accessibility Statement of de Doelen

Version: 1.0
Last modified: June 24, 2025
Applies to: https://www.dedoelen.nl

digital accessibility status

De Doelen strives to make its website and online services accessible to everyone. We want all visitors — with or without disabilities — to be able to use our information, functionalities and services independently.

current status:

This website partially complies with the accessibility requirements based on WCAG 2.1 level AA.
We are actively working on improvements to further increase digital accessibility.

research and assessment

On June 24, 2025, an internal assessment was carried out by the Marketing & Development team of De Doelen, in collaboration with our platform supplier Peppered.
In addition, multiple automated scans were performed via, among others:

hoetoegankelijkismijnwebsite.nl (quick scan);
AccessSEO.nl (automatic WCAG check);
Skynet Technologies – Free Accessibility Scan;
SiteImprove browser extension;
Internal assessment of keyboard navigation, alternative texts and semantics.

These assessments do not constitute an official WCAG audit according to the WCAG-EM methodology, but do provide a representative picture of accessibility issues.

The Skynet Technologies scan was performed on February 17, 2025. Since then, our development partner has regularly implemented technical updates and improvements in the CMS. Although these updates contribute to accessibility, they have not (yet) been externally tested again. In addition, substantive improvements have been implemented, such as adding alternative texts.

summary of findings

The combined assessment shows, among other things:

Most pages are easy to navigate with keyboard and screen reader;
Contrast and readability largely meet the standards;
Not all images have correct alt texts;
Some interactive elements lack clear labels or ARIA roles;
Some heading structures contain empty or illogical levels;
Links without descriptive text ("read more", "click here") are present;
PDF documents are not always accessible.

Status of alt texts:
Since February 2025, we have started adding missing alt texts to images. Part of the content now complies with the guidelines; the remaining content is still being supplemented.

audit documentation

The results of the internal assessment have been recorded in an internal report, including three automatic accessibility reports.
Would you like to see this? Please send a request to contact@dedoelen.nl and we will be happy to send you the report.

An official accessibility audit according to WCAG-EM is planned for Q4 2025.

ongoing improvement measures

We are taking structural steps to further improve digital accessibility, including:

Regular testing of new content against WCAG 2.2;
Use of semantic HTML and ARIA tags where necessary;
Training of web editors and design teams in inclusive content creation;
Adjustment of templates in the CMS for accessibility;
Phasing out or improving inaccessible documents;
Evaluation of external content such as PDFs, videos and embed tools;
Our CMS partner (Peppered/CultureSuite) regularly performs technical updates with a focus on accessibility. These improvements are rolled out periodically and contribute to the structural WCAG compliance of the website. We periodically receive changelogs or release notes for this. Although we do not always know exact dates or changes, we remain in contact with the supplier about this.

Feedback or accessibility issues?

Do you have a question, suggestion or are you experiencing a problem with the accessibility of our website? Let us know via:

contact@dedoelen.nl
010 – 217 17 17

We aim to respond within 5 working days.

escalation procedure

Are you not satisfied with how your report was handled or resolved? Then you can contact an independent body:

The College for Human Rights or via a government dispute procedure

responsibility

This statement has been drawn up by:
De Doelen Rotterdam
Marketing & Development Department