A world denied: a supplement for Better connected 2009 on accessibility statements

Produced by: Socitm Insight

Type: Reports

This short piece of research examines how well local authority websites conform with the latest guidelines for good practice in ensuring accessible websites.

Making websites accessible for all has proven to be a challenging task, as evidenced by our annual Better connected reports into the state of council websites. Last year, we published a special supplement on accessible websites in order to identify good practice. This year, we have now produced a special supplement into emerging good practice as recommended by official guidance from BSi and, for government in England, the Central Office of Information (CoI).

1  Introduction

We set out the context to this new piece of research that shows ,how well local authority websites conform with the latest guidance on good practice in developing accessible websites, emphasising the critical role of accessibility statements.
"An accessibility statement is a statement of intention. At its most simple, it will provide an open commitment to accessibility."
(Delivering inclusive websites, June 2008, COI)

2  Detailed results of survey

We report the detailed results from a short survey of 12 questions that test the appropriateness of accessibility statements and supporting facilities to help disabled visitors to use the site.

3  Detailed results of e-mail tests

We report the detailed results from two e-mail tests that examine how well organisations respond to queries about accessibility. One test focuses on a response to an enquiry for help from a disabled person; the other test concentrates on plans for improving the website's accessibility.

4  Conclusions

We summarise all the results to identify those that have committed to accessibility statements, comparing them with accessibility results from Better connected 2009. These findings point to a check list of good practice and three clear recommendations.

Last modified: 19th January 2010