SAIF: Making Information Accessible

Guidelines for producing accessible printed and electronic information

Making Websites Accessible

• Comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 1.0 AA or the WCAG 2 equivalent.  Find out more at www.w3.org/WAI  (Web Accessibility Initiative). 
• When tendering for a website ensure that accessibility is built-in from the start.  SAIF recommends WCAG version 1.0 AA compliance as a minimum.  Use “The guide to good practice in commissioning accessible websites” developed by the Disability Rights Commission and the British Standards Institute.  It is also known as PAS78: 2006. www.equalityhumanrights.com (Search: Web Accessibility).
• Create a website design that is flexible so that users can change colours, font and font size to meet their individual requirements.
• Give links a meaningful name describing what they link to. e.g. “SAIF’s Publication Page”.  Do not use “Link to”.
• Add alternative text labels to all non-text elements, like photographs and graphics.
• Do regular accessibility checks on your site using the automated tools provided by the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) www.W3.org
• Involve disabled people in the planning and testing of your site.
• Get regular and organised feedback from disabled people about the accessibility and usability of your site.

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