The world-wide web can be a great enabler and source of freedom and ability for disabled audiences, giving them the resources to better contribute to society.
However, the usefulness of NHS Website and the wider world-wide web to these disabled users, and our aging users, depends on its accessibility.
The web promises an idea of universal access – a place where everyone is truly equal. This is a bold and exciting aspiration. But if that is to be the case it means we need to think carefully about what accessibility means:
For the visually impaired, and Deaf and hard of hearing people as well as those with motor or cognitive disabilities we will ensure that their needs are addressed first and foremost in all services developed from this point on.
It is an attitude we at the NHS need to keep top of mind in the modern age. We must create services that are accessible to people of all ages and all abilities, making it easy for every single person to reach our content, and once there, to determine for themselves the value they derive from us.