The web, accessibility, and inclusion: networked democracy in the United Kingdom

Abstract

PurposeTo highlight and offer guidance on good practice in web accessibility within the context of the United Kingdom government's agendas of social inclusion, widening access to education and the modernisation of public services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on the most current data available from the Department for Education and Skills, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, and performance reports from the Cabinet Office. Conclusions on the current and future directions of government strategy are drawn from analysis of policy documents and statements, as well as from the data sets themselves. The paper makes reference to international web content standards and relevant legislation.FindingsArgues that the accessibility of the online environment is essential in relation to the government's attempts to shape the UK into a socially inclusive knowledge economy.Research limitations/implicationsFocuses on the United Kingdom and draws conclusions from data sets from the Department for Education and Skills and the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Comparative studies could establish the relationship between web accessibility and government social and economic development policies in other countries.Practical implicationsHighlights the importance of accessibility on three levels (ethical, legal and commercial) and offers guidance on inclusive approaches to the design of online resources and services offered by the public, educational and commercial sectors.Originality/valueGood practice in accessible web design is contextualised within social trends and specific government strategies.