British firms 'must wake up to accessibility issues'
Web Design
10 September 2008
Businesses in the UK need to be more aware of the need for adequate website accessibility after a lawsuit related to the issue was recently settled in the US, it has been claimed.
A case was brought against Target after web users found they could not access its site via screen-reading software, leading to the retailer eventually agreeing to make amendments to the website and pay compensation to the complainants.
According to Eversheds partner Owen Warnock, this should serve as a warning to British businesses that have not yet addressed the issue of accessibility in their own websites, particularly in light of the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act, the Telegraph reports.
"In the UK, if the website provides goods and services there are obligations to make reasonable adjustments, which would include making it accessible to screen readers," he said.
The market for usability and accessibility services in the UK is expanding as more firms become aware of the need for better quality websites, E-consultancy noted in a report published earlier this year.
To make more money from your website
CALL US NOW ON 01483 740800.
