Visit Stand 582 and try and navigate the web wearing a blindfold using screen reading software, or attempt to control the mouse using your feet.  See what a difference changing text size and colours can have when viewing a website with blurry glasses or have a go at surfing using voice recognition software.

AbilityNet was the pioneer of disabled end user testing in the UK and has, over the last four years, established an extensive panel of testers with a diversity of disabling conditions who access their computers using a wide variety of adaptive hardware and software solutions which mean that websites are at worst, completely inaccessible and at best, difficult to navigate.
AbilityNet’s team of 100 disabled testers use a range of assistive techniques from ‘tweaking’ the browser (making changes in Internet Explorer like enlarging text or altering colour schemes), to using screen reading or voice recognition technology.  Other testers have difficulty using a mouse, dyslexia, learning disabilities or use British Sign Language (BSL).

In response to growing demand from organisations in both the private and public sector keen to optimise visitor numbers, as well as comply with disability discrimination act legislation, AbilityNet has developed a package of user testing services both to audit existing sites and to help organisations build truly inclusive sites in the future.

“As well as the obvious legal and ethical arguments for accessibility, it simply makes good business sense.  Apart from the compelling commercial rationale which indicates that those operating inaccessible sites are ‘locking out’ significant numbers of potential customers, future court action also remains a very real threat,” says Robin Christopherson, AbilityNet’s Head of Accessibility Services.

AbilityNet can offer a crucial ‘DDA compliance’ audit of a company’s website, as well as a much broader review of all their websites, intranets and software systems.  Without such a holistic review, no company is able to draft that all-important roadmap (incorporating specific milestones) to provide reasonable accessibility for all their customers and employees. 

“Companies not armed with clear documentation of their current ‘DDA compliance’ situation and a clearly defined roadmap to accessibility is not mitigating the risks associated with litigation,” says Christopherson.

Commercial websites re-launched in a more accessible form are some 35% easier to use, cheaper to maintain and refresh, and eliminate the risk of legal action being initiated by disgruntled potential customers.  Sites such as that of Legal & General, recently re-launched in accessible form and tested for accessibility by AbilityNet’s disabled users, experienced a near doubling in online sales.

Household names including BBC, Barclays, British Airways, HSBC, Cadburys-Schweppes, Sky and Virgin Atlantic have also benefited from AbilityNet’s comprehensive range of accessibility and usability services including DDA compliance reviews, audits, training and web builds, as well as testing by their uniquely qualified disabled user team.

In the UK an estimated 2 million people have a vision impairment, some 1.5 million have cognitive difficulties, a further 3.4 million have a disability which prevents them using the standard keyboard, screen and mouse set-up with ease, around 6 million are dyslexic and many millions experience literacy difficulties, not to mention the increasing number of elderly ‘silver surfers’ with failing eyesight or arthritis.  These potential internet users also represent a spending power in excess of £120 billion.  The arguments are compelling, whether from a moral, legislative or commercial perspective, suppliers of goods, services and information on the internet are ignoring a highly significant market sector and risking making enemies of valuable friends.

Ends

About AbilityNet

AbilityNet is a charity that brings the benefits of computer technology to adults and children with all types of disabilities.  AbilityNet offers a comprehensive range of services to disabled people, professionals, employers and statutory bodies. It provides free information and advice on any aspect of computer use by disabled people including individual assessment of technology needs, adapted computer equipment with full training and technical support, a programme of awareness education, and consultancy for employers on system and workstation adaptations, as well as website and software accessibility.

In 2007 AbilityNet supplied free advice and information to some 850,000 enquiries through its national freephone and web-based services.  In addition, the charity's consultants saw nearly 2,000 disabled children and adults for individual assessments, equipment, training sessions and home support visits. 

In the same year, AbilityNet's professional education courses and seminars attracted around 6,000 staff from public, private and voluntary sector organisations, seeking to develop their awareness of adaptive technology for those with disabling conditions and learn practical solutions to apply in the workplace, at home or in education.  

For further details check www.abilitynet.org.uk or call AbilityNet’s freephone helpline on:  0800 269545 
Issued by: Caroline Saint Freedman, AbilityNet Press Office 
Tel:  01926 429595  E: press.office@abilitynet.org.uk