Accessibility and the Law

Feb 15 2008 - by iweave

As a business owner, you’ve probably come into contact with the Disability Discrimination Act – but what does that mean in regards to your website? The DDA states that websites must be accessible to blind, partially-sighted and disabled users – unfortunately, it doesn’t state what you need to do to comply.

Organisations such as the RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind), an advocate for the DDA, also do not state what websites need to do in order to meet the legal requirements. They do, however, approach companies whose websites breach the W3C accessibility guidelines (sometimes with the threat of legal action). These guidelines give specific information on how to make websites as easy to use as possible for disabled users.

What are the W3C Accessibility Guidelines?

The guidelines are split into three levels of compliance, relating to colours used, flexible font sizes, easy navigation and so forth. Basically, it’s common sense: if you have a fancy JavaScript menu that slides out, make sure screen readers for the blind can see the links as well.

How do I do that?

Most websites don’t need to be rebuilt in order to achieve accessibility compliance. A number of small fixes using modern techniques can ensure your site can be viewed by all. We provide a range of services to help companies achieve compliance with legislation and bring their website up to the appropriate accessibility standards. We have a variety of accessibility audit services as well as the ability to recode your website to meet accessibility standards or to redesign your website incorporating accessibility standards.

What are the benefits?

The benefits to a business in acquiring a standards compliant website optimised for accessibility, developed with XHTML and CSS, and without tables, include the following:

• Increased website reach to special needs users (people who are disabled, colour blind, have a sight problem, or aged over 60 years old)
• Increased website reach to different technologies used for accessing the Internet like Handhelds, PDAs, WebTV, Lynx browser, and screenreaders
• Improved web page download times
• Reduced bandwidth costs
• Compatibility with the latest browsing technologies
• Increased website credibility
• Positive PR effect
• Higher search engine rankings
• Enhanced website usability
• Easier website management
• Web page print friendly
• Meet web site accessibility legal requirements

If you have any questions regarding accessibility, feel free to contact us or give us a call on 01786 474 318.