Nomensa expert promotes web accessibility
Léonie Watson, Nomensa's head of accessibility, spent the day with
BBC journalist Michelle Pascal, talking about life as a blind person
and the role that Nomensa are playing in the accessibility/usability
revolution. The piece was broadcast to the South West of the UK
promoting the important issue of web site accessibility.
With shots playing in the background of Léonie making a cup of tea and sitting quietly to read an electronic book, she spoke about the experience of losing her sight and the importance of the Internet in her life. Explaining that she carries out many daily tasks online, for example banking, shopping and communicating with friends, Léonie described how vital to her independence she sees the Internet.
Outlining some of the difficulties faced by visually impaired people on the Internet, including images with no alternate text to explain their purpose, Léonie spoke about the lack of knowledge and understanding inherent in many businesses and organisations.
Following her to the Nomensa offices, the piece captured Léonie accessing the Web using her screen reader, giving the viewer an idea of how a web page appears to someone relying on speech, rather than visual feedback.
Discussing the recently published FTSE 100 Accessibility report, Léonie made the business case for accessibility and usability abundantly clear:
It is remarkably simple. The greater the number of people you enable to use your website, the greater revenue stream you will generate.
Journalist Michelle Pascal's report then went on to highlight some of the companies who placed toward the bottom of the accessibility usability league table, featured in the FTSE 100 Accessibility report.
Retrospectively, Léonie says:
It was a great experience to do this report, especially in the capable hands of Michelle Pascal. It's tremendous to be able to talk about Nomensa's ongoing work in this field and to tell so many people about the work we do at Nomensa.
The FTSE report is available free of charge. To obtain your copy please email Caroline Risk on info@nomensa.com or telephone 0117 929 7333.
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.
