermann said. "At this year's 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference, we were pleased to share how updated accessibility rubrics and practical strategies can help foster learning experiences that support all students." Hermann's presentation delved into the new guidelines and offered practical advice on making learning resources, websites, and mobile apps accessible for users. The discussion also emphasized the importance of understanding and leveraging guidelines to help foster a welcoming educational environment. Hermann chairs the Accessibility Taskforce for 1EdTech and collaborated on the project to develop an accessibility vetting rubric to help institutions improve access for students with disabilities, and to improve trust by evaluating the non-technical aspects of accessibility that can impact purchasing decisions and helping to establish a common tool evaluation framework. Outside of her work with 1EdTech, Hermann's leadership is broadly recognized in the education technology community, and she has co-authored a chapter on accessibility to the Routledge text, Leading the eLearning Transformation of Higher Education, as well as other organizational texts by Anthology, D2L, WCET, and OLC, and by leading educational publications including Inside Higher Ed, EdSurge, The EvoLLLution and eCampus News. Hermann was instrumental in developing and deploying a survey on workplace accessibility awareness, understanding, and development opportunities. In her role at University of Phoenix, Hermann serves as the Vice President of Accessibility and Student Affairs with oversight of the university's accessibility initiative, including the evaluation and remediation of curricular resources, the Center for Access, Resources, Engagement and Support Services (CARES) which provides accommodations to students with disabilities and the Office of Collaborative Learning and Educational Engagement, which works with University stakeholders, community partners and sponsors to create a welcoming educational environment for the students, faculty, and staff. Recognizing her work, Hermann received global recognition as a 1EdTech Leader for her work in creating open, trusted, and innovative digital ecosystems that power learner potential. Learn more about accessibility at University of Phoenix here. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACTMichele MitchumUniversity of Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GR Digital Marketing Announces Launch of Results-Driven Marketing Services with a Relationship-Driven Approach
GR Digital Marketing Spring Hill, Tennessee, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GR Digital Marketing is thrilled to announce the launch of its USA-based digital marketing agency, which focuses on a selection of specialist services, including Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising on Google and other platforms, ADA Compliance for websites, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). Under the dedicated leadership of founder Grayson Robinson, GR Digital Marketing is committed to delivering powerful, results-driven solutions with a relationship-driven approach. Grayson discovered early on the power digital strategies hold for transforming businesses. Driven by a passion for digital innovation and a genuine desire to help companies succeed, he made it his mission to equip businesses with the tools, strategies, and support they need to thrive online. His career began with hands-on internships that allowed him to dive deeply into digital marketing, from creating impactful strategies to decoding complex algorithms. Those foundational experiences shaped the vision and values that guide GR Digital Marketing today. 'Our client's growth and success are personal to us, and we're committed to delivering results that exceed expectations,' said founder Grayson. From small startups to established enterprises, GR Digital Marketing values every client and specializes in creating tailored digital marketing strategies for every industry. Through hard work, personalized attention, and strategic innovation, Grayson has built GR Digital Marketing into a trusted partner for businesses looking to achieve standout results online. With the slogan, 'Growing your business, one meaningful connection at a time,' the digital marketing agency leverages its expertise to craft a strategy that delivers measurable results and continued sustainable growth for every client. The Core Digital Marketing Services offered at includes: Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising on Google and other platforms: GR Digital Marketing expertly manages PPC campaigns tailored to generate maximum returns. By leveraging in-depth keyword analysis, strategic ad placement, continuous optimization, and real-time analytics, the agency ensures that each PPC campaign delivers targeted traffic, increased visibility, and exceptional ROI. ADA Compliance for Websites: Understanding the growing importance of web accessibility, GR Digital Marketing provides comprehensive ADA Compliance solutions to help businesses comply fully with current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). GR Digital Marketing meticulously audits websites, implements necessary accessibility improvements and helps clients maintain ongoing compliance. This proactive approach not only protects businesses legally but fosters inclusivity and enhances brand trust and reputation.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tax season is hard enough. Inaccessible websites make it worse.
Many government and financial websites are still difficult to use for people with disabilities, especially during tax season. From confusing navigation to inaccessible forms and documents, these barriers make it hard to file taxes or manage finances independently. Tax season is often a source of stress and confusion—from navigating complicated forms to tracking down essential documents. For many Americans, the process has gone digital in recent years, with everything from tax filing to payment portals now hosted online. But for the millions of people with disabilities who rely on accessible technology to navigate the internet, tax season presents an added challenge: government and financial websites remain deeply inaccessible, making it difficult—and in some cases, impossible—to meet their financial obligations independently, AudioEye says. According to AudioEye's 2025 Digital Accessibility Index, the average government webpage contains 307 accessibility violations—one of the highest rates of any industry analyzed in the report. From unlabeled form fields to vague navigation links, these barriers can prevent users from applying for benefits, filing taxes, or accessing critical public services. Government websites frequently rely on images to convey information, including application instructions and service directories. Yet 15.3 images per page lacked alternative text (alt text), which allows people who are blind or have low vision to understand the content and purpose of images through screen readers. And with 77% of pages containing unclear links, navigating a site to find the correct tax form or deadline becomes a frustrating, if not impossible, task. "I use an online tax service, and navigating the platform is often slow and irksome," said Dave Carlson, a member of AudioEye's A11iance Community. "Not all modules work the same way, and it takes a lot of trial and error just to reach input fields and Continue buttons. After years of using it, I've figured out how to get through it—but it shouldn't be that hard." In addition to government portals, financial services websites—which host tools for direct deposits, tax refunds, and loan information—are also falling behind on accessibility. In fact, they were among the worst-performing sectors in the 2025 Index. AudioEye analyzed more than 57,000 pages across 1,500+ financial services sites and found that: 80% of pages included unclear or vague links, making it hard to locate key services like payment portals or transaction histories. The average page contained 74 violations of minimum color contrast requirements as outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), making forms and financial documents difficult to read for users with low vision. On average, there were 6.8 inaccessible forms per page—preventing users from opening accounts, transferring funds, or setting up automatic payments. "One of the biggest issues for me during tax season is getting my bank and credit card data in a usable format," Carlson continued. "Most institutions only offer PDFs, which are nearly impossible to navigate when dealing with large tables. I need spreadsheets, but getting them often means calling the institution and explaining the issue—year after year. Nothing changes, so I've just had to get smarter about workarounds." Website accessibility issues don't just create barriers for users—they also expose organizations to greater legal risk. With the Department of Justice gearing up to enforce updates to Title II of the ADA and stronger Section 508 compliance rules, both public agencies and private institutions will soon face more scrutiny regarding the accessibility of their websites. For organizations—both public and private—the takeaway is clear: Digital accessibility must be a priority. Here are a few ways to start: Audit and test regularly: Use a combination of automated scanning tools and expert testing by people with disabilities to identify and fix issues that lead to lawsuits. Prioritize accessibility in high-traffic areas: Focus on critical pages such as login portals, form submissions, and payment tools where users are most likely to encounter issues. Engage with the disability community: Invite users with disabilities to share feedback and participate in the design and QA process. Their lived experience offers insight that internal testing often misses. Fix the basics: Ensure every image has alt text, every form field has a clear label, and every link accurately describes where it goes. When essential services like tax filing, refund tracking, and benefit applications are out of reach, it creates unnecessary barriers to independence, privacy, and financial stability. Accessibility isn't just a feature to check off—it's a civil right. Achieving it requires more than automated scans or surface-level fixes. It demands a comprehensive, thoughtful approach that includes testing with real users, fixing issues at the source, and building digital experiences that work for everyone. This story was produced by AudioEye and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
