While ‘web sites usability’ is concerned with standardizing and making pleasurable the browsing experience for the majority of the population,
‘accessibility’ issues are concerned with making online services available to those who have physically impairment.
In the physical world, there are public bodies and councils, like the UK Disability Rights Commission (DRC), in charge of enforcing the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, by creating practice rules and enforcing equal access provisions throughout the business community.
In the virtual world, the concept of accessibility is trickling in and making its slow impact on web development practices.
A Code of Practice issued by the DRC in the UK is the first step towards standardizing those practices, by making it clear that any company providing services through a Web site has the same responsibilities as a company providing services any other way
"An airline company provides a flight reservation and booking service to the public on its Web site," according to the Code. "This is a provision of a service and is subject to the Act."
The Act
The DRC published the new, revised Code of Practice on rights of access to goods, facilities, services and premises for disabled people on 26 February 2002.
This statutory Code, agreed by Parliament, provides detailed advice on the way the law should work, together with practical examples and tips.
Its status means it must be referred to for guidance in court when deciding on DDA Part III cases.
The Code of Practice is
Online

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