Press Releases

The Usability Company launches web accessibility training

2 May 2003 The Usability Company is to offer courses on website accessibility to provide businesses and other organisations with a clear understanding of the various guidelines, standards and legislation surrounding the issue. The courses, which begin in June, will also provide practical advice on how to implement a simple, practical, and effective approach to accessibility within organisations' websites.

The Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 requires all organisations to make ‘reasonable adjustments' to ensure services are accessible to everyone, and in 2002 the Disability Rights Commission confirmed that this applied equally to online services.

A number of companies are currently offering consultancy on DDA compliance. However, until the legal first case is prosecuted such consultancy is limited in offering only a subjective interpretation of the law. Furthermore, the existence of various national and international accessibility standards, combined with a lack of practical experience in this emerging area, means that many organisations are confused about which standards to implement, and how to do this on a practical level.

The Usability Company's courses will enable participants to negotiate the maze of accessibility guidelines and standards, and, using examples from real-life situations, will provide businesses with a firm grasp on how best to integrate accessibility considerations into their websites.

Paul Blunden, CEO of The Usability Company, said: "Organisations are understandably keen to ensure that their websites are accessible to everyone. However, there are a plethora of accessibility standards out there, and it's difficult for businesses to be sure exactly which recommendations and guidelines to follow, especially bearing in mind budgetary considerations. By the end of the course participants should have a clear understanding of the issues surrounding web accessibility and will be able to make their own informed decisions about which steps exactly to implement, and how to do it."

Please visit for full details of the courses.

About The Usability Company

The Usability Company is the UK's foremost provider of independent usability consultancy, and is now at the forefront of design technology aimed at improving ease of use for websites, wireless services, intranets, mobile devices and interactive digital TV.

Numerous clients have benefited from The Usability Company's expertise in delivering websites, applications and devices that provide a satisfying experience for the end user. Current clients include Barclays Bank, Camelot, BskyB, LG Electronics, RNIB and Charcolonline.

Time and again The Usability Company has demonstrated that with its focus on the requirements of the end user, usability analysis has a significant impact on the bottom line.

For further information please contact Will Brown or Marc Sparrow on or e-mail

 
© The Usability Company 2007