Scholarlink

<p>This study evaluates the progress of web content accessibility in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan by examining compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 between 2019 and 2024 across three sectors: government, higher education institutions (HEIs), and e-commerce. Using automated accessibility evaluation tools, we assessed violations by WCAG priority levels (A, AA, AAA) and principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust). Our findings reveal mixed trends: while some improvements were observed, particularly in Priority 2 violations within the Kazakhstani e-commerce sector, other areas, notably Level A violations in government websites, worsened, especially in Kyrgyzstan. Statistical analyses showed that few of these changes were significant, suggesting limited overall progress. Cluster analysis further indicated diverging patterns between countries, with Kazakhstan exhibiting principle-specific deficiencies and Kyrgyzstan demonstrating more evenly distributed but persistent violations. These findings underscore the need for context-sensitive policy measures: while Kazakhstan may benefit from targeted interventions addressing specific WCAG principles, Kyrgyzstan requires broader capacity-building strategies. Ultimately, the study highlights the urgent need for sustained national and institutional efforts to advance digital inclusion and ensure web accessibility for all users.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Digital inclusion in Central Asia: a longitudinal study of web accessibility across key sectors

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月24日

查看全文
  • Symbat Sultangazieva,
  • Chinara Jumabaeva,
  • Rita Ismailova

摘要

This study evaluates the progress of web content accessibility in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan by examining compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 between 2019 and 2024 across three sectors: government, higher education institutions (HEIs), and e-commerce. Using automated accessibility evaluation tools, we assessed violations by WCAG priority levels (A, AA, AAA) and principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust). Our findings reveal mixed trends: while some improvements were observed, particularly in Priority 2 violations within the Kazakhstani e-commerce sector, other areas, notably Level A violations in government websites, worsened, especially in Kyrgyzstan. Statistical analyses showed that few of these changes were significant, suggesting limited overall progress. Cluster analysis further indicated diverging patterns between countries, with Kazakhstan exhibiting principle-specific deficiencies and Kyrgyzstan demonstrating more evenly distributed but persistent violations. These findings underscore the need for context-sensitive policy measures: while Kazakhstan may benefit from targeted interventions addressing specific WCAG principles, Kyrgyzstan requires broader capacity-building strategies. Ultimately, the study highlights the urgent need for sustained national and institutional efforts to advance digital inclusion and ensure web accessibility for all users.