Link Web Services
Accessibility
Fact Sheet: Website Accessibility
What is Website Accessibility?
Accessibility is the term used to define the availability of a website to the broadest range of users who access the internet. Accessibility issues come into place when users are unable to access a website due to constraints which may be based on the following:
- A physical disability, such as blindness or impaired mobility, where the user may be utilising a voice operated browser or may not have the ability to operate a keyboard or mouse.
- Impaired vision as a result of ageing or other factors, or a situation where the user is unable to process the information easily or effectively.
Technical constraints where the user may be accessing the website through a slower internet connection, from a rural location, or an older or less common version of a web browser or operating system.
Compliance
As part of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, all Australian websites must adhere to Web Accessibility Guidelines. While for most private enterprises equal access is required where it can be reasonably provided, Government Department websites must adhere to stricter guidelines and must be validated to at least the minimal level of compliance as per the National Office of Information Economy (NOIE) guidelines.
The World Wide Web Consortium or W3C provide internationally recognised guidelines for website accessibility. These guidelines are supported by the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC), the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) and the Office of Government Online (OGO).
To ensure that your website adheres to the guidelines required for your particular organisation, a website validation tool exists at www.w3.org. W3C offers this validation as a free service, and provides additional services such as Cascading Style Sheets Validation and a Link Checker.
Link Web Services have extensive experience in Accessibility compliance and are available to assist in determining your requirements as well as implementing any necessary changes. Whether it be meeting the basic requirements of accessibility for best practice or the highest compliance for a Government Department, we will ensure that your accessibility requirements are met whilst ensuring minimal compromise to the design and functionality of your site.
Related Links
For more information regarding website accessibility and Government guidelines check out the following websites.
www.w3.org
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) website containing information regarding website accessibility guidelines and the Australian Government recommended website validation tool.
www.agimo.gov.au
The Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) website, containing information regarding all Accessibility Guidelines and general web publishing standards for Australian Government Departments. This website also contains best practice guidelines for non-Governmental organisations.
http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/
standards/www_3/www_3.html
The Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission’s (HREOC) detail on website accessibility in relation to the Disability Discrimination Act.
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/HCC/00-13.pdf
The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) PDF file containing information regarding current issues in Rural Accessibility and how these issues can be avoided or resolved.
Note: All information provided above is accurate to the best knowledge of Link Web Services and is provided as guide only. The most accurate and up-to-date information regarding all Accessibility requirements can be found through the links above.
