What is Web Accessibility ....
Accessible : "able to be reached" - The Oxford Dictionary
Web accessibility : refers to the developing of Web sites that can be reached by all.
Web sites on the Internet that are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, means opening your Web site to a wider audience. Users who are blind, sight impaired, motor impaired, dyslexic or hearing impaired or deaf all benefit from accessible Web sites principles, as do users of assistive technologies and the elderly.
Why Have Accessible Web Sites?
Legal Obligations
- Discrimination is illegal in the UK.
- Obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Code of Practice.
- Accessibility and UK Law - It is unlawful for a service provider to discriminate.
Business Benefits
- Increase your market share - reach a wider audience.
- Stand out from your competitors.
- Gain repeat visitors with good web site efficiency and usability.
Best Practice
- Ethical and moral obligation - Equal opportunities.
- Social responsibility.
- Promote accessibility and increase awareness
PAS 78 free to download.
The BSI (British standards Institution) published the "Guide to good practice in commissioning accessible websites" PAS 78. This document has been developed in collaboration with the DRC ( Disability Rights Commission) and is a comprehensive document aimed at web site owners and how the onus is on them to commission accessible web sites.
This document is important to site owners and Web developers alike as site owners will now be looking to commission developers who adhere to the guidelines and test sites accordingly.
PAS 78 states that in section 8 : Accessibility testing and maintenance, that "All organizations, regardless of size, should ensure that those testing the website are different from those developing it." [ref PAS 78 : 2006 8.1.2]
The Publicly Available Specification 78 (PAS 78) came into effect on 8th March 2006. More information can be found on the RNIB site
PAS 78 is free to download from the Equality and Human Rights Commission web site.
Accessibility and UK Law
It is against UK Law to discriminate. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) from the Disability Rights Commissions (DRC) sets out a specific Code of Practice for service providers i.e. anyone providing a service to the public, including those concerning web sites.
The Code of Practice, specifically mentioning Web sites is included in Part III of the DDA Rights of Access for the provision of goods, facilities and services and states :
- Section 7.22 states "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 one or more of the following : (see bullet number 10) accessible Web sites."
- Section 7.27 states "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 one or more of the following : (see bullet number 7) accessible Web sites."
Download the full DDA Code of Practice PDF File (660Kb)
The United States are covered by Section 508 (section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794d). Section 508 requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology), the full set of standards can be seen at: http://www.section508.gov/.
Accessibility increases Usability
Not everyone uses the same technologies and equipment to access the Web. Web pages therefore need to be able to be viewed on different computers such PC's Mac's and Linux systems, and a variety of browser applications, also considering that not all visitors will have powerful computers or fast internet connections. These issues all form part of Web accessibility.
Ensuring that Web sites on the internet can be viewed by as many people as possible is paramount and the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 set out the principles for compliance.
Ensuring that your Web site meets legal requirements and is open to as many people as possible is essential to any business or organisation - Is your Web site accessible?
Find out how to make your Web site accessible and to have a site audited contact Rayfields Accessibility Consultancy by telephone on 0845 0037 508 or email : accessibility@rayfields.co.uk.