Making Arnhem's IsolationID Accessible for All

How focusring.io transformed the Isolatiecheck Arnhem website from 26 accessibility barriers to full WCAG 2.2 AA compliance, enabling equal access to home insulation resources for all residents.

The Challenge

The city of Arnhem developed an innovative digital tool called "Het Arnhem Aan IsolatieID" - a platform helping residents identify the best insulation subsidies, free advice, and municipal heating plans based simply on their postal code and house number. This crucial service aimed to make home insulation more accessible and help residents navigate the complex landscape of available support.

Yet the platform had a fundamental flaw: the website itself wasn't accessible to everyone who needed it. Many residents with disabilities - who often face higher energy costs and could benefit most from insulation improvements - couldn't access this vital information.

The Audit: Uncovering 26 Barriers

In July 2025, focusring.io conducted a WCAG 2.2 AA audit of isolatiecheck.clappform.com using the WCAG-EM methodology. The results revealed 26 accessibility barriers spanning multiple categories:

Issues Identified:

🖼️ Visual Accessibility

Missing alternative text for company logos and informational images
Insufficient color contrast (as low as 2.4:1 instead of required 4.5:1)
Reliance on color alone to distinguish insulation status levels
Input field borders with only 1.4:1 contrast ratio

⌨️ Keyboard Navigation

Missing skip navigation links
Invisible focus indicators preventing keyboard users from tracking their position
No visible focus rings on interactive elements

📱 Screen Reader Compatibility

Missing page titles across all pages
Improper semantic markup for address information and insulation status
Form fields without programmatically associated labels
Radio button groups lacking proper fieldset structure

🔗 Navigation & Links

Generic link text like "back" and "discover more!" without context
No alternative navigation methods (sitemap or search)
Missing language declaration (lang="nl")

⚠️ Error Handling

Error messages not programmatically linked to form fields
Validation errors not automatically announced to screen readers
Insufficient guidance for fixing form errors

The Remediation: Focused Solutions

Following the dual approach methodology, focusring.io implemented fixes addressing each identified barrier:

Quick Solutions Implemented:

Alt text added to all logos and informational images with descriptive context
High-contrast colors implemented across the site (minimum 4.5:1 ratio)
Visible focus indicators restored for all interactive elements
Skip navigation links added for keyboard users
Meaningful page titles created for every page using format "Page Name - Isolatiecheck Arnhem"

Structural Improvements:

Semantic HTML markup implemented for address data using definition lists (<dl>)
Proper heading hierarchy established throughout the site
Form accessibility with programmatically linked labels and fieldsets
ARIA live regions added for dynamic error announcements
Language declaration added to HTML element

User Experience Enhancements:

Descriptive link text replaced generic phrases
Textual indicators added alongside color coding for insulation status
Clear error messages with specific guidance for users
Consistent navigation structure implemented across all pages

The Results: Complete Transformation

In August 2025, a follow-up WCAG 2.2 AA audit revealed remarkable success:

✅ 0 Failed criteria (down from 15 failed)
✅ 45 Passed criteria (up from 30 passed)
✅ 100% WCAG 2.2 AA compliance achieved

Summary from Final Audit:

"The Isolatiecheck Arnhem website now fully complies with WCAG 2.2 AA standards. All previously identified accessibility issues have been successfully resolved. The website is now fully accessible to all users, including people with disabilities who use assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other supporting technologies."

Impact: Accessibility Creates Opportunity

This transformation means that all Arnhem residents can now:

Access insulation information regardless of disability status
Discover available subsidies through barrier-free navigation
Complete application processes using assistive technologies
Receive personalized advice based on their specific address
Navigate independently without requiring assistance

The Bigger Picture: Digital Equity in Action

This project exemplifies how accessibility improvements create broader benefits:

Economic Justice: Residents with disabilities, who often face higher energy costs, now have equal access to cost-saving insulation programs.

Environmental Impact: More residents can participate in sustainability initiatives, amplifying environmental benefits across the community.

Municipal Efficiency: The city can serve all residents effectively through digital channels, reducing barriers to program participation.

Inclusive Innovation: Arnhem demonstrates how smart city initiatives can be genuinely inclusive from the start.

Technical Excellence

The remediation process showcased focusring.io's approach:

WCAG-EM methodology for structured evaluation
Dual remediation strategy combining quick fixes with long-term improvements
Cross-browser testing across multiple assistive technologies
Validation testing ensuring sustainable accessibility practices

A Model for Municipal Digital Services

The Isolatiecheck Arnhem transformation provides a blueprint for accessible municipal digital services. With proper expertise and commitment, complex civic tools can be both innovative and inclusive.

Key Success Factors:

WCAG-EM audit methodology
Dual remediation approach
Validation through follow-up testing
Commitment to complete compliance

This transformation ensures that Arnhem's approach to home insulation support truly serves all residents, embodying the principles of digital equity and inclusive civic innovation.

For more information about making your digital services accessible to all users, contact focusring.io at hello@focusring.io