Foreword
When SAIF published its Standards for Disability Information & Advice Provision in Scotland in 1999, the Internet merited a few brief mentions as a possible method of delivering information and advice. The technological revolution that is the World Wide Web was receiving huge amounts of publicity but at that time it was making very little impact on the every day lives of disabled people throughout Scotland.
Three years later, it is unusual to come across an information and advice agency that is not planning, building or working hard to maintain a website in order to deliver some or all of its services. It is also very unusual to meet someone who has attempted to set up a website and found the process easy or straightforward. In addition, there are many initiatives throughout Scotland that are making access to the web more widespread.
Admittedly, there is a wealth of information on the web and elsewhere about setting up a website and about accessibility. But where do you start and who do you believe? This guide is intended to do two things. Firstly, to explain in simple, straightforward language what is involved in setting up a website. Secondly, to provide guidance on how to make sure that accessibility is considered and addressed at every stage of the process.
The web has huge potential to make information readily available for disabled people in their preferred format, but often that potential is still not being fulfilled. We hope that this guide will help information providers to build accessible, user-friendly websites that benefit everyone.
Mike McCarron
Chairperson, Scottish Accessible Information Forum
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