When you think about accessibility in UK you may think about wheelchair ramps, disabled access doors, and public services for the disabled. Laws surrounding disabled access have been in place for well over a decade. What is newer is web accessibility in UK for the disabled. This is something that came about in 2010 in the UK. Read on to find out more.
Accessibility in UK : An Internet without Barriers
Web accessibility is the removal of barriers that stops people with disabilities using the Internet. If a website is correctly designed it can be used by everyone, including the visually impaired. Just like a blind person can read braile, there are similar techniques that will allow them to use the Internet. When a site is coded in HTML and has text equivalents for images and links in the correct places, blind users can use text-to-speech or text-to-braile hardware to access the pages.
For colour-blind users to be able to use the Internet easily links should be not just presented in a different colour to the text; they should also be underlined. Clickable links should cover a large area and not just a pinpoint. This allows users who cannot hold a mouse with precision to click on the links easily. Many websites are designed so that they can be used with the keyboard alone and without the need of a mouse.
Video content within websites should use caption or sign language so that the hard of hearing and deaf can understand them. If this is not the case, then a separate video should be available for the hard of hearing. Flashing should also be able to be disabled for viewers who are prone to seizures. If content is in plain language illustrated diagrams and animations should be in place for those with learning disabilities and dyslexia.
Web accessibility aims to provide help in the following ways:
- Visual : For the visual impaired and blind as well as for colour blindness
- Motor/Mobility : For those who suffer from muscle slowness or tremors or other conditions that stop them being able to use their hands. Such conditions include Parkinson’s and those who have suffered a stroke.
- Auditory: For the hearing impaired and deaf
- Cognitive/ Intellectual: For those with learning difficulties and problems with memory etc.
- Seizures: Option to turn off flash for those who suffer from epilepsy and seizures.
Accessibility in UK : Your Web Content
Your own website or content should be built in a way that it is easy to use for the disabled. Not only will this bring you in line with what the government expects from everyone in the future. It will also ensure that you don’t lose out on customers to your site. Next time you shop online, check the site you are using. For sure, it has help for those with disabilities such as the plenty of pictures and the option for a much larger font at the click of the button. If you own site is accessibility friendly, then anyone who is blind or impaired in another way will be able to shop with you too.