DDA AUDIT

Because it's legal and makes business sense

Why audit your website accessibility?

It is the law, and your website should comply to the law. Most specifically, it is the Disability Discrimination Act Part III that relates to the provision of goods and services. The code of practice specifically mentions websites (link opens a pdf from the DRC).

The relevant sections are as follows:

Section 2.2 - The Act makes it unlawful for a service provider to discriminate against a disabled person by refusing to provide any service, which it provides to members of the public; the standard of service that it provides; or the terms on which it provides the service. (Page 7)
Section 2.13 to 17 - What services are affected by the Act? For example, if a bank provides its services from temporary or mobile premises during a two week tennis tournament, those services are still covered by the Act. (Page 11-13)
Section 4.7 - From 1 October 1999, a service provider has had
to take reasonable steps to change a practice, policy or procedure which makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to make use of its services; provide an auxiliary aid or service if it would enable (or make it easier for) disabled people to make use of its services; and/or provide a reasonable alternative method of making its services available to disabled people where a physical feature makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to make use of the services. (Page 39)
Section 5.24 - For people with hearing disabilities, the range of auxiliary aids or services which it might be reasonable to provide to ensure that services are accessible might include such services as accessible websites. (Page 68-69)
Section 5.26 - For people with visual impairments, the range of auxiliary aids or services which it might be reasonable to provide to ensure that services are accessible might include such services as accessible websites. (Page 71)

And more importantly, are you getting it right, and therefore building trust amongst your customers?

When does the law apply?

The simple answer is NOW! Websites today are in breach of the law, and you could be sued, as the RNIB are looking to sponsor a test case.

How can you comply?

The simple answer is to follow all the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) guidelines, which you can find on their website (opens a new window).