Website Accessibility

"The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect."

--Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web

What is website accessibility?

Website accessibility is about making your website accessible to all internet users regardless of ability or disability.

What guidelines are there?

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has recognised the need for universal accessibility. Its Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) has published a guide called Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (the DDA), was introduced with the intention of comprehensively tackling the discrimination which many disabled people face.

Why should I make my website accessible?

The more people you reach by making your website accessible - the more business you’ll do.

What should I consider in my design?

The subject of accessibility is enormous; however there are many basic website design principles which can help make your website more accessible. Here’s a few examples:

  • Re-sizable text

    • It is important that text can be re-sized on a website. For an example of this on Internet Explorer go to the tools bar and click on View, then click on Text Size and select Larger – you will see that the main text will become bigger.

  • Choice of fonts

    • Remember the older eyes that are reading your website - use reasonably sized fonts for your text - select your font carefully - it is thought that sans serif fonts are the most readable. Darker text on a lighter background is easier to read. Use plenty of white space.

  • Flashing lights, spinning wheels and whizzy movement

    • At best these gimmicks can be distracting and at worst they can trigger headaches and can cause seizures. There are millions of migraine and epilepsy suffers who spend time on-line – so make sure your website a pleasurable experience for them.

  • Garish colours

    • Don’t select garish colours for your website that irritate the eyes of your visitors. Bright red text on a vivid pink background - not a good idea!

  • Images - descriptive tags

    • Make sure any images you use on your website have descriptive tags so that the blind and partially sighted who rely on website screen readers can hear an explanation of what the image shows. Remember website screen readers cannot read graphics or Flash images.

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