You are here: silicon.com > Networks > Telecoms

Telecoms

Web designers get accessibility guidelines

Sites must be designed with disabled people in mind

Tags: accessibility

By Dan Ilett

Published: 13 March 2006 16:30 GMT

The British Standards Institution (BSI) has issued new guidelines for web designers in a bid to make websites easier for disabled people to use.

The move follows an investigation by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), which found that 81 per cent of UK websites are inaccessible to disabled people.

Although the guidelines are voluntary, under the Disability Discrimination Act website owners should ensure any online services are accessible to disabled people.

Bert Massie, chairman of the DRC, said in a statement: "We need to ensure more websites can be used by disabled people and this document will play a key part in making that happen.

"Businesses and the web industry have a responsibility to ensure the web is barrier free to disabled people. It also makes good business sense. An accessible website is easier for both disabled and non-disabled people to use and is bound to attract more customers."

The document covers six key areas including building, publishing and maintaining websites. The BSI recommends that disabled people are involved with every step of the process to improve accessibility.

  1. Zones
  2. Management
  3. Networks
  4. Software
  5. IT Services
  6. Hardware
  1. Verticals
  2. Public Sector
  3. Financial Services
  4. Retail & Leisure

  • Jobs
IT Support Engineer - 12 hour shifts (Day & Nights)

Windows 2000/2003 Server, Solaris) - The ability to work to strict guidelines and time scales, often having to act on your own initiative - ...

Mid Weight Producer

An appreciation of accessibility standards and DDA compliance guidelines would be advantageous. Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, ...

1st / 2nd line support

Performing basic first line investigation and diagnosis of incidents reported prior to referral; application of a first time fix if possible. Remedy, ...

Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.





Quick Sitemap Links: