Municipality of Zutendaal – Accessible website for the greenest municipality in Flanders
Client: Municipality of Zutendaal
Project: Zutendaal.be
Go live: 18 February 2022
Industry: Local government
Services: Website migration, design, content migration, training, support
Integrations: Burgerprofiel, UiTdatabank
Label: Anysurfer label obtained in 2024
By choosing the Paddle CMS platform, the Municipality of Zutendaal quickly gained a website that met the main technical accessibility standards. But in 2024, Zutendaal wanted to go even further by obtaining the official Anysurfer label. That’s why a dedicated accessibility project was launched in collaboration with Paddle.be.
During this optimization project, the content was refined further, and extra attention was paid to contrast, screen reader support, logical heading structures, and accessible forms. The result is a digital environment that looks fresh and clear — and is usable for everyone, regardless of ability or device.
Focus on accessibility
Accessibility was at the heart of the entire process. And that paid off: in July 2024, the website received a positive audit from Anysurfer, Belgium’s official accessibility label.
The site was thoroughly reviewed by Anysurfer based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 AA. At least 25 pages were audited. Key improvements implemented by Zutendaal and Paddle.be include:
- Decorative icons were hidden from screen readers
- Tables were correctly formatted using <th> elements
- Contrast issues in text and error messages were fixed
- Heading structures were logically ordered for screen reader users
- Forms were given autocomplete attributes
- Text remains readable at browser zoom levels up to 150%
In its accessibility statement, the municipality also explains how it handles less accessible PDF documents and commits to offering accessible formats in the future.
A great example of how content, design, and technology come together to create a user-friendly website that works for everyone.
The result
Zutendaal’s website radiates clarity and ease of use. Thanks to close collaboration with the communications team, a structure and content were created that resonate with both citizens and staff.
The website is now a digital extension of Zutendaal’s green character – clean, welcoming, and fully accessible to all.
Want to get started with an accessible website?
Would you, like Zutendaal, like to focus on an accessible and user-friendly website? We’re happy to guide you from analysis to launch – and beyond.