Accessibility Links

Bobby - test your website
BOBBY - An online utility that checks your website to see if it compliance with current suggested guidelines for accessibility. (Other utilities are available - see WC3 above).

Neilson Norman Group
Respected Usability Advocates

The Opera web browser has some useful accessibility tools.

Basic Accessibility

Providing alt tags (and 'alternative' text description of graphics / pictures.
Make it easy for a user to enlarge the type size.
Provide a text only or low graphics alternative.
Use straight forward language.
Provide a high contrast alternative - for for partially sighted users.
Structure the website in a logical way, so as a user who depends on a screen reader screen reader will be able to make sense of the content.
Provide a way for a user to access the key pages of your website via - some users may be unable to use a mouse.

Accessibility

View accessibility information for this website (Access key 'i').

Making your website open to all

The provision is contained in Section 21 (1) of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, which covers the provision of goods and services and came into force in October 1999.

It states that where a service provider has a "practice, policy or procedure which makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled persons to make use of a service which he provides" the provider has a duty to "change that practice, policy or procedure so that it no longer has that effect". DDA

Website accessibility is certainly a hot topic right now. Many organisations are unaware of it, or choose to ignore it, others see it as an unwelcome additional cost in terms of website development.

What we can do

We can provide accessible websites without compromising the overall design.

Incorporating these features - some of which are listed on the right, will provide you with the following benefits:

Ensures customer / subscriber base is as wide as possible
Creates a positive image of your service, as one that cares about it's customers needs
Improved website usability - a benefit to all customers
Extending the types of devices that can view your website
Safeguarding your business against accusations of discrimination.

Generally, accessibility is about making sure that as many people of possible can use your website, and access the content, products or services you provide.

Who wants to turn away potential customers? Incorporating elements from web accessibility guidelines, needn't be painful or expensive. Contrary to a general misconception is that it results in ugly websites, taking steps to make your website accessible will only enhance your online presence.

Want to us to help make your website accessible?
Email scott@oldhandmedia.co.uk or fill out the quick response form on the contact page