The Government “recognises the importance of digital inclusion to
accessibility and remains committed to ensuring no one is left
behind in a digital age” it has said in its response to the Women
and Equalities Committee's (WEC) second report on the National
Disability Strategy (NDS).
Published in March 2024, the Committee's report entitled
‘Accessibility of products and services to disabled people'
cautioned that many private sector websites continue to “fall
short” of what is required to make them accessible to disabled
consumers at a time when online services, information and social
networks are increasing.
WEC said businesses must consider the needs of disabled consumers
from the outset when designing their products and services and
not treat accessibility as an “afterthought”. The cross-party
committee of MPs called on companies to adopt inclusive design by
default for products and services or risk restricting disabled
consumers' options and missing out on the spending power of
disabled households.
WEC's report also warned the introduction of flat bank cards and
the phasing out of embossed cards is leaving some disabled
people, particularly those who are blind or partially sighted
struggling to conduct financial tasks independently. While some
banks and financial providers have issued debit and credit cards
with tactile indicators, this is not standard practice across the
banking sector.
In its response to the second of three WEC reports based on its
findings during an inquiry into the National Disability Strategy
the Government said: “The Government recognises the importance of
ensuring that banking and payments services are accessible for
those who are blind and partially sighted. The Equality Act 2010
requires all relevant parties, including financial services
providers, merchants and card machine operators, to make
reasonable adjustments in the way they deliver their services to
support those with visual impairments.”
On accessible food packaging, the Government added: “We know
there are exciting possibilities to improve the accessibility of
food packaging's essential information, including the use of
mobile device apps and QR codes via which consumers with visual
impairments may be able to access not only the basics, but the
full range of information available on the label.”
ENDS
Further information:
The first, second and third published NDS reports are available
to access in multi formats on WEC's website. The
Committee's first NDS Government response is also available to
access in multi formats, including EasyRead and BSL video on
WEC's website.
NDS inquiry link
