Accessibility

What is accessibility?

Accessibility means everyone can use or access something and nobody is excluded.

It's about making sure there are no barriers that stop people:

• using things
• taking part
• completing the task they set out to do

Why digital accessibility is important

There are 16 million disabled people in the UK with visual, hearing, cognitive and physical impairments. As we age we're all likely to experience some kind of impairment.

Temporary and situational impairments like illness or injury also mean people can face barriers when using our services.

If we create products, services or communications that people cannot use or understand, we stop them choosing Co-op.

This can cause stress, anxiety and frustration for people, and can make them feel excluded.

Accessibility is about creating services without barriers, and removing barriers that already exist.

Why accessibility is more than a checklist

Accessibility guidelines can be useful when creating accessible products, services and communications, but they must be more than just a checklist.

'Checklists' are often limiting and over simplified. They're usually used long after product decisions have been made. We should think about accessibility right at the start to prevent any issues.

We can complete all requirements on a checklist but it does not mean it's accessible. You only find that out by testing with real people.

Each person has different needs so what's accessible to one person, might not be accessible to another. It's important to keep testing so that your product or service can be used by as many people as possible.