In October 2004 final rights of access were introduced under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995. It details the way in which any service provider that does not take reasonable steps to ensure that all visitors, regardless of disability, are able to use the service in question, can now face prosecution. With regards to websites, the law implies that anyone with a disability (e.g. blind, partially sighted, deaf, those unable to operate a mouse or keyboard) should be able to access and use your website. Businesses that have an on-line presence should therefore be seriously considering making their web sites accessible. This will not only protect the organisation from the possibility of legal action, it will also provide a whole host of tangible benefits!
The benefits of having an accessible web site far outweigh the disadvantages. Making your website accessible will improve its usability not only for those with disabilities but for all those who use it. Your web site will be also be accessible to those connecting to it from many devices such as mobile phones and PDA's (try connecting to our site with your mobile phone for a demonstration). You will also increase your company's potential market share as it ensures that your website is available to the widest audience possible.
The estimated annual spending power of those with disabilities in the UK is £50bn, a consideration that greatly strengthens the business case for accessibility. If implemented correctly, your company will also save money in the long run as website maintenance and even complete design overhauls are relatively straightforward for accessible websites. This is due to the coding techniques used to create their infrastructures.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has produced some guidelines to help Internet developers meet accessibility requirements. With the help of one of our IT professionals, you could have an accessible web site up and running in no time. If you already have a website we can modify and enhance your existing one.
Synapse Data Solutions have created a Website Accessibility White Paper, detailing the law and its implications, the issues it raises and the options that you should now consider. You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the document; should you need to obtain it, please visit the adobe web site to download it free of charge.
If you require any further guidance, contact us for free and impartial advice.