Source: Own illustration
Good digital offerings are distinguished not only by their content, but also by the fact that they can be used by as many people as possible. That is why the accessibility of the Coscine website and the documentation is continuously being improved. The updated accessibility declaration from March 2026 replace the previous declaration from 2024 and provide insight into the current status of this work.
Why Accessibility Is Important
Digital accessibility ensures that websites and online services can be used by as many people as possible, regardless of individual limitations or the technologies they use. A clear structure, sufficient color contrast, and support for screen readers not only make it easier for people with disabilities to use these resources but also often improve usability for everyone.
At Coscine, too, we are continuously working to break down barriers and improve the accessibility of our various offerings. This is not only about complying with legal requirements, but above all about making it as easy as possible for all users to access the information and services we provide.
What Has Been Updated?
Since the accessibility declarations were created in 2024, various technical and structural adjustments have been made. These include, among other things, improvements to the structure of individual content items as well as optimizations to the usability of the websites and documentation.
The new declarations document the current state of accessibility while also highlighting areas where there is still room for improvement. These include, for example, contrast levels, alternative text for graphics, and individual structural elements. The Coscine team is already working diligently on further improvements so that the website and documentation become more accessible step by step. For instance, attention is paid to accessible content right from the start when creating new documentation pages, and the color contrast of individual pages is checked whenever new elements are added.
No new accessibility declaration has been created for the platform itself yet. With the update to the web interface, which is planned for this year, significant improvements in accessibility will be implemented automatically. Following the successful update of the web interface, a new accessibility declaration for the Coscine platform will therefore be available in the near future.
Outlook
Accessibility is not a state that is achieved once and then considered complete. It continues to evolve with new technical possibilities, changing requirements, and user feedback. That is why Coscine is also being improved step by step with the goal of providing researchers and all interested parties with the simplest and most equitable access possible to services related to research data management.
Learn More
Would you like to receive regular updates about Coscine? Then visit the Coscine website and subscribe to the Coscine newsletter to stay informed once a month.
If you have any questions about Coscine or research data management, the RDM team at RWTH Aachen University is happy to assist you at any time.
Responsible for the content of this article are Katja Jansen and Arlinda Ujkani.
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