Websites are playing an increasingly important role in businesses, which is why the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) was created to ensure that websites are as accessible to visitors as your physical premises.

There are a variety of tools available to make the Internet accessible to those with disabilities. Visually impaired users can use specialist software which converts the text on web pages into synthesized speech and reads the web pages out loud. Physically disabled people can access the web using adapted keyboards. These tools open up the ways in which people can use the Internet, and they also present a number of additional scenarios in which your website is being viewed. Just as your website should be tested using different web browsers such as Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer, your website should also be tested using the tools that disabled people use to ensure it is truly accessible.

Web accessibility means access to the Web by everyone, regardless of ability. The benefits of making your website accessible are that you reach a wider audience whilst reducing your legal liability and demonstrating social responsibility.

A lot of the guidelines to making your site accessible are good housekeeping and increase their usability for all surfers. Intuitive menu systems, good contrast between colours, and legible typefaces will make websites easy to utilize. Often sites are designed from the organization’s perspective, and the message they want to convey, and the accessibility guidelines take a fresh approach by looking at how the visitor will interact with the site.

The WAI guidelines are practical and have identified different levels of compliance. They range from protocols which must be satisfied as a basic requirement (otherwise some visitors will find it impossible to access information on a particular website) through to the highest level of compliance to ensure all visitors can easily access the information. However some of the points are subjective, for example one of the criteria is to “group related links” and interpretations of this may differ between individuals.

To find out more about the Web Accessibility Initiative including tips on how to make your site comply visit www.w3.org. Since October 2004, Zarr designed all websites to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act; if your website was designed by Zarr before this period or by another provider and you want to ensure it complies with the DDA please contact Zarr.