Accessible web design Cheltenham
Web accessibility is about designing a website to be accessible to all Internet users (both disabled and non-disabled). Section III of the DDA, which refers to Accessiblity standards in web design, came into force on 1st October 1999 which means that the majority of websites are already in breach of the law!
The relevant quotes from the 175-page code of practice are:
- 2.2 (p7): The Disability Discrimination Act makes it unlawful for a service provider to discriminate against a disabled person by "...refusing to provide any service which it provides to members of the public."
- 4.7 (p39): " From 1st October 1999 a service provider has to take reasonable steps to change a practice which makes it unreasonably difficult for disabled people to make use of its services."
- 2.13 - 2.17 (p11-13): "What services are affected by the Disability Discrimination Act? An airline company provides a flight reservation and booking service to the public on its website. This is a provision of a service and is subject to the act."
- 5.23 (p71): "For people with visual impairments, the range of auxiliary aids or services which it might be reasonable to provide to ensure that services are accessible might include ... accessible websites."
- 5.26 (p68): "For people with hearing disabilities, the range of auxiliary aids or services which it might be reasonable to provide to ensure that services are accessible might include ... accessible websites."
Can you be sued?
Well, probably. The RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) claim that they've considered taking up a number of legal cases against organisations in regard to their non accessible websites. When the issue was raised, the companies in questions typically made the necessary changes, rather than facing legal action.
Courts will no doubt take guidance from an Australian case in 2000, when a blind man successfully sued the Sydney olympics organising committee over accessibility issues with their website.
On a positive note...
1.7 million people in the UK are blind or partially sighted; two-thirds of these are over the age of 60, constituting a significant chunk of 'Silver Surfers', who form the fastest growing user group of the Internet.
Not only does making your website fully standards compliant and accessible increase your market, but it goes hand in hand with other benefits such as increased usability, quicker download speed, compatibility with new browsing technologies for PDAs, as well as improved search engine positioning.
The next steps in making your site accessible
Clear planning is the essential first step. Feel free to contact us for more information on accessible web design; we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have on this or any of our other services. Click the link for a free, no obligation web accessibility evaluation.
