New British Accessibility and Usability Pressure Group Launched

The British Web Design and Marketing Association (BWDMA) has set up a working group for accessibility and usability. Professionals from both the blind and deaf communities have already joined, and the call has attracted members across the digital economy.

The BWDMA is a "broad church", inclusive organisation, open to all companies and individuals that have an interest in the new media sector. BWDMA is influence-driven rather than membership-driven. It deliberately takes an ethical line in attempting to improve e-business standards through sharing knowledge and understanding, and proliferation of best practice.

Aiming to devise practical initiatives to remedy social exclusion from the Internet, the working group has attracted scientists, academics, and industry professionals. But, according to Jodie White, BWDMA relationship manager, it is the participation of people with disabilities that make the composition unusual.

Acting Chair for the working group, BWDMA member Léonie Watson, was a creative designer and programmer who went from 20:20 vision to absolute blindness. She now works as a fulltime Usability and Accessibility Consultant assisting local government, corporate and academic organisations for human-centred design company Nomensa.

According to Watson, the working group's industry-wide composition gives it gravitas: 'Since the evolution of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) usability and accessibility have become hot issues and inevitably there are those that jump on the bandwagon. I am so very encouraged however, by the commitment of people that obviously have a real passion for usability and accessibility. We already have some very interesting initiatives to consider that could make a significant difference.'

The BWDMA working group will hold its inaugural meeting in October and will continue to seek contribution from across the digital industry. Meetings are being planned in London, Bristol and Manchester.

To join the Usability & Accessibility Working Group, visit the website below.

Associated Link: The BWDMA website

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