Why do I need an accessible website?
Basically there are three reasons to consider accessibility when designing a website. The first is a legal implication. The UK Disability Discrimination Act (1999) creates legal obligations on organisations and companies to ensure that people with disabilities can access their products and services. Whilst the Act stops short of stating that ALL websites are legally required to conform to certain regulations it does state that companies maybe liable if they don't make their services accessible. The second reason is a moral one, why should a user with say a visual impairment not be able to use your site just because you haven't considered their needs? Especially when you consider that your website maybe the only way they can gain access to such a product or service. The third reason is a business reason, there are over 8 million registered people with a disability in the United Kingdom alone, can you afford not to market your business to them?
How do you know if your current website is accessible? The easiest way is to use an online webchecker like WAVE. On the Wave website you can input your domain name and check for errors. Or you could also employ a tester, someone with visual impairment perhaps? They will have screen reading software and will be able to inform you of any areas of your site that are inaccessible. Aberconwy websites have their own testers and we will be happy to quote, should you wish to employ our services.
