Accessibility
Websites in the public domain should be accessible to all. Those websites that provide a service to the public in the UK are governed by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and a code of practice which came into force on 27-5-2002, covering both e-commerce and information sites. The website operator must ensure people with disabilities are not discriminated against. Failure to provide a satisfactory online service could result in stiff penalties from claims made against them under the Act.
Whilst there are no firm guidelines on making websites accessible the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has produced guidelines as part of an initiative. These are divided into three priorities:
Priority 1: websites must comply, otherwise some users will find it impossible to access information
Priority 2: websites should comply, otherwise some users will find it difficult to access information
Priority 3: websites may comply, otherwise some users will find it somewhat difficult to access information.
It is important to ensure both accessibility and usability are essential features. The site navigation, content and service should cater not just for the visually impaired but also those with motor disabilities, the deaf and hard of hearing, dyslexia or cognitive problems.
The World Wide Web Consortium is defining the technical standards for web design so the challenge is to provide information for all whilst complying with your brand and the law.
