Web site Standards and Accessibility

Web standards have been defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and define the correct use of web coding. They are promoting a common method for building web pages so that problems displaying content across multiple browsers and platforms can be greatly reduced. Igeek uses this methodology to design and deliver an elegant, functional web site.

Accessibility for web sites means designing a site that can be accessed by anyone. There are many ways in which you can do this, often geared towards usage of special equipment such as screen readers for the blind or partially-sighted people. When building a site you must think thoroughly about your audience. Consider the sentence 'Click the green button for more info" Firstly you shouldn't presume the user is clicking, secondly, the button may not be green to all users. As a business owner you don't want to exclude any potential customers by poor accessibility. From October 1999 UK law has stated that web sites must not discriminate against disabled people. Someone who feels that they have been discriminated against can claim against you if your web site is not accessible.

Benefits of Standards and Accessibility

Your web site will be available to all, regardless of what technology they are running
If your site complies to standards it will be easier to update, maintain and amend
Accessibility is a legal requirement and you may be claimed against if it doesn't comply