INCO Software Solutions - Web Accessibility for DDA 95

Web Accessibility Services for DDA 95

Web Accessibility for DDA 95

We provide Web Accessibility and Usability Services for the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 95), which ensures that websites we design are compliant with the new DDA 95 rules and fully accessible to both disabled and non disabled users.

Advice to meet standards and comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 95).
A free website assessment and review.
Accessible and standards compliant website development.
Improved website usability and search engine recognition.

Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 95)- Does your Website Comply?

The Part 3 Code of the Disability Discrimination Act (which refers to accessibility on websites) came into force in October 1999. The Disability Discrimination Code of Practice for this part was published on the 27th of May 2002. This means that the majority of websites have been in breach of the law for over five years.

The law requires public service providers and employers to undertake reasonable adjustments to facilitate equal access to their products, services and buildings or face the threat of prosecution.

The Act applies to websites as well as physical access, such as ramps into buildings. Website operators who fail to make their sites accessible for disabled customers may face fines, compensation payments and heavy legal costs.

What makes a Website DDA Compliant?

A DDA compliant website should have no limitations with regards to who can use. This includes people with disabilities.

The content should be presented with the correct formatting and the navigation system should be helpful and easy to use. There shouldn't be a circumstance where content is only viewable on a particular piece of browsing software thus discriminating against those without it. It is also important to remember that a site should be readable by people with very poor or no vision who may be using screen reader software to navigate through the website (Software that reads text out aloud).

Designing with these variables (and many more) in mind can be tricky but not impossible if done correctly. The advantages of doing so mean the website will comply legally with the obligations set out by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. It also increases the range of people who can view your content, people who might normally have been discouraged by poor accessibility.

Is DDA Compliance really Necessary?

There are over 8.6 million disabled people in the United Kingdom with a combined spending power of £50 billion annually (according to the Disability Rights Commission, 2003). So it would make good business sense not to exclude them as customers.

It is a legal obligation under section 21 of the Disability Discrimination Act to ensure that blind and partially sighted people can access your website.

It is a fact that over 50% of people with disabilities find that the Internet is improving their quality of life. When it doesn't, it would be best to make sure your organisation wasn't the cause.

Your organisation will maintain a good image if seen to be catering for all.

DDA Compliance Services

If you are becoming more aware of the importance of accessibility on your website (which makes your website DDA compliant) and need guidance, INCO Software Solutions will be able to help. We have been designing accessible websites for clients for some time and understand the importance of it to a business.

Graphic Design & Accessibility Experience - Those new to the accessibility standards will find it extremely hard to provide a website that complies with the accessibility laws. This is mainly due to the strictness of the standards set by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) and the many variables involved with providing accessibility. INCO's experience however has given us the advantage of being able to design accessible websites that still strive to be graphically vibrant and creative.

Approved Consultants - INCO Software Solutions is an approved Business Link consultant and listed on the national Business Link SBS register.

Free Website Audit - If you already have a website, INCO Software Solutions can provide a free website audit and offer recommendations on how your site could be improved with a view to meeting the necessary standards. Having an accessible website not only means that you are complying with the law, but can also improve general usability and search engine recognition. By following accessible development standards you can gain more benefit from your existing site.