DDA

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) aims to end the discrimination which many disabled people face.

Under the DDA, organisations providing goods, services and facilities directly to the general public are not allowed to refuse to serve a disabled person for a reason that relates to their disability.

This means that websites have to use technology to support features such as text for images, and some firms may have to consider implementing technologies for enhanced screen readers.

In some cases, if people with disabilities such as sight problems cannot access site facilities, the owner of the site may be in breach of the law.

Since 1995 it has been illegal for businesses to discriminate against people with disabilities and in 1999 it was confirmed that the DDA covers online services including websites.

"Service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to their sites. But if an individual can demonstrate that something is unreasonable, then it is up to the court to decide what action to take" explained Catherine Casserle, senior legal officer at the RNIB.