The first digital accessibility training course has been developed to help business make sure that their websites are open to be used by disabled people.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has partnered with AbilityNet and BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, to develop the course.
The Equality Act 2010 sets out the legal obligation for organisations to make websites accessible but research by AbilityNet found that four out of the five most popular price comparison websites were inaccessible to disabled people.
The short course for web developers, online editors as well as anyone who generates digital content “Digital Accessibility: Web Essentials” covers topics from what web accessibility means to practical examples of how to make websites inclusive.
At the end of the course participants take a test to gain a certificate of achievement from BCS. It will be available online and disabled people can request accessible versions from the Commission.
Dr Jean Irvine, commissioner at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “Cutting out disabled consumers can be costly for businesses, not just in terms of their spending power. They also run the risk of being taken to task for failing to comply with equality law.
“We have worked with several high street retailers to help them make sure their websites and shops are accessible to all consumers.”
Robin Christopherson the head of digital inclusion at AbilityNet said: “Disabled people such as myself love using the internet for shopping, banking, socialising or simply trying to find information – just like everyone else. Unfortunately, many well-known retail websites are inaccessible and it becomes a very frustrating experience.”
To find out more about the training and register an interest www.equalityhumanrights.com/webaccessibilityessentials.
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