What does Website Accessibility mean?
An accessible website is one that is fully optimized for all people, including those who have impaired vision or hearing, motor difficulties or learning disabilities.
Having an accessible website is not only the right thing to do from an ethical point of view in tackling discrimination but it also a legal requirement under the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018. For mobile apps, accessibility requirements apply in the same way as websites and the deadline for meeting them was 23rd June 2021.
The Government Digital Service (GDS) monitor public sector bodies’ compliance on behalf of the Minister for the Cabinet Office. GDS do this by examining a sample of public sector websites every year. From June 2021, GDS have also began to check mobile applications published by public sector bodies.
Why is it important?
Compliance
Most public sector websites and mobile apps do not currently meet accessibility requirements, with a recent study finding that 4 in 10 local council homepages failed basic tests for accessibility.
The accessibility regulations state that you must make your website or mobile app more accessible by making it ‘perceivable, operable, understandable and robust’. You will also need to include an accessibility statement on your website.
All public sector bodies have to meet the 2018 requirements, and these include:
- Central Government and Local Government Organisations
- Some Charities and Other Non-Government Organisations
Improve Usability
Accessibility is not just about putting things online. It means making your content, format and design clear and simple so that people can use it without needing to adapt it, while also supporting those who do need to adapt things.
Poor websites disproportionately affect disabled users and those who have low digital skills, which effectively blocks them from access to services. The overlap of these groups and those who rely most heavily on support from public services is high, meaning that those who most need help can’t get it easily. Therefore, in implementing web accessibility best practices, you will ensure your website is more user-friendly for those who rely most heavily on your services.
Improve SEO
When you implement accessibility features into your website, your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will also improve. Therefore, your website will not only become faster and easier for your customers to use, but it will also appear higher in search engine rankings.
Increase Your Audience
If your website is not accessible then you risk losing out on a large segment of the population, meaning they will not engage with your content simply because they are unable to. Ensuring your website is accessible will open up your potential target audience.
How can we help?
We will be running our online CPD training course, led by accessibility consultants Ben Watson and George Rhodes from All Able once again this October, bringing organisation's across the sector up to date with the latest accessibility regulations and helping them ensure their website is more operable for their more vulnerable service users.
We recently reached out to delegates from our previous training courses, to get some feedback from them and hear how the course has helped them to amend their websites and ensure it is accessible for as many people as possible. Here is what they had to say:
Practical, detailed and engaging training by professionals with a reassuring depth of knowledge and expertise in their field.
Marketing Communication Officer, Bath and North East Somerset Council
I thought the training was absolutely fantastic. George and Ben were just so knowledgeable and were able to provide the information I needed to feel confident in tackling the difficult subject that is accessibility. It really was so beneficial and I would recommend to anyone working in digital within the public sector.
Communications Business Advisor, Gloucestershire County Council
The course was jam-packed of really useful information, tips, tools and ideas. So much to put into practice to ensure full accessibility and I'll be tasking everyone in the organisation to ensure we get this done.
Senior Communications & Engagement Manager, NHS South Central
George and Ben (the trainers) were extremely engaging and knowledgeable and it was great to have expert opinion on the issues facing public sector bodies beyond central government.
Content Designer, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
This was an insightful, interesting event. I'm looking forward to going through all the new resources that were provided and sharing them with my team. Both speakers were very helpful and knowledgeable.
Digital Communications Officer, Brighton & Hove City Council
An extensive and above all practical guide to website accessibility. George and Ben covered the legislation, why it is there, how it's being implemented and exactly what this means for your public sector organisation. I was worried I'd be out of my depth on the technical side but it was all quite easy to follow.
Digital Communications Officer at Hyde Housing Association Limited
Great course, I gained a good insight into what my organisation needs to put in place for our website accessibility and compliance.
Marketing Communications Officer, Haywards Heath Town Council
Excellent course, provides a good overview about accessibility and also provides a lot of pretty good materials. They provide time for questions and real time tests, that helps so much.
Drupal Support Analyst, Zoocha
This was a great event, very informative and the speakers were extremely knowledgeable. I would highly recommend.
Events & Promotions Officer, City Development, Leeds City Council
