EU Web Accessibility Directive (Directive 2016/2102) WAD-Art.5: Disproportionate burden exception (WAD Article 5)

Article 5 establishes the DISPROPORTIONATE BURDEN exception. Member States may allow public sector bodies not to comply with the Article 4 accessibility requirements where compliance would impose a disproportionate burden on the public sector body, taking into account the relevant circumstances including: (a) the size + resources + nature of the public sector body concerned; (b) the estimated costs + benefits for the public sector body relative to the estimated benefits for persons with disabilities, taking into account the frequency + duration of use of the specific website or mobile application. Article 5(2) the public sector body must undertake and document an INITIAL ASSESSMENT of the extent to which compliance imposes a disproportionate burden. Article 5(3) the disproportionate burden invocation must be reviewed in light of any changes in the relevant circumstances + every 3 years. Article 5(4) the disproportionate burden must NOT be invoked on the grounds of (a) absence of priority OR (b) absence of time + knowledge. Article 5(5) where the disproportionate burden is invoked the entity must provide alternative accessible means in the accessibility statement.