Call for proposals
Pilot Project - “Application of Web Accessibility Requirements in Web-authoring Tools and Platforms by Default” - PPWA-2017-AG
Objective and description
The
European Commission adopted on 28 April 2017 a work programme for 2017
and the financing of Pilot Projects and Preparatory Actions in the field
of "Communications Networks, Content and Technology". The Web
Accessibility Directive obliges the Member States to ensure that
websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies meet the
accessibility requirements established in the Directive.
The overall objective of this pilot project is to
encourage and support the implementation of the Web Accessibility
Directive by adopting the relevant accessibility requirements of the
European Standard EN 301 549 v1.1.2 by awarding grants in order to
incorporate features as the default option in authoring tools or
platforms that would facilitate meeting the requirements of this
European Standard.
Within the overall objective, the pilot project aims to:
•
support the availability of authoring tools or platforms (new or
re-designed) that help authors produce accessible web content by
including features to meet the accessibility requirements ("web access
by default");
•
stimulate the market, create supply and enhance competition for web
authoring tools and platforms with accessibility features;
•
provide good practice and help the dissemination of web-accessibility
solutions incorporated in web-authoring tools and platforms;
• support Member States to hire users to test web-authoring tools;
• facilitate compliance with the accessibility requirements set out in the Web Accessibility Directive with all of the above.
The
authoring tools or platforms supported under this pilot project should
aim to automate to the maximum extent possible the processes and
solutions used to meet the accessibility requirements. Where such
automation is not possible, the authoring tools or platforms should
provide for methods that require minimal technical contributions from
the author. (An example would be an automatic request to type in the
description of a picture). In the context of this pilot the target group
comprises private firms, associations, other non-profit groupings,
Member States authorities and other public bodies.
Eligible activities
Types of activities eligible under this call for proposals.
– Prototyping, deployment and testing/validation actions;
– Conferences, seminars;
– Awareness and dissemination actions;
– Actions aiming at the creation and improving of networks, exchanges of good practices;
– Studies, analyses, mapping projects.
Eligible applicants
Only applications from legal entities established in the EU Member States are eligible.
Applications may be submitted:
– by a single legal entity;
– by a consortium made up of several legal entities; or
–
by one applicant, whether established specifically or not for the
action, which is formed of several legal entities complying with the
eligibility, non-exclusion and selection criteria set out in this call
for proposals, and implementing together the proposed action, provided
the application identifies the said entities.
Budget and duration
The total budget earmarked for the co-financing of projects is estimated at EUR 600 000.
The
Commission expects to fund several proposals. The Commission considers
that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of about EUR 150 000
would allow this area to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this
does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other
amounts.
The grant will be defined by applying a maximum co-financing rate of 50% to the eligible costs actually incurred and declared by the beneficiary and its affiliated entities.
The maximum duration of projects is expected to be 18 months.
Deadline for proposals’ submission
The deadline of this call is 28 September 2017, 17:00 ((Brussels time).
Exceptionally proposals must be sent on paper, there is no electronic submission for this topic. Please use the application form attached.
Applications must be submitted in the correct form, duly completed and dated. They must be submitted in 5 copies
(one original clearly identified as such, plus 4 copies) and signed by
the person authorised to enter into legally binding commitments on
behalf of the applicant organisation. Where applicable, all additional
information considered necessary by the applicant can be included on
separate sheets. Applications must be sent to the following address:
European Commission
Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology
Directorate Data – Learning, Multilingualism and Accessibility (unit G.3)
For the attention of the Head of Unit (EUFO 2/274)
L-2920 Luxembourg
Please include the following marking on the envelope: "WEB ACCESS 2017"
Further information
Please find attached the call documents.
More information: https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/opportunities/pppa/topics/ppwa-2017-ag.html
Kind regards,
Rosemary
Rosemary STREVINIOTI
Head of Brussels Office
European Office of Cyprus
Rue du Luxembourg 3, 2nd floor
B-1000 Brussels
Tel./Fax: +32 (0) 2 280 22 85
E-mail: strevinioti.rozamaria@ucy.ac.cy
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE GREEK TRANSLATION IS PROVIDED AT REQUEST OF ANY INTERESTED MEMBER (based on the decision of 22.12.2016 of the EOC Administrative Council).
