Currently millions of people through disability or age find it difficult or impossible to use the web because of accessibility barriers. The international web standards organisation W3C defines accessibility as follows:

"Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can use the Web. More specifically, Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web. Web accessibility also benefits others, including older people with changing abilities due to ageing."

There have been a number of events/developments this year in the UK on the accessibility front that are significant for those responsible for delivering services online.