Web design has long been accused of locking out whole swathes of the web users. In recent years the UK has seen use of the internet explode, internet access reaching up to 13 million UK homes (source: Ofcom 05/04). Companies can no longer afford the luxury of not being available to the widest range of members of the public.
Web accessibility refers to the principle that web sites should be made available to the widest range of people possible. To this end the W3C consortium has developed a set of guidelines for designers which when followed lead to their website's being accessible to more people regardless of their technical expertise, browser technology or their physical impairment.
An indicator of the increasing need for accessible website's can be found in the fact that about 20% of the UK population have a disability and find most website's very difficult to use. The DRC undertook a survey of 1000 website's in conjunction with City University, April 2004 which found that 81% were inaccessible.
This is unlawful in accordance to DRC 1999 which refers to the provision of services in 4.7 (p39);
“From 1st October 1999 a service provider has to take reasonable steps to cease any practice which makes it unreasonable difficult for disabled people to make use of it.”
It goes further in the Code of Practice for the Act where it refers directly to website's 5.23 (p71)
“For people with visual impairments, the range of auxiliary aids or services which might be reasonable to provide to ensure that services are accessible might include … accessible website's”
Accessible web design is thus a sound marketing strategy which enables you to
reach a broader range of people who might be interested in your company.
It creates an image of your company as courteous, professional and focused on
providing excellent customer service.
Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act refers to the provision of goods, facilities and services, and while it doesn’t mention websites specifically, it doesn’t mention any specific services. However, the Code of Practice for the act does mention websites explicitly.
The relevant quotes from this 175-page document are as follows:
• 2.2 (p7): "The 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 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 that it might be reasonable to provide to ensure that services are accessible might include…accessible websites."
Usefull Links...
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1995/Ukpga_19950050_en_1.htm
(this link opens in a new window)
Disability Rights Commission Act 1999
http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1999/19990017.htm
(this link opens in a new window)
Disability Rights Commission Web Investigation - Press Release
http://www.drc-gb.org/newsroom/newsdetails.asp?id=633§ion=1
(this link opens in a new window)
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