14 November 2006

Improvements to web accessibility can be of great benefit to a large number of individuals, one writer has claimed.

Anne B Evans, who has worked in the field of disability for many years, believes that poor levels of accessibility could have a negative impact throughout communities.

Writing for Indy Bay, Ms Evans claims that individuals with motor, cognitive and visual impairments can all benefit from high levels of accessibility.

Additionally, elderly persons and those with limited English-speaking skills could find that accessible websites are easier to use.

Ms Evans, who suffers from a disability herself, wrote: "In many cases a website or component might be technically accessible, but unusable to one or more groups of persons with disabilities - so we must improve both accessibility and usability for everyone."

She added that the "digital divide" could widen in communities if some individuals are excluded due to poor accessibility.

The European Commission recently claimed that by conforming to accessibility standards, bodies can provide a "better life" for elderly and disabled individuals.

© Adfero Ltd

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