Target case 'increasing focus on web accessibility'

Category: Web Accessibility

February 3rd 09, 14:00

Target's out-of-court settlement with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) last year has thrown the spotlight on accessibility in web design.

This is according to experts speaking to Internet Retailer, who suggested that the complaints made to the NFB about the accessibility of Target's website for disabled web users has prompted more businesses to look at their own sites more closely.

John Kemp of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, a law firm, said the case had "sent a loud and clear signal that if you don't make your website accessible, there will be a bull's-eye on your back".

Meanwhile, Daniel Goldstein of Brown, Goldstein & Levy - which acts for the NFB - said his firm had seen an increase in both the number of businesses asking for accessibility help and the number of consumers complaining about allegedly inaccessible sites.

The Target settlement saw the retailer agree to establish a $6 million (£4.2 million) fund to pay for claims by those who made the original complaints about its site.

It also said it would allow the NFB to certify its website through its Nonvisual Accessibility Web Certification scheme after agreed improvements have been made in early 2009.

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


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