Accessibility statement

Accessibility status https://www.knaw.nl

The KNAW strives to make its online information and services accessible, in accordance with the Government Digital Accessibility Decree. The accessibility statement applies to the content of the website www.knaw.nl.

The status of this website is: B - partially compliant.

In March 2025, a full accessibility audit was conducted. This audit was carried out using the WCAG-EM evaluation method. At present, the website meets 29 of the 50 criteria. Of the 50 criteria, 3 are not applicable.

The full accessibility statement can be viewed here.

Alternatives

In the meantime, KNAW offers the following alternatives to visitors affected by issues that have not yet been resolved:

• Can’t read a document properly? We can send you an accessible version (e.g., in Word or plain text).
• Is an image on this site not properly described? We’ll explain what’s shown by phone or email.
• Does your screen reader not work well on a page? We can send you a text-only version.
• Missing subtitles for a video? Request a transcript or a subtitled version.
• Prefer information in plain language? Ask us for a simplified version.
• Can’t use an interactive chart or map? We can send you a textual description of the data.

For these requests, contact us at communicatie@knaw.nl.

How do we help?

• We respond to all questions about inaccessible content by email.
• We provide explanations by phone for unclear parts of the site.
• Upon request, we send documents in alternative formats.
• We can schedule a video call with a staff member if desired.
• You can send us a link to the page you’re having trouble with – we’ll assist you.
• We rewrite complex diagrams or tables into clear, understandable text.
• We assist with navigating the website to find information.
• We work with you to find a custom solution when you provide feedback.
• You can receive a printed version of the information by post.
• If you encounter technical issues (e.g., with buttons or links), we will send you the correct information.
• If desired, we provide a step-by-step overview for completing a request.
• Do you have hearing impairments? We provide subtitles, text summaries, and – if requested – contact with a staff member experienced in digital accessibility.

Measures

KNAW is taking the following measures to resolve the issues. We take the accessibility of our website seriously and are working step by step toward improvements:

1. New content added to the website is made accessible as much as possible from the start. This includes clear text, correct heading structures, subtitles for videos, and accessible documents.
2. Editors are supported with guidelines and tools to create accessible content.
3. At the same time, we are developing a completely new website. This new site is being designed from the ground up to meet the WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standard.
4. We aim to have this new website fully accessible by 1 September 2026. Until then, we continue to assist visitors with appropriate alternatives.

As of 01-09-2026, the website https://www.knaw.nl will fully comply with the accessibility standard.

Feedback and contact information

Encountering an accessibility issue? Or do you have a question or comment about accessibility? Please contact us at communicatie@knaw.nl.

What can you expect from us?

• You will receive a confirmation of receipt within 5 working days.
• We will keep you informed about the progress and outcome.
• Your request will be handled within 3 weeks.

Enforcement procedure

Are you not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled? Or did we fail to respond in time? Then you can contact us via https://www.nationaleombudsman.nl/klacht-indienen/uw-klacht.