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Accessible websites are ultimately better for users
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While there is a legal requirement for us to publish in accessible formats - there are also benefits for all users of PHE digital services.
Extensive user research shows that accessible websites are preferred by all website visitors - not just disabled users.
Benefits include:
- a more straightforward site navigation
- being able to open documents in a range of software
- pages display correctly on all devices
- text is easy to read even in low light conditions
It takes more time and effort to make pages and publications accessible.
We've talked about accessibility in terms of compliance, but research suggests that in the long run, users overwhemingly prefer to use accessible websites.
This applies to all users, not just people with disabilities. Accessible websites and documents are:
- more straightforward to navigate
- compatible with a range of software - not just Microsoft Office
- easy to read on multiple devices
- simple to quickly scan and learn the relevant information
This means that accessibility isn't about customising GOV.UK so that it's acceptable to use for people with disabilities... it is about finding new ways to publish information that ultimately benefits everyone.
But there is a benefit for all users as we are building PHE web pages that have an optimal user experience.