BS 8878:2010 Web Accessibility Code of Practice Draft Proposals

• Legal reasons - claims may be made by disabled people if the web products are not accessible under the Equality Act 2010 or the Discrimination Act 1995.
• Commercial reasons - it will ensure a wider audience. Currently there are 2 million pensioners who may be affected by minor impairments eg eye problems, a further 7 million people who may have an illness that prevents them from easily accessing web products, and 11 million currently covered by the UKs Discrimination Act. . It can also improve the organisations Serach Engine Optimisation as accessible sites are highly visible.
• Ethical reasons - better accessibility allows everyone to embrace the benefits that modern digital technology can offer. It may allow elderly people to live more independently and engage more in social activities.
• Other reasons include being able to allow more disabled people join the workforce by utilizing new technology eg remote working. This can lead to many benefits for the employee, employer and the state.

To help organisations follow the policy recommendations, it is suggested that a strategy for web accessibility is put into place. By embedding this policy whenever a web product or service is delivered it will be ensure that all objectives are met. Each department should consider the impact of the purpose of the product and its audeince,and ensure regular consultation with disabled people to allow accessibility to be kept up to date.

The general public can give their comments on this proposal by visiting http://drafts.bsigroup.com/.