14 July 2006

In order for a website to be truly accessible, the user must easily be able to discover the accessibility features, an expert has claimed.

Peter Abrahams, writing for IT-Director, states that web accessibility hinges on two factors.

The first is that usability and accessibility must be effectively integrated into the system.

Navigation button straight to accessibility features are of great importance, Mr Abrahams states, particularly with more complex sites.

The second key factor in web accessibility is how easy it is for the user to find, the expert states.

Mr Abrahams cites websites which may be fully accessible, but the accessibility features are difficult to locate or not obvious on the page.

Web accessibility options that are difficult to see mean a "visually impaired user would never find it", he asserts.

If accessibility is going to work then it has to be usable and accessible itself," he said.

"The creators of IT solutions must consider what happens to a user when they first access the system."

Following recent guidance from the British Standards Institution, many experts believe that digital accessibility and usability are rising in importance for many major organisations.

© Adfero Ltd

Keep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.