Accessibility issues
Disproportionate burden
- Last reviewed
- 14 September 2026
- Owner
- DesignOps
Understand when the disproportionate burden exception can apply to accessibility requirements and what it means for DfE digital services.
What is disproportionate burden?
Disproportionate burden is an exception within the accessibility regulations. It can allow an organisation not to meet an accessibility requirement where meeting it would place a disproportionate burden on the organisation.
Whether the exception applies requires the organisation to carry out a disproportionate burden assessment.
The assessment should consider the organisation's circumstances, including the cost and resources required to address the accessibility issue.
Does disproportionate burden apply to DfE?
DfE considers that the disproportionate burden exception is not appropriate for its digital services.
DfE has considerable funding and resources available to address accessibility issues. Accessibility should be considered from the start of a project and throughout its development rather than relying on the disproportionate burden exception when remediation becomes difficult or expensive.
The disproportionate burden test
If you need to understand the requirements of the disproportionate burden test, use the relevant guidance.
If you think a disproportionate burden assessment may be relevant to your product or website, contact the appropriate accessibility or governance team for advice before making a decision.
[Further guidance on the disproportionate burden test]