30 May 2007

US companies have been warned that they could face legal action if they fail to design inclusively when creating a website.

"If you think that accessibility isn't important for your US-based website you might want to think again," web development and e-business expert Lisha Sterling told Webreference.com.

Ms Sterling drew companies' attention to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires that all organisations must provide accessibility to services for disabled persons - extended to include online provision in 2001.

However, the expert also said that regardless of the ADA, businesses should design using accessibility standards, as the tools used "can be a cost-effective way to do good and generate more business at the same time".

In the UK, the Disability Discrimination Act and the Disability Equality Duty both make it legally binding for organisations to provide adequate services for individuals with disabilities - much the same as their US counterpart.

© Adfero Ltd

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