Fundación ONCE: Building digital inclusivity

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Client overview

• Empowers individuals with disabilities through equal opportunities and non-discrimination
• Leads AccessibleEU initiative to implement EU accessibility legislation
• Enhances participation in online spaces with specialized tools for audio and visual impairments
• Focuses on full social integration through modernization and digital accessibility

Challenges

• Host an online database of legislation for users to navigate accessibility and social inclusion requirements
• Facilitate a community of stakeholders to help realize the practical application of EU accessibility requirements and further promote accessibility
• Provide training and expertise on accessibility measures
• Empower individuals with disabilities to more fully participate in online spaces, including meetings, educational courses and legal proceedings

Solutions

Utilize Application services, including advisory and consulting services, and application development and maintenance solutions to:

• Develop the AccessibleEU website using the Europa Web Publishing Platform, ensuring website coherence, relevancy and cost-effectiveness
• Integrate the European Commission’s online survey management system, EUSurvey, into the website to facilitate the creation and publishing of globally accessible forms
• Develop a proof-of-concept web application for the AccessMeet platform with advanced accessibility tools and seamlessly integrate it into Microsoft Teams and Outlook

Why Unisys?

• Extensive experience and strong credentials delivering innovative IT solutions and services to EU institutions and the Spanish market
• Proven track record with the European Union, including several multiyear contracts with major EU agencies
• Commitment to accessibility and ability to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions

Results

• Enhanced accessibility for individuals with disabilities across products, services and infrastructures in line with EU standards
• Expanded the user experience of the AccessibleEU program with an accessible online library of resources and a community of experts and stakeholders
• Provided training and professional development opportunities to keep employees informed and skilled in accessibility processes
• Ensured a cost-effective and time-efficient development process with the Europa Web Publishing Platform and integrated EUSurvey for feedback opportunities
• Furthered participation in meetings for individuals with disabilities and enhanced accessibility and convenience with Microsoft Teams and Outlook integration
• Facilitated universal accessibility, enabling people with disabilities to participate more fully in all areas of life

Advancing digital inclusion for all

People with disabilities face barriers in public spaces, when accessing services and in digital environments. The European Union has developed accessibility policies to address these challenges, with organizations like Fundación ONCE (FONCE) leading implementation efforts. FONCE champions the full social integration of individuals with disabilities through EU-wide accessibility initiatives. To fulfill this mission effectively, FONCE required a robust digital infrastructure that would support remote communications and resource sharing.

Forging a path to full social integration

As consortium leader for the AccessibleEU program, FONCE tackles this challenge head-on. The EU initiative facilitates the practical application of EU accessibility legislation for products, services and infrastructures. This program involves sharing information about accessibility legislation and standards as well as providing tools for service providers and stakeholders to implement requirements.

Accessible EU needed a central digital hub to host its library of accessibility legislation, provide tools for navigating policy implementation, promote technical standardization, foster a community of experts, connect stakeholders and provide training. With these ambitious goals, FONCE sought a strategic partner who could deliver a cost-effective and timely solution – Unisys.

Additionally, FONCE wanted to use its own videoconferencing platform, AccessMeet, to eliminate communication barriers for people with disabilities in online meetings, tutorials, judicial hearings and other events. FONCE wanted to provide advanced audio and sign language options and to equip those with visual disabilities with tools to access graphics, images or text. This specialized tool needed to integrate into FONCE’s existing infrastructure so it could maintain maximum efficiency and accessibility.

The practical application of accessibility

Unisys developed a website for AccessibleEU using the Europa Web Publishing Platform and ensured the website’s coherence, relevancy and cost-effectiveness. The site now hosts the program’s online database and provides resources for users to navigate legislation, meet accessibility requirements, undergo training and connect with experts. Unisys then integrated the portal with EUSurvey, an online survey-management system, so that AccessibleEU could collect ongoing feedback in globally publishable forms.

For AccessMeet, Unisys developed a proof-of-concept web application that is seamlessly integrated into Microsoft Teams and Outlook. The implementation followed a phased approach: starting with a feasibility study and prototype, followed by UX/UI design and culminating in the embedded Teams application. Unisys also outfitted AccessMeet with adjustable subtitles, sign language channels, simplified audio options and the ability to extract graphics, images or text that screen readers can relay to visually impaired participants. Integrating it with Outlook and Microsoft Teams makes it easier for people with disabilities to join meetings and increases efficiency overall.

Supporting a mission of digital accessibility

FONCE selected Unisys as a partner due to its long-standing history with public sector agencies and institutions across the European Union. The collaboration combined Unisys's expertise in accessibility, compliance and modernization with FONCE's vision for inclusive digital environments. This partnership focused on maximizing the efficacy of both AccessibleEU and AccessMeet to advance FONCE's accessibility mission.

Realizing a more equitable, accessible future

Working with Unisys, FONCE has increased accessibility for people with disabilities across the EU. Stakeholders fulfilled accessibility requirements and enhanced the user experience of the AccessibleEU platform. Individuals with disabilities will gain better participation opportunities in virtual meetings through simplified Microsoft Teams and Outlook integration. The entire implementation was completed within a cost-effective and time-efficient development process that relieved FONCE of unexpected costs or delays.

Within one year, FONCE benefited from hundreds of training and networking events, 500 new members, 60 new entries to the AccessibleEU library and the identification and documentation of 5 exemplary practices.

To explore how Unisys can improve operational efficiency, reduce resource expenditure and gain a heightened capacity for innovation within your business or organization, visit us online or contact us today.