Accessibility on the World Wide Web

Originally published 20^th October 2004

Businesses are under a legal obligation to make their websites accessible to disabled users. Despite this, many disabled people continue to encounter difficulties accessing websites, and are unable to make full use of the Internet. This article sets out the current position under English law with regard to web accessibility, and what steps can be taken to ensure that your website complies.

An accessible website is one with web pages that are accessible to all who use the site. Visual impairments, hearing and motor problems can all cause a person difficulties when using the Internet. Some problems can be overcome via the use of assistive technologies. For instance, a visually impaired person may use a text-based browser, such as Lynx, and a screen reader to ‘speak’ the text that appears on the screen or a Braille display. Someone who suffers from motor problems may be able to use a keyboard or special input