Accessibility Overview
Access to the World Wide Web by people with disabilities could be significantly improved by changes to the Web's supporting protocols, applications and most importantly, content.
In order to realise the full potential of the Web, businesses should promote a high degree of usability of their corporate websites.
Background
The first formal investigation into website access for Britain's 8.5 million disabled people was launched by the UK government funded Disability Rights Commission (DRC) in 2003.
Will companies be prosecuted for ignoring accessibility issues?
In April 2004, the DRC reported that it is "only a matter of time" before sites face legal action from disabled users.
The Sydney 2000 Olympic site was successfully taken to court by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in Australia for having a site that was found to discriminate against disabled access.
Current accessibility compliance of FTSE 100 websites
The results of automated testing against mandatory requirements of Priority 1 (A) Accessibility showed that: *
- 21 sites passed all Accessibility A tests
- 54 sites had less than 10% of pages with failures
- 80 sites failed AA tests on every page
*Figures from SiteMorse March 2006, available from ftse0307@sitemorse.com .
Bert Massie, Disability Rights Commission Chairman
"In a relatively short period of time, the internet has had a profound impact on the way we live, work and study. It is vital that this new and powerful technology does not leave disabled people behind, but that its potential for delivering a genuinely inclusive society is realised to the full."
Advantages of Improving Site Accessibility
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Improve user experience and gain customer satisfaction - by identifying frustrating defects
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Provide quality assurance and good practice, ensuring that your site works to specification
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Mitigate risks, including reputation risks
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Comply with changing regulations and industry guidelines
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Ensure compliance with corporate and legal requirements