Using Automated Accessibility Metering Tools in Transparency Rankings in Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Transparency and the right to information are vital in promoting accountability and combating corruption in public organizations. In Brazil, Law 12527/2011 (LAI) established obligations for public entities to disseminate information and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. However, LAI lacks a central body to oversee its implementation, leading to uneven compliance across various public entities. Transparency rankings have been developed to measure compliance levels and encourage improvements. Unfortunately, few transparency rankings incorporate accessibility as a variable, hindering efforts to promote inclusivity.Objective: This study proposes a method to include web page accessibility measurement tools in transparency rankings to encourage public entities to comply with accessibility standards.Methods: The study used automated tools to measure web page accessibility and incorporated this variable into transparency rankings. The Lighthouse tool developed by Google was used to measure accessibility, and this method was used to reconstruct transparency rankings with the inclusion of accessibility.Results: Adding accessibility to transparency rankings promotes compliance, inclusivity, and transparency. Lighthouse tool measures accessibility, reconstructed rankings, and proves its effectiveness.Conclusion: Transparency and information rights fight corruption and promote accountability. Including accessibility in rankings ensures equal access. Automated tools measure web accessibility, incentivize compliance, and facilitate transparency portal measurement.