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Accessibility
There are three level of website accessibility compliance defined by the W3C and WAI, (four if you count non-compliance as a zero level of accessibility). Somewhat surprisingly the majority of websites are at the zero level and are often difficult for people with disabilities to use. However most governments, including the UK, require 'Double-A' compliance for their public websites and for websites belonging to their sub-contractors.
Accessibility and in particuler website accessibility is a UK legal requirement under the Disability Discrimination Act. But apart from the legal aspect at 'No-Lemons' we believe that companies have a moral obligation to make their websites accessible. In addition from a purely commercial stand-point people with disabilities who use the Internet have significant spending power. And having a website that disabled people can actually access means they are more likely to buy from your website than others where they struggle to access the content. For a free accessibility assessment of your website email: Assessment
W3C and WAI Standards
The items in the first W3C list are deemed to be Priority One and conformance provides a website with level A rating; it states 'a web developer must satisfy the items in this list (Priority One) otherwise one or more groups of users will find it impossible to access information in the document'. Priority Two items define 'double-A' compliance; 'a web developer should satisfy the items in this list otherwise one or more groups of users will find it difficult to access information in the document'. Priority Three checkpoints are for a 'triple-A' rating; 'a web developer may satisfy the items in this list otherwise one or more groups of users will find it somewhat difficult to access information in the document.'
Read the White Paper and Survey 'Website Accessibility and the Law' by John Hookham as pdf or xps. Request 'Website Accessibility: The Absolute Minimum' by John Hookham via email.
'No Lemons' produces websites that are XHTML 1.0 compliant, written to W3C CSS standards and are accessible with at least a 'Double-A' rating.
Optimised for Microsoft IE7 (other browsers such as IE6, Netscape 9, Firefox 2.0.0.12, Mozilla and Opera are also supported), this website is written in XHTML with CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), templates and nested CSS. The site also uses Javascript for certain functions and is W3C compliant for both XHTML 1.0 and CSS. XHTML 1.0 is a reformulation of HTML 4.01 in XML, and combines the strength of HTML 4 with the power of XML. Use the mouse and 'double click' or use the Tab key followed by the Return key to select items. To alternate between the Radio button use the 'up' and 'down' arrows followed by the Return key to select the option.
Audio and Speech Readers
If you are using an audio browser and do not wish to have the navigation menu read out to you on any page, we have included a 'skip to content' link as one of the first entries on the page. If you select this link you will be taken straight to the main content.
Text Size
You can change the text size on our site to make it either larger or smaller via your browser settings. In IE select View or alt V, then Text or X and cursor up or down and select the required option. In Firefox select View and Increase or Decrease. In Safari select View and 'Make Text Bigger' or 'Make Test Smaller' or use 'Apple' with the + or - keys.
The site also has a number of shortcut access keys. With Internet Explorer use Alt and the Option followed by Return. Options are: 1 - Home, 2 - Articles, 3 - FAQ, 4 - Copy Writing, 5 - Company Profile, a - accessibility. For example Alt 1 Return will display the Home page. In addition Radio button options can be activated by clicking on the radio button or by clicking on the label.
Site Content
This site does not use tables (except for displaying tabular data) or frames. There are examples of overlayed and swapped images, animated gifs, optimised jpeg images, image and picture galleries, links to various websites and download sites, preloaded map site links, multiple document types can be downloaded or read on-line, ordered and unordered lists, anchored web pages and links, site and web searches, automated news feeds, icon links, forms, breadcrumbs, predefined email messages etc..
Web Marketing (Part Two)
Part one of this series highlighted the importance of having a good website.
Equally important for small business is to have a consistent image. This does not mean spending two million pounds with a design consultancy. But having a decent logo design, clear strapline (see below) and message etc embodied in the website, business cards and stationary builds credibility and looks more professional … and need not be expensive.
A strapline is the short phrase that best describes your business. This could be your USP – unique selling point eg "24-hour mobile chiropractor - there to get you mobile."
And having a professionally printed postcard advertisement in your local library or shop should be complemented by a website in the same style, with the same message. This attention to detail shows that you take your business, and therefore your clients, seriously.
Selected Links
Do Web DoWeb the UK Directory
We are listed on www.findex.co.uk Web Designers