Accessibility - Accessibility law

New regulations mean public sector organisations have a legal duty to make sure websites and apps meet accessibility requirements

When we talk about accessibility we must not think of it as just people with disabilities, it also means supporting everyone with temporary, situational and permenant access needs who may be using assisitve technology.

In the UK, one in five people have a disability and around 15% of people are thought to be neurodiverse.

Accessibility is a part of several laws and standards we must follow. Each of the standards feed into the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.

If you are building anything which runs in a browser, you will need to meet the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018.

If you are procuring hardware or software you will need to meet the EN 301 549 Accessibility Requirements for ICT products and services.

If you are working to the GOV.UK Service Standard you will also need to meet the Government Accessibility Requirements.

Estimate how many people using your website might be disabled. This will help you consider the types of people who may be using your service and who you should be testing with.