The Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 require public sector bodies, subject to various exemptions and conditions, to:
1. Make public sector websites and mobile applications accessible.
2. Provide an accessibility statement.
The accessibility regulations state that a public sector body does not need to meet the accessibility requirement if this would put a disproportionate burden on them, provided that a disproportionate burden assessment is undertaken.
This disproportionate burden assessment relates to two issues in the NHS App for Apple iOS and one issue in the logged in area of the NHS website.
1.
Navigating to web content areas using full keyboard access in Apple iOS
The full keyboard access feature in Apple iOS does not allow users to navigate into web content areas within the NHS App, as required by WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.1.1 (Keyboard). This is a known platform issue that affects all web content on apps available on Apple iOS.
Benefits of creating an accessible version
Apple iOS users would be able to use a keyboard to navigate through the entire application. They would not need to rely on screen gestures or other Apple iOS features, such as VoiceOver or Switch Control.
Burden
Another way that the issue is resolved is if Apple fixes it or to allow keyboard navigation would be to rebuild the NHS App as an entirely web or native app.
Assessment
As resolving this issue would mean rebuilding the entire NHS App we have decided it is a disproportionate burden. Rebuilding the NHS App would require significant time, funding and resources.
Although it may be less convenient, it is possible for NHS App users who cannot use screen gestures to use the VoiceOver or Switch functions in iOS to navigate through web content areas.
2.
Resizing text in Apple iOS
When using the NHS App on Apple iOS it is not possible to resize the text of some web content using the system settings, as required by WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.4 (resize text). This is a known platform issue that affects all web content on apps available on Apple iOS.
Benefits of creating an accessible version
Apple iOS users would be able to resize the text of web content on the NHS App.
Burden
The only way to resolve this issue would be to rebuild the NHS App as an entirely web or native app.
Assessment
As resolving this issue would mean rebuilding the entire NHS App we have decided it is a disproportionate burden. Rebuilding the NHS App would require significant time, funding and resources.
Last edited: 18 September 2023 11:38 am