Accessible Web Design

The internet is a medium that is open to everyone, or is it? Some websites create unnecessary problems for visitors with disabilities because of the way they were designed. Bad design can make information difficult or even impossible to access.

Past research has indicated that web developers and commercial organisations have largely ignored W3C guidelines for making web sites accessible. In addition to the public relations benefits and a demonstration of corporate social responsibility, accessible web design reflects a fundamental respect for your customers.

The Business Case For Accessible Web Design

In the UK it's illegal for any business, including online business, to discriminate against people with disabilities. Building accessibility into a new website may add a few pounds to the budget, however this option is far better than a complicated and expensive retro fit sometime in the future. Apart from being a legal requirement, accessibility makes sound business sense.

• increased natural search engine traffic
• lower maintenance costs
• compatibility with browsers, mobile devices, slower connections, dated technology
• larger market share
• increased turnover

Did you know that in the UK there are 8.6 million registered disabled people, that equates to 14% of the population, with an annual spend of £88 billion?