The Disability Discrimination Act

What You Need to Know

A Guide for Small to Medium Businesses

Appendix A - Website Frequently Asked Questions

Does the DDA apply to Business/Company Websites?

Yes.

A website is part of the business/company service that it provides to its users.

Why are websites covered by the DDA?

As above, a website is part of the service that a company provides to its users. Just like premises, websites need to be accessible and take into consideration the needs and requirements of all it's potential users.

What will happen to me, or the business if it's website does not meet the DDA? Will the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) take action?

The Owner/Director of the business could be taken to court for breach of the DDA. The DDA makes NO distinction about the size of the business ALL websites must now comply.

It is very unlikely that the DRC will take action, the DRC would much prefer for the business's to adopt and introduce their own accessibility programme for websites to meet the DDA.

However this does not mean that an individual who wants to make a point about a website not meeting the DDA would not be prepared to test the legislation of the DDA in the courts.

What will I gain out of making my website meet with the DDA?

Simply a better website.

More accessible to all the public. The potential of gaining more business, as approximately twenty five percent of the UK population has some form of disability; and if you make your website user friendly to disabled groups - the able bodied friends and relatives of these groups are more likely to do business with your company.

How do I make my website more accessible to meet the DDA and how much will it cost?

There are independent specialist bodies within this field to aid in website design and accessibility, such as Poptel Technology, National Learning for the Blind, Mencap and the Disability Rights Commission.

The e-Tameside team at Tameside MBC have been tasked with providing a code of practice/guidelines that can be implemented with the minimum cost implication. The e-Tameside business team through consultation with e-Government bodies (mentioned above) have created an Accessibility Checklist.

(Please see Section 7 - Sources of Help and Information for contact details).