EC targets web accessibility

Category: Accessibility

July 4th 08, 08:39

The European commission (EC) has called on web designers to make sites more accessible for disabled web users.

It said that 15 per cent of the European population has some form of disability, with many not being able to make the most of a number of websites as a result.

The EC said that it was launching a consultation to discover the best ways of making sure accessibility standards are complied with across Europe and said website design should now consider the fact that the European Union is home to an ageing population.

Older people may have particular need for solutions such as bigger font sizes and text-to-speech software, it suggested.

"I call on the web publishing industry and public sector administrations to make a much more determined effort to ensure the web is accessible to everyone," said EU commissioner for information society and media Viviane Reding.

"Those responsible should remember that in a few years' time they will probably find themselves amongst those having trouble to read the screen."

Meanwhile, the British Standards Institution announced earlier this year that it is looking to develop new standards for web accessibility for use in the UK.

This news story was brought to you by Bluhalo, a leading UK digital agency.

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