At NSDesign, we believe in providing websites that can be used by everybody, irrespective of disability or special needs. Not because this is now a requirement by law, but because it makes good business sense. By strictly designing to certain standards and accessibility guidelines, your site can take advantage of the following:
- increased sales
- increased audience reach
- improved search engine listings
- reduced load (faster webpages)
- reduced site maintenance costs
- reduced potential of incurring legal liabilities
Is accessibility really that important?
If you're still not convinced that an accessible site is worth the effort, then consider this:
- Web Site Accessibility is both morally and ethically rewarding - it's the right thing to do!
- It makes sound business sense: more visitors = more potential customers. Positive PR will ensue, and Search Engines will love your website as their robots operate in the same way as the software that a visually impaired person would use.
- It's a legal requirement - Equality is a basic democratic right and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), requires all publicly accessed websites to be compliant with Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) guidelines. Section 19 of which makes it unlawful for a provider of services to discriminate against a disabled person. A website is regarded as a service and therefore falls under this law, and as such must be made accessible to everyone. Other legislation includes the Australian Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act and the US Section 508.
