Business For Good
At Script-it, we recognise a significant challenge many schools face today: achieving and maintaining web accessibility compliance. Despite the clear mandates set by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), numerous educational institutions find themselves struggling to meet these critical standards. Our "Business for Good" initiative is designed to address this gap, making it feasible and affordable for schools to become fully compliant with WCAG standards.
What is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility is about making the internet work for everyone. It's a way to ensure that people with disabilities—like those who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, or have physical or cognitive disabilities—can access, navigate, and interact with websites as easily as anyone else.
Imagine being unable to use a mouse and having to rely solely on a keyboard, or needing text to be read aloud because you can't see the screen. For many, these aren't hypothetical situations; they're daily realities. Web accessibility means building websites that cater to these needs—ensuring that everyone has equal access to the information and functionalities offered online.
Videos without captions, text that’s too faint to read, navigation that's impossible without a mouse or sites that can't be read using screen readers. For millions with disabilities, these barriers are part of their everyday online experience.
Why is Accessibility Essential for Schools?
1. Strict Compliance: All UK school websites must align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA. Compliance includes ensuring sufficient text contrast, easy navigation, and compatibility with technologies like screen readers and voice recognition software.
2. Legal Framework:
Launch Ready: New websites must meet accessibility standards from day one.
Timeline for Compliance: Existing websites should have been compliant by September 2020, and mobile applications by June 2021.
Risks of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply can lead to legal repercussions and damage your school’s reputation.
3. Your Accessibility Statement: This essential document should outline your compliance status, detail any inaccessible content, explain the reasons, and describe planned enhancements. Regular updates are crucial, especially after significant digital modifications.
The Benefits of Prioritising Accessibility
- Inclusivity: An accessible website shows your commitment to making education equitable for all students and their caregivers.
- Legal Compliance: Staying compliant avoids legal issues and potential fines, keeping your school in good standing with regulatory authorities.
- Reputation: Proactively addressing web accessibility demonstrates your dedication to all students' educational experiences, enhancing your school’s public image.
How Our Services Support Your Accessibility Goals
- Detailed Testing: Our experts perform comprehensive accessibility assessments, identifying compliance gaps and providing actionable insights.
- Remediation Support: We guide you through necessary updates to achieve full compliance, improving user experience for all visitors.
- Ongoing Maintenance: We help maintain your accessibility statement, ensuring it remains current with any changes to your site or updates in accessibility guidelines.
Join Our "Business for Good" Initiative
Our initiative makes web accessibility affordable for educational institutions and charities. We are committed to creating an inclusive digital environment that supports every school’s mission. Sign up today to take advantage of our discounted rates and ensure your school’s website meets all accessibility standards!
Good to know.
What is the "Business for Good" initiative?
The "Business for Good" initiative is designed to support schools and charities by making web accessibility services more affordable. We believe that creating an inclusive digital environment should be achievable for all institutions, regardless of their budget.
How much does an accessibility test typically cost under this initiative?
For schools and charities participating in the "Business for Good" initiative, we offer a substantial discount on our standard accessibility testing services. Typically, these services would cost between £3,000 to £7,000, but qualifying organisations only pay £1,760 for the same comprehensive testing.
What does the accessibility test include?
The test includes a thorough review of your website and mobile apps against the WCAG 2.2 AA standards, identifying any accessibility barriers and providing detailed recommendations for remediation. The service covers everything from text contrast and navigation to compatibility with assistive technologies.
Is there an option to maintain the discounted rate for future tests?
Yes, organisations can lock in the discounted rate for annual tests by opting for a monthly payment plan of £130 after the initial test. This plan not only secures the pricing but also ensures that your accessibility compliance is continually monitored and maintained.
Why is there a difference in pricing for schools and charities compared to other sectors?
We are committed to supporting the vital work of schools and charities by making our services more accessible to them. We understand that budget constraints can often limit the ability to invest in necessary compliance measures, so we offer these special rates to aid in their mission without compromising on quality.
How often should we retest our website for accessibility compliance?
We recommend retesting your website annually to ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility standards, especially as new content is added or changes are made to your site. Our monthly plan facilitates regular updates and continuous improvements to maintain accessibility.
How can we sign up for the "Business for Good" initiative?
Schools and charities interested in participating can contact us directly via our website contact form. We will provide you with all the necessary information and guide you through the sign-up process to start improving your website's accessibility.
What happens if we find accessibility issues after the initial test?
If accessibility issues are discovered during the initial test, our team will provide a detailed report with actionable recommendations. We also offer remediation support to help you address these issues and achieve compliance.
What additional support is provided with the monthly plan?
The monthly plan includes ongoing support, regular updates to your accessibility statement, compliance monitoring, and annual retesting. This comprehensive support ensures that your organisation remains at the forefront of web accessibility standards.