As the Internet grows and more people use the Internet, the need to make your website accessible increases. If your website is unusable or built incorrectly, you may be losing website visitors and even breaking the law. The final part of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) came into force on the 1st of October 2004 and means that if your website is not accessible, then you could be liable for prosecution.
Benefits of an accessible website
In April 2004, the DRC found that 'most websites are inaccessible to many disabled people and fail to satisfy even the most basic standards for accessibility recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)'. Implementing the guidelines laid out by the W3C into your website means:
- An increase in the amount of visitors who can use your website
- Your website will last longer as more devices (web browsers, mobile phones, WebTV) start to comply with standards
- Your website should be easier to read by search engines
- Your website is viewable on other Internet ready devices
- Most importantly, if your website adheres to the WAI (website accessibility initiative) you will reach more customers
The WAI have said that "at least 10% of the population in most countries has disabilities" Why should your website not be seen by less capable web users? To make your website as 'usable' as possible means that you can maximise your website reach.
How to tell if your website is accessible?
Each web user is different so to make your website universally accessible is a difficult task, especially if you are not experienced in web design.
There are several free accessiblity tools available to check at a very basic level if your website is accessible. Some of the most popular accessibility tools include the Bobby Accessibility Checker by WebExact and the Lynx Web Viewer by Delorie. However, these automated tools can only test for technical errors and not for ‘human’ problems. Therefore, it is important to get experienced web developers and testers involved to ensure your website can be used by as many users as possible.
Accessible website development
Adido Solutions have been designing websites to the Website Accessibility initiative guidelines since 2004 and have the skill and knowledge to make your website widely accessible.
If your business website does not comply with the most basic website accessibility levels, contact us via the web or phone us on 01202 853610 and we’ll be more than happy to help.
