What web accessibility is
Web accessibility encompasses all disabilities that affect access to the web, including:
- auditory
- cognitive
- neurological
- physical
- speech
- visual
Web accessibility also benefits people without disabilities, for example:
- people using:
- mobile phones
- smart watches
- smart TVs
- devices with small screens or different input modes
- older people with changing abilities due to ageing
- people with 'temporary disabilities,' like a broken arm or lost glasses
- people with 'situational limitations,' like being in bright sunlight or in an environment where they cannot hear the audio
- people using a slow internet connection, or who have limited or expensive bandwidth
What the law says
From 23 September 2020 all local government websites must be compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.
This means that www.brighton-hove.gov.uk must produce content that the widest possible audience can understand.
It's the right thing to do
Making sure that everybody can access our information is the right thing to do. We want everybody to be able to use our website.
The best way to make sure your content is accessible is to make is as clear as possible. Do not use jargon.
Jargon or idioms are difficult for people:
- not used to those terms
- reading in a second language
- with learning difficulties
An accessible website makes life easier for many people.
Using clear language helps everybody. Short sentences are easy to understand.
What this means for our website
All new content will meet accessibility guidelines. The digital content design team will work with services to ensure content is accessible.
Who is responsible for what on the council website
The Digital content design team is responsible for how the content is designed, written and styled.
They ensure it:
- is easy to read
- meets accessibility guidelines
- is designed so users can find content and use it easily
The service teams are responsible for:
- making sure the content is factually accurate
- letting the Digital content design team know content is out of date or inaccurate
- giving the Digital content design team as much notice for content changes as possible
More information
Fill in our Web content request form for help on how to create accessible content. This form is for Brighton & Hove City Council staff.
Use our style guide to design accessible content.