Accessible web design

Accessible web design is based on the belief that the web is for everyone, regardless of disability. But problems arise for people with disabilities who cannot use a mouse for example and for partally-sighted and blind people.

How can blind people access a web site?

Blind people read the web with the help of 'screenreader' software that transforms text into synthesised speech. However, this technology relies on good web site coding, and will only work properly if web pages are written in correct HTML (hypertext mark-up language), and are properly structured.

" Blind people find many web sites unusable because the coding falls below an acceptable standard. "
Julie Howell, Royal National Institute for the Blind

Why design websites for a minority?

There are 2 million blind and partially sighted people in the UK and the UK’s disabled population has an estimated spending power of £45 billion per year. So this is a significant 'minority'.

But there are many other reasons for accessible web site design, not least the law (the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act made it a requirement that web-based services be accessible by October 1999). But a greatly beneficial part of accessible web sites is that it is good practice and provides a better web experience for everyone.

Accessible web sites work well on a variety of technologies, they are quick to download and they are more usable for everyone.

If you would like to talk to us about designing your website call us on 01983 756661