Accessibility and Usability proposed to feature in UK Government IT policies

Accessibility and usability standards are to be formally introduced into the UK Government's technical policies for public sector information systems if consultations get the go-ahead, reports news service eGov monitor, following the European Commission's announcement last month that it may call upon EU Member States to make accessibility a technical requirement of all public sector IT procurements.

eGov monitor reports that 'proposed new policies stipulate that Government information systems must not "disadvantage or exclude" those with a disability, bringing the development and design of government IT and web projects into line with anti-discrimination law'.

If the plans go ahead, these measures would be enshrined as part of the e-Government Interoperability Framework, the technical standards and specifications which underpin the UK's eGovernment strategy. 'As compliance with the e-GIF is mandatory, the impact on the public sector IT marketplace would be profound.'

The proposals are subject to public consultation until 17 June 2005 (and are linked below).

Associated Link: Proposals for Consultation

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