Eight Out Of 10 Sites Fail Minimum Accessibility Levels
A comprehensive web accessibility investigation by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has found that many disabled people face overwhelming problems when trying to access services online. More than eight out of every 10 sites are next to impossible for some disabled people to use.
The investigation, which encompassed Government, business, leisure, web services and e-commerce websites, was followed by a stern warning that many site owners may not be complying with existing equal access laws and that it was ‘only a matter of time’ before they faced legal challenges from disabled consumers.
Mr Bert Massie, DRC Chairman, described the current situation as ‘unacceptable’ and added that the DRC is determined to ensure that this new powerful technology does not leave disabled people
behind.
The DRC’s investigation revealed that more than 80% of the web sites tested failed to meet the minimum standards for disabled web access and that that the average Home page contained 108 barriers that made it impossible, or very difficult, for disabled people to use.
The study also revealed high levels of ignorance among web developers over both the steps required and the costs of making their websites accessible for disabled people with only 9% of web developers claiming any expertise in accessibility techniques.
Any organisation that offers goods and services over the web already has a legal duty, under the Disability Discriminiation Act, to make their website accessible to disabled people. If web sites remain inadequate, organisations should be prepared for disabled people to use the law to force sites to comply.