Overview

The 1995 Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) makes it unlawful for companies to discriminate against disabled people, in employment and in the provision of goods, facilities and services. 

Internet services throughout the World are increasingly being challenged on their accessibility and Part 3 of the DDA specifically covers services provided through the Web.

People use the Web in many different ways, with many different devices and a Website should present information in a way that people can access it regardless of this.  As well as improving our Websites for disabled people, addressing accessibility improves Web services for all Internet users, especially those who:

• may have a visual, hearing or mobility impairment
• may have a colour vision impairment
• may not have or be able to use a keyboard or a mouse
• may be using a screen reader or have a text-only browser (screen)
• may have an early version of a browser or a voice browser

Web accessibility is about ensuring information can reach all your potential audience, irrespective of disability or the wide variety of ways and technology used to access the Web.