Report claims almost two thirds of major websites in Ireland
inaccessible to people with
Adrian Weckler
Almost two thirds of major websites in Ireland are inaccessible to over
600,000 people with disabilities, according to new research.
The report, from Inclusion & Accessibility (IA) Labs and the National
Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), claims that three of the
country’s five most popular social media platforms are not digitally
accessible, while four out of the five food delivery apps checked “could
not be used by a person with a disability”.
The research is based on an audit of over 40 websites and mobile apps
“that would typically be used on a daily basis”, according to the IA and
NCBI.
It also found that three of Ireland’s five most popular news websites
are not digitally accessible, while only two of the six most popular
clothing websites “are usable” for a person living with a disability.
“Any person with a disability would be severely limited in the service
websites that they could use, and would struggle to carry out basic,
menial tasks online,” the report claims.
“That an entire customer base would be prevented from accessing
websites, has clear ramifications for businesses.”
The report also warns that regulatory initiatives may catch up with
companies that don’t make their websites and apps more accessible.
“The EU Web Accessibility Directive and European Accessibility Act are
crucial steps in creating digital and online experiences that are
accessible for all,” said Kyran O’Mahoney, chief technology officer at NCBI.
“Our research demonstrates that people with disabilities are continuing
to face barriers and obstacles in an economy and society that is
becoming increasingly reliant on digital technology. Given that it will
soon become mandatory under EU law, businesses, organisations and
service providers in Ireland need to check their website or mobile app’s
compliance against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and take
concrete steps to ensure full accessibility.”
https://www.independent.ie/business/technology/report-claims-almost-two-thirds-of-major-websites-in-ireland-inaccessible-to-people-with-disabilities-42146742.html
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