IMRG launches website accessibility tool

A toolbar that will help people with disabilities to navigate websites has been launched by the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG).

The needs of disabled internet users are continually overlooked by website designers and companies; a survey by UK-based web accessibility agency Nomensa showed how bad the situation is with 97 per cent of websites around the world still failing to take into account even the minimum level of accessibility.

In the UK this is a breach of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) which says companies must make reasonable efforts to ensure their websites are accessible to everyone.

The IMRG said the Isis Safe and Sound toolbar can change this by offering companies and individuals a way to make any website they run or visit accessible.

The toolbar was developed in conjunction with technology company, the Hidden Differences Group. It is a hosted application that sits on a shop's site.

When activated the user can have it read text on a website in a clear voice rather than robotic computerised tones. People can also tinker with colours and font sizes to make the page clearer.

People can even save what the toolbar reads out to mp3 players to listen at a later time.

Because the toolbar is hosted, the IMRG said the prices can be kept low; consumers can even download the toolbar to their PC free of charge for 30 minutes text to speech or pay 99p per month for unlimited usage.

In an effort get companies to sit up and listen, the IMRG pointed out not only that accessible web design was not only a legal and social requirement but it made good business sense.

IMRG chief executive, James Roper said: "Not only is it right and proper that internet retailers comply with the law, it just makes fantastic business sense. Who wants to ignore 20 per cent of UK shoppers – which is around £4bn of potential revenue to online retailers."

He went on to say that although it was not a magic bullet it was the first real across-the-board application that would make websites far more accessible.

The toolbar has also been welcomed by the RNIB.

Hugh Huddy, from the charity's digital accessibility unit, said: "The RNIB welcomes the accessibility features offered by the Safe and Sound Toolbar."