A trailblazing website accessibility accreditation service, for companies worried about their compliance with the fast approaching DDA laws, was unveiled at the Technology Wales 2004 exhibition in Newport on Friday May 28, before a UK-wide launch in June.
National charity Shaw Trust, the country's largest provider of employment services for disabled people, and Swansea e-technology experts CDSM Interactive Solutions launched the unique Shaw Trust Web Accreditation (STWA) at the TW04 event at the Celtic Manor Resort.
"As from October, when the Disability Discrimination Act comes into force, the heat is on for companies who will have to ensure their services, whether they are buildings or websites, are accessible to everyone," says Andrea Kennedy, Adaptive Technology and STWA Project Co-ordinator for Shaw Trust.
"Five companies have already been taken to court, and that is bound to snowball. But quite apart from the legal requirements, it makes absolute sense for companies to ensure they are accessible to every potential customer and worker."
The STWA project follows a report by the Disabilities Rights Commission criticising the accessibility of UK websites. A startling 81% of nearly 1000 sites tested were found to fall short of even the most basic and fundamental principles of accessibility.
Andrea Kennedy, who works at Shaw Trust's Neath-based Disability Action Centre, was already well aware of most websites shortcomings, since clients on IT training courses are routinely frustrated by barriers set up by unwitting website designers.
CDSM Interactive Solutions has become an expert in automated testing of sites for possible problems, but was aware that however good the technology, it doesn't test in the way that a human user does.
"The partnership with disability specialists Shaw Trust makes absolute sense, and the more we looked at it, the more sense it made to offer companies accreditation that their site is fully accessible," says Grant Broome, Accessibility Consultant and STWA Project Co-ordinator at CDSM.
The STWA four-week test involves automated testing by CDSM, checking by a legal firm and, uniquely, hands on testing by a team of people with a broad range of disabilities. A full report will highlight strengths and weaknesses, and improvement guidance.
Successful companies, aiming for Standard or Gold accreditation, will earn the right to broadcast the STWA stamp of approval.
Media enquiries to Josie Hoskins on 07779 317793.
Link to Shaw Trust Web Accreditation project page
