Israeli Standard 5568 (IS 5568)

What is IS 5568?

Israeli Standard 5568, also known as IS 5568, is a set of guidelines for web accessibility created by the Israeli Standards Institute (ISI). These guidelines are designed to make websites and digital content more accessible to people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.

IS 5568 was first introduced in 2005 and has been updated several times since then to reflect technological advancements and changes in accessibility standards. The latest version, IS 5568:2020, was released in September 2020 and aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.

Who is affected by IS 5568?

IS 5568 applies to all public sector websites in Israel, as well as any private sector websites that receive funding from the government. In addition, it is highly recommended for all other websites in Israel to follow these guidelines in order to provide equal access to all users.

Who has to comply with the IS 5568?

The standard covers a wide range of accessibility requirements, including the use of alternative text for images, the provision of transcripts and captions for audio and video content, and the use of clear and simple language. It also covers more advanced accessibility features, such as the use of ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes and the creation of accessible forms.

IS 5568 has been praised for its comprehensive approach to web accessibility and its alignment with international standards such as WCAG. By following these guidelines, Israeli organizations can ensure that their websites are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. 

How is the standard enforced?

The Israeli government has taken steps to enforce compliance with IS 5568 by requiring all public sector websites to undergo regular accessibility testing and by providing financial incentives to private sector organizations that meet accessibility standards. Organizations that fail to comply with the standard may face legal action and penalties under the Israeli Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law. 

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