New regulations came into force for public sector websites on 23 September 2018, stating that all websites and applications must be made more accessible.
But what does this mean?
“The power of the Web is in its universality.
Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect."
Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web
Accessibility means that websites, apps and technologies are designed and developed so that people with a wide range of disabilities can use them with ease – including people with visual, physical, cognitive, auditory, neurological and speech disabilities. It also benefits people without disabilities, including those accessing information using smartphones and tablets, older people and those with temporary disabilities (for example a broken arm or temporary visual impairment).
It is imperative that all websites be accessible in order to provide equal access to people with diverse abilities. This is especially the case for public sector websites such as websites for the NHS and other health and care providers, where users need to access important health information and signposting.
What do you need to do?
Fixing everything on your website at once could put a ‘disproportionate burden’ on your organisation. Frank can work with you to discuss which changes need be made now and what could be changed/improved upon in the future.
At the very least, your website now needs to conform to the WCAG2.1 AA accessibility standards (which can be viewed here https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/helping-people-t...) and include features such as the ability for users to increase text size by up to 300%, the ability to navigate most of the website using a keyboard only, and using equivalent alternative text descriptions for images, to benefit screen reader users.
Not all of the standards are based on technical capabilities; they do also take into consideration the type of content and the labeling of content throughout your website. This will need consideration and internal work from a client perspective.
You must also state what your plans are in an accessibility statement on your website, to make things very clear to your users. If possible, you should also provide contact details for any questions or suggestions your users may have about accessibility issues.
When does this need to be done?
Public sector website created on or after 23 September 2018 need to meet accessibility standards and publish an accessibility statement by 23 September 2019. You will then need to review and update your accessibility statement regularly.
Most existing websites that were published before 23 September 2018 need to comply with the 2018 regulations by 23 September 2020.
Frank can carry out an accessibility audit on your existing website or discuss accessibility planning for your upcoming web projects – please get in touch by calling 0161 273 5354 or e-mailing info@frankltd.co.uk
Further reading
Understanding new accessibility requirements for public sector bodies
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/accessibility-requirem...
Understanding WCAG2.1
https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/helping-people-t...