Web Accessibility Short Guide - Evisible Integrated Media Ltd

How can I tell if my web site is accessible?

Checking a web site for accessibility can be a time-consuming process, requiring a sound knowledge of web usability, programming, visual design, functionality and content presentation.

Evisible can carry out an audit of your web site and outline recommendations and changes based on our professional knowledge and understanding of web accessibility, with a comprehensive status report and recommendations for your business.

To help you understand whether your web site is accessible and whether an audit may be required, the basic questions outlined below can be used as an indicator as to whether your site may need an audit.

Note: There are 65 checkpoints for accessibility outlined by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) - the founding principles of the UK's Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) for online services as well as other country / state legislation. See 'Understanding web accessibility' for more information.

The list below should not be referenced as an absolute guarantee of compliancy to either disability discrimination laws or to the W3C accessibility guidelines.

Basic accessibilty questions:

• Does the web site function correctly across a range of browsers and devices old and new?
• Can users navigate quickly and easily around the site to find the information they need?
• Can a user control screen, font sizes and colours through their browser or an on-screen option?
• Are alternative methods of displaying data in charts, graphic information, video or Flash available to the user?
• Is your web content unambiguous, easy to find and easy to understand?
• Are online forms clearly structured, easy to complete, using the tab key or access keys if necessary, and without Javascript or other dynamic scripting functions?
• Has the site been tested using screen readers and and other assistive technologies and functions correctly?

More complex accessibility issues:

• Does the site function and remain logically structured when coding elements such as CSS, Javascript, Images and Flash are disabled in the browser or unavailable?
• Does the web site use the latest methods and coding technologies such as CSS and divisional layers to separate content from code structure?
• Are navigation elements clear and easy to use without Javascript or other scripting?

Conclusions

If your answer is ‘no’ to any or all of these questions, or if you are unsure simply contact Evisible using our online form or by phoning 07092897133 for a free consultation. We will be happy to offer impartial and helpful advice.

Additional Resources

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• Web site accessibility auditing services
• Understanding web accessibility
• Contact Evisible