Accessibility

Modern civilisation is founded on the principle of inclusion for all members of society, regardless of circumstance, aptitude or physical ability. These democratic values apply to the internet too, and yet the majority of websites are not accessible to all internet users. Exclusion on the internet is a growing cause for concern as more users demand equality from online services.

Disability Discrimination on the Web

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 defines a website as a service, which must be available to all users, regardless of disability. Websites are to be the subject of legal scrutiny if they lack consideration for users with visual or physical impairments.

Global Issue

While the DDA only applies directly to UK companies, the issue of accessibility is as global as the internet itself:

• Australia Sydney Olympics sued $20,000 due to lack of accessibility for the blind.
• New York Travel companies Ramada and Priceline paid a combined total of $75,000(US) due to poor web-accessibility.
• EU Survey of Government websites across Europe reveal "widespread failings which must be addressed."

Concerns

The growing consumer demand for an ethical, universally accessible internet means that businesses can no longer afford to ignore their responsibilities:

• Does your website exclude disabled users?
• Have you observed W3C accessibility guidelines?
• Have you sought advice to assess your sites accessibility?

Broader Audience

The relatively simple act of maximising web-accessibility has clear, long-lasting business benefits:

• You will reach millions of potential new customers
• Fully accessible websites are known to increase search engine rankings
• A more accessible site is also a more useable site, making it easier for visitors to buy from you.

Forward Thinking

Accessibility is about more than satisfying legal guidelines. Advances in wireless and mobile internet devices are already driving demand for more accessible websites:

• Site accessible on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and handhelds have access to a massive, unsaturated online market.
• In 2003 almost 3 million PDAs were sold in Western Europe alone.
• By 2008 PDAs will reach 58 million sales world wide.

Take Action

DrivenQA provides a swift, low-cost assessment of your site's accessibility with recommendations that will allay concern and prepare your site for the future.