Web Accessibility

Accessibility is the law in many countries now.  If your site is not accessibile, you run the chance of maybe being charged.  This is even more evident now with many large companies being sued or settling out of court, for not having accessible websites. One would hope that most people by now are aware of accessibility & usability when it comes to websites, but there still are some shockers out there that come no where near it!

In most cases it takes very little effort to make a site even "A" rated (the lowest one - Priority 1) in accessibility. There are many finer points, and many arguable ones .... but an attempt should at least be made.

For usability, at least try for things being in a logical order, even if you cant get it pixel perfect. Having text disappear under images is just tacky. Your site is of no use at all to people who cant read it.

No ones asking for perfect .... just an attempt.

You might find it better to check these things early in construction, because you can save yourself a lot of changing if you catch it early.

Individuals and organisations who provide goods and services over the Internet need to think about how they make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. Almost one in five Australians has a disability, and growing. People with disabilities are utelising the Internet more now, so it makes good business and marketing sense to make your site accessible. In its most general sense, accessible web design refers to the philosophy and practice of designing web pages so that they can be navigated and read by everyone, regardless of location, experience, or the type of computer technology used. We have endeavoured to make our sites accessible to cater for everyone. We are always open to new suggestions so that we may provide full service to the greater community. If there is a part of our site you can not view, then please advise us through our contact information on the Contacts page.

"The provision of information and online services through the Worldwide Web is a service covered by the DDA. Equal access for people with a disability in this area is required by the DDA where it can reasonably be provided. This requirement applies to any individual or organisation developing a Worldwide Web page in Australia, or placing or maintaining a Web page on an Australian server. This includes pages developed or maintained for purposes relating to employment; education; provision of services including professional services, banking, insurance or financial services, entertainment or recreation, telecommunications services, public transport services, or government services; sale or rental of real estate; sport; activities of voluntary associations; or administration of Commonwealth laws or programs. All these are areas specifically covered by the DDA. In addition to these specific areas, provision of any other information or other goods, services or facilities through the Internet is in itself a service, and as such, discrimination in the provision of this service is covered by the DDA. The DDA applies to services whether provided for payment or not."

Read on:

• W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
• Disability Discrimination Act Advisory Notes
• The Guide to Minimum Website Standards - Australia
• Government of Canada Internet Guide
• Disability Discrimination Act 1995 - UK
• Section 508 - USA
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines - Europe
• Electronic and IT Accessibility Standards - USA
• Macromedia Flash Accessibility
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines for Public Sites

Check your websites accessibility on either of these two sites.

• Cynthia Says
• Bobby

A law suit was successfully brought against Sydney organisers (SOCOG) for their site www.olympics.com. A private citizen succeeded in winning $20,000 (Aus) in damages, on 6 November, 2001, after a ruling that the Olympics portal caused "unjustifiable hardship" in failing to meet accessibility standards.

Read on: SCOG Case Details