Tackling the issue of accessibility in the online environment
Simon Norris, managing director of Nomensa, the digital design
company specialising in human centred design, has been appointed
co-chair of the Digital Content Forum’s (DCF) newly formed Industry Action
Group (IAG) for Web Standards. As a priority the IAG will tackle the issue of
accessibility in the online environment, making Internet technologies
accessible to people with disabilities.
The DCF’s Industry Action Group
comprises of 20 leading figures from across the public and private
sector, its role being to promote industry standards and to advise
relevant Government Departments on accessibility related issues. Simon
Norris is acting as the industry representative for the British Web
Design and Marketing Association who promote best practice through
sharing knowledge and understanding. Patrick White, founder of the BWDMA comments:
Government enthusiastically supports DCF objectives, accessibility being one of a wide spectrum of issues where it is keen to have our input. We look forward to the contribution Simon and the IAG members can make in this important area.
In the UK, it is estimated that there are some 8.6 million people with visual, auditory, cognitive or motor impairments, with a spending power of around £45 billion a year. Simon contributes:
Despite the talk, there is currently little genuine understanding of accessibility related issues in the UK web design community. And worryingly, there is even less practical experience of building sites that meet the highest recognised standards in accessibility. Our first objective is therefore to widen understanding within the industry of the relevant standards that already exist, and then to foster a shared approach to overcoming the technical issues relating to making existing web based technologies meet these standards.
Nomensa has recently just completed the world’s third ever accessible site using Macromedia Flash and build web sites to satisfy the globally accepted highest level of accessibility set by the W3C (AAA, Priority Level 3).
The assignment is a further endorsement of how Nomensa’s approach to accessibility ensures web sites are compliant with legislation and tailor solutions to the specific needs of each client.
About the Digital Content Forum (DCF)
The DCF forms a two-way conduit between industry and government to gather views and input into policy-making processes. It operates as a professionally managed network of members, to which it delivers value through representing their interests and views on a broader scale. By aligning complementary activities within the sector, it promotes co-operation amongst trade associations and businesses, enabling them to fulfil their own objectives.
The DCF has already formed a number of progressive sub-committees, known as Industry Action Groups (IAGs), to help deal with specific industry issues. The flexible structure of the Forum enables UK representatives to contribute in their particular areas of expertise, making each convened IAG a collaboration of significant substance. Further information: DCF website.
About the BWDMA
The ethical home of UK web design, the BWDMA is influence-driven rather than membership-driven. The Association seeks to improve e-business standards through sharing knowledge, understanding and proliferation of best practice.
To further its aims and objectives, the association actively solicits constructive relationships with industry, government, academia and other such bodies, as may have common goals or purpose.
About Nomensa
Established in 2001, Nomensa is the digital agency which specialises in perfecting online user experience. It combines usability, accessibility and strong web development skills to help public and private sector clients develop online strategies, be more inclusive and accountable.
Nomensa has a research based methodology that put people at the centre of its activities. Everything it does focuses on understanding the experience people have when using technology.
Nomensa works with FTSE 250 companies, Central Government Departments, Local Authorities and Councils, and leading Universities, as well as several other organisations in the finance, IT and charity sectors.
