Web accessibility are the techniques used to within websites to allow people with disabilities to use the Web. More specifically, Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web. Web accessibility also benefits others, including older people with changing abilities due to aging.
Web accessibility encompasses all disabilities that affect access to the Web, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities. Proximity Solutions work closely to the current W3C and WAI governing bodies for web design and can advise on the current regulations and key points in the Disability Discrimination Act documents.Millions of people have disabilities that affect their use of the Web. Currently most Web sites and Web software have accessibility barriers that make it difficult or impossible for many people with disabilities to use the Web. As more accessible Web sites and software become available, people with disabilities are able to use and contribute to the Web more effectively.
Web accessibility also benefits people without disabilities. For example, a key principle of Web accessibility is designing Web sites and software that are flexible to meet different user needs, preferences, and situations. This flexibility also benefits people without disabilities in certain situations, such as people using a slow Internet connection, people with "temporary disabilities" such as a broken arm, and people with changing abilities due to aging.As these areas in web development become more recognised and enforced, so too will UK business need to meet this requirements which will certainly prompt food for thought if you have a website today!
You can find detailed information on the web standards, accessibility initiatives and disability discrimination act information via the following links:W3C - www.w3c.org (World Wide Web Consortium)WAI - www.w3.org/WAI/ (Web Accessibility Initiative)DDA - www.rnib.org.uk/DDA (Disability Discrimination Act)RNIB - www.rnib.org.uk (Royal National Institute for the Blind)RNID - www.rnid.org.uk (Royal National Institute for the Deaf)