At Archant, we believe in making our websites functionality available to all visitors. We have therefore endeavored to make our site usable and accessible by providing text only pages for visually impaired users. Over time, we intend to continue a process of development of our service for all site visitors.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (the DDA), was introduced with the intention of comprehensively tackling the discrimination which many disabled people face. The part of the DDA that states websites must be made accessible came into force on 1 October 1999 - but with no legal obligations to comply. However new DDA changes came into effect on October 1 2004.
They are as follows:
Small employer exemption removed. All employers are now legally obliged to make all their services accessible including websites, intranets and extranets accessible
Police and fire services are now also legally obliged to make their websites, intranets and extranets accessible. Previously they were exempt. The only area of employment still specifically excluded is the armed forces.
Service providers will have to make physical adjustments to their premises where these features make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use the service they provide.
Click here to find out more about the Disability Discrimination Act 1995