EFD home page > accessibility > accessibility overview
What is Web accessibility?
Web accessibility is about designing sites for everyone, independent of who they are or how they access the Web. Specifically it addresses the needs of disabled people, giving them greater opportunities to use and interact with the Internet and hence your organisation.
Why is it important?
- Many businesses are unwittingly excluding disabled customers,who in the UK have an estimated £45 – 50 billion and in the USA $175 billion to spend each year because their Websites are inaccessible
- An accessible Website benefits everyone by improving usability, and can give you commercial advantage and enhance your reputation
- Legislation is increasingly being used to enforce the accessibility of Websites globally. It is now compulsory for public Websites in the USA and Australia to meet a minimum level of accessibility; this may soon be expanded to include commercial Websites.
Economic advantages
Accessible web sites have economic advantages. A larger audience means an increased market and greater commercial opportunities. For example disabled people, who are more likely than most people to with to access services online, have a large disposable income
8% of the population in the USA have impairments which affect their ability to access the web. The figure in Europe is 11%, expected to reach 18% by 2020. These people control $17s billion in discretionary income.
To find out more contact the Forum on phone (020) 7403 3020
Alternatively fax (020) 7403 0404 or email us at enquiries@employers-forum.co.uk