"Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme 2020-2021" Now Opens for Application

HONG KONG,Dec. 16,2019 -- The Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited ("HKIRC") has announced today that the "Web Accessibility Recognition Scheme 2020-2021" ("the Scheme") is now open for application. The Scheme is open to all local enterprises and organisations,including private companies,non-governmental organisations,academic institutions and public organisations. Organisations participating in the Scheme will be provided with free assessment and advisory services to help them enhance the accessibility of their websites and mobile applications ("apps"). Assessed websites and mobile apps that meet the prescribed judging criteria will be awarded accordingly.

The Scheme aims to encourage enterprises and organisations to adopt accessible design for their websites and mobile apps,so that everyone can access websites and mobile apps smoothly. The Scheme has been widely supported by different sectors over the years with awardees from various sectors including public transport,banking and the media,etc.

The Scheme is divided into two streams: Website Stream and Mobile App Stream.Each stream features "Gold Award","Silver Award","Triple Gold Award" and "Friendly Website / Mobile App Recognition" respectively,so as to encourage local organisations of all scales to enrol in the Scheme. The Scheme also offers a Designer Stream which features the "Designer Award" and "Recognised Designer" to recognise developers of awarded websites or mobile apps.Awarded enterprises and organisations can display the corresponding award logo on their websites or mobile apps to show their support for the Scheme and contribution in building an accessible digital world.

To carry on the success in past editions,HKIRC has taken up to organise the Scheme starting from 2018 to further promote accessible web design. Last year,over 300 websites and mobile apps were recognised.As for the Scheme 2020-2021,HKIRC has continuedto be the main organiser,while the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer serves as the co-organiser and the Equal Opportunities Commission serves as the independent advisor.

To apply for and get more details of the Scheme,please visit the website: www.web-accessibility.hk.

About HKIRC

HKIRC is a not-for-profit,non-statutory company limited by guarantee designated by the HKSAR Government to undertake the administration of Internet domain names under the .hkcountry code top level domain. HKIRC provides registration services for English domain names ending with .com.hk,.org.hk,.net.hk,.edu.hk,.gov.hk,.idv.hk,.hk and other domain names to be introduced from time to time in Hong Kong.For details about HKIRC,please visit the website: www.hkirc.hk.