December 8, 2006
Three
out of 100 leading websites for travel, finance, media, government
and retail shopping around the world are failing to meet the needs
of disabled people, according the United Nations. The criticism
refers to the ergonomics of the websites because accessibility and
usability contribute to the failing grade.
The report echoes the theme of The International Day of Disabled
Persons on December 3. The “E-accessibility” theme is a UN reminder
that the Internet should be available to everyone.
The website study was commissioned by the UN Department of Economic
and Social Affairs (DESA) and conducted by the British firm Nomensa
on websites from 20 countries.
Under the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which the survey
used, websites must allow users to easily adjust text size, navigate
through the site, differentiate between colors, allow keyboard
shortcuts and offer an alternative to JavaScript, which prevents
many people from accessing key information.
Thomas Schindlmayr, a policy specialist with DESA, said the survey –
which looked at guidelines for people who are blind, have low vision
or cannot use a computer mouse – indicates that “we’re not close to
reaching the Internet’s full potential for use by persons with
disabilities.”
He added that the site owners should be aware that they are losing a
significant portion of their intended audience by not being fully
accessible to all people. “Persons with disabilities shop, they
travel and they need information just like everyone else. Allowing
people to exercise their human rights and play their full part in
the economic, social and political lives of their societies just
makes good sense all around.”
The study found that a quarter of the websites investigated could be
brought into line with international standards quickly and for
little expense.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is
expected to be approved by the UN General Assembly later this month,
could help bring websites in line. States that choose to become
party to the Convention will be committing themselves to taking
steps towards the ergonomic changes. The Convention urges private
businesses and mass media to do the same with their services.
Source: United Nations
-- Jennifer Anderson
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