What is website accessibility?
Website accessibility refers to the practice of making websites usable for all individuals, including those with disabilities. This encompasses various aspects, such as ensuring that content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. For parish councils, this means creating a website that allows everyone in the community to access information and services without barriers.
Legal requirements for councils
In the UK, public sector websites, including those of parish councils, are required to meet specific accessibility standards under the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018. These regulations mandate that websites must conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. This includes providing text alternatives for non-text content, ensuring that all functionality is available from a keyboard, and providing sufficient contrast between text and background colours. Councils must also publish an accessibility statement outlining how they meet these requirements and any areas where they may fall short.
How to ensure accessibility with software
To ensure that a parish council's website is accessible, various software tools can assist in identifying and rectifying accessibility issues. Content management systems (CMS) often have built-in features or plugins that help improve accessibility. For instance, tools can automatically check for colour contrast, provide alt text suggestions for images, and ensure that forms are labelled correctly. Additionally, using accessible templates and themes can significantly enhance the usability of a website for all users. Regular audits using accessibility evaluation tools can help maintain compliance and improve user experience.
Resources for further information
For further information on parish council website accessibility, councils can refer to the following resources:
- Gov.uk Accessibility Regulations
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
- The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Making your council's website accessible is essential for ensuring that all members of the community can engage with council activities and services.
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