Website Accessibility

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 was introduced with the intention of comprehensively tackling the discrimination which many disabled people face. Changes to the DDA that came into effect in 1999 have now created a legal duty for websites to be made accessible.

An accessible website is one which can be accessed by abled and disabled people alike without discrimination, regardless of ablility, age, experience or technology used to access the web.

Should you be concerned about Website Accessibility?

If you provide goods or services via a website then you should be aware that the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Part III - Access to Goods and Services came into force on 1st October 2004. This act states that it is unlawful to treat a disabled person less favourably because they are disabled, so as a service provider you have to consider making reasonable adjustments to the way you deliver your services so that disabled people can use them. You may have to consider making permanent physical adjustments to your premises, and if you operate a website for your business then it will fall under the jurisdiction of this law.

How can I tell if my website complies to the government’s accessibility laws?

There are some common features that might indicate an inaccessible website:

• Images displaying information without offering text alternativs
• Use of JavaScript
• Use of Flash
• Use of Frames
• Tables used for layout instead of data
• Obsolete HTML tags