Accessibility testing
The web provides those with disabilities access to information and allows them to participate in society in ways that were previously impossible. Blind people can read a newspaper and those with quadriplegia who cannot move their arms or legs can shop for their own books and food without even leaving the house.
However, this is only possible with cooperation from web designers and developers who need to adhere to certain principles to make their sites fully accessible. As a result many sites are completely inaccessible to those who need them and with around 10 million disabled people in the UK (Source - Department for Work and Pensions) this could represent a sizeable share of your target market.
Your
legal obligation
All website owners have a legal obligation to make their websites accessible to those with disabilities. Websites used in the education sector are covered by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 (SENDA) which aims to ensure that disabled students are not discriminated against in education, training or any service provided for students. Websites used in education must be accessible to all. The good news is that, with small adjustments, most existing websites and educational products can be made accessible to disabled users.
Benefits
of better accessibility
- Comply with UK and US laws
- Make your online product available to 10 million disabled people in the UK
- Accessible websites are easier to use for everyone, not just those with disabilities
- Accessible websites are more easily picked up by search engines – improving your online presence
We asked Shift Media to help us review several aspects of our usability and accessibility to a very tight schedule. Their expert analysis, professional approach, clear advice and above all their understanding of our requirements was very impressive. As a result, their work has been extremely helpful to us and will guide the continuous improvement of our online publishing.
Chris Fell, Online Systems Director, Cambridge Journals
Our
services
- Accessibility audit of your website
- Accessibility testing with disabled users
- Complete rebuild of your site taking accessibility requirements into account
- Accessibility style guide for website editors
Click below to read about some of our previous accessibility projects:
Cambridge University
Press Journals
Routledge Colloquial Italian Companion
Website
If you would like more information on how we can help you to improve the accessibility of your website or product, please contact us.