What is web accessibility?

Web accessibility is about making your website accessible to all Internet users (both disabled and non-disabled), regardless of what browsing technology they're using. In addition to complying with the law, an accessible website can reap huge benefits on to your website and your business.

The DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) states that service providers must not discriminate against disabled people. A website is regarded as a service and therefore falls under this law.

Some organisations are changing their websites, but many are seemingly not making the adjustments. Disabled people don't access their website, they say, so why should they care?

• There are 8.6 million registered disabled people in the UK - 14% of the population (source: Disability Rights Commission)
• 9% of the UK population have colour blindness and 4% of the population have a sight problem (source: RNIB)
• There are 12 million people aged 60 or over - 21% of the UK population (source: UK Census)
• Statistics show that 48% of the UK population that could potentially face problems using your website.

Non-disabled people may also experience difficulties using your website. Not everyone is viewing your website on the latest version of Internet Explorer, with all the plug-ins and programs that you may require them to have for optimal access.

If your website relies on images, Flash or JavaScript, and fails to provide alternatives, then a number of web users will be unable to access your website.

There are, however, very good reasons as to why businesses should start taking these issues seriously:

• An accessible website will make you more money
• An accessible website will save you money
• Your website will be easier to manage
• Your website will be compatible with new browsing technologies
• Your website will appear higher in the search engines
• The download time of your website will be significantly improved
• The usability of your website will be enhanced

Jeremy Freeman - October 2004