How UK Law sees Web Accessibility

4 December 2008
There has been much speculation about the legislation introduced in the UK, which is intended to ensure that websites are accessible to people with disabilities.

There has been much speculation about the legislation introduced in the UK, which is intended to ensure that websites are accessible to people with disabilities.

The Disability Discrimination Act does not mention web site design.

Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act refers to the provision of goods, facilities and services, yet does not mention websites. You need to refer to the associated code of practice for specific details about web sites.

The Act makes it unlawful for a service provider to discriminate against a disabled person by refusing to provide any service which it provides to members of the public.

From 1st October 1999 a service provider has to take reasonable steps to change a practice which makes it unreasonably difficult for disabled people to make use of its services.

For people with visual impairments, the range of auxiliary aids or services which it might be reasonable to provide to ensure that services are accessible might include accessible websites.

For people with hearing disabilities, the range of auxiliary aids or services which it might be reasonable to provide to ensure that services are accessible might include accessible websites.