- From: Julie Howell <JHOWELL@rnib.org.uk>
- Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 10:06:54 +0000
- To: w3c-wai-gl@w3.org
Hello everyone We have had a major breakthrough in the UK regarding accessible Website design. The UK Government has just published its first set of Web design guidelines. All Governmental Web sites are subject to these guidelines. The Government consulted with us (the Royal National Institute for the Blind) and other disability organisations, and as a result access for all is a strong theme (particularly section 4 which is about design). Excerpt: "In addition to compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act, it is vital that all potential users of government web services are able to access sites. Designers should consider carefully whether it is necessary to depart from these recommendations and, if they do, ensure that optional displays are available to permit inclusive access." Read the Government press release at http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/1999/news/991209_services.htm Read the guidelines at http://www.iagchampions.gov.uk/Guidelines/websites/ While the guidelines do not effect sites which are not Government-run, we will use them to encourage business to think of all potential users when designing Web sites. Best wishes Julie Howell Campaigns Officer (Access to Digital Information) Royal National Institute for the Blind Jhowell@rnib.org.uk Tel. +44 0207 391 2191 Fax. +44 0207 391 2104 1.7 million people in the UK experience a serious sight problem or blindness. Poor Web design prevents many disabled people from getting the most from the Web. Support our campaign for better Web design! http://www.rnib.org.uk/digital
Received on Monday, 13 December 1999 05:32:57 UTC