Web accessibility and language software company Recite Me is calling on all UK airport websites to ensure their platforms are accessible for people with disabilities.
This follows the recent publication of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) 2018/19 annual report on the disability access of the UK’s largest airports
In total, the report shows there were a record number of 3.7 million requests for assistance at UK airports between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2019, which is an 80 per cent rise since 2010.
- Top 31 UK airports ranked on accessibility for disabled passengers
- 14 airports rated as ‘very good’
- 16 airports rated as ‘good’
- Five airports have improved their ratings
- Four airports have had their classification lowered – but remain at ‘good’ levels
- No airports classified as ‘poor’ for the first time since reporting began
To achieve a ‘very good’ classification on the CAA annual report, UK airports must provide high quality support on the day of travel as well as keeping in regular contact and consultation with its traveling customers.
The disabled access report revealed 14 airports have been rated ‘very good’ and a further 16 airports were rated ‘good’, but there is still room for improvement.
The CAA is going to work closely with UK airports to improve accessibility for disabled passengers. As part of this drive for improvements there should be consideration for online accessibility.
Recite Me says airport websites across the UK receive millions of visitors every day from a diverse range of people. These visitors can also be from anywhere in world, travelling to the UK or passing through and need online support.
Approximately one billion people globally have a disability and they can often face barriers when visiting inaccessible websites that prevent them from accessing information, they vitally need to support them with their journey. The same goes for people who don’t speak English as their first language.
To support customers online Gatwick Airport uses Recite Me website accessibility and language software that helps customers with disabilities, such as those with sight loss or cognitive impairments like learning difficulties and dyslexia, to access their website.
Recite Me’s software makes websites accessible and inclusive through a unique range of features including text to speech functionality, dyslexia software, zoom and page masking, an interactive dictionary, a language translation tool and much more.
Other UK airports that are making a positive step forward online to support visitors with accessibility are London City Airport, Bristol Airport and Heathrow Airport.
Recite Me Founder and CEO, Ross Linnett said: “Accessing information online is essential for all customers, including people with disabilities and those who don’t speak English as their first language.
“This applies to all UK airports, which must ensure that all customers can access information on their websites in order to comply with The Equality Act (2010).
“Recite Me is now calling on all UK airports to ensure their websites are accessible for people with disabilities and those who don’t speak English as their first language.
“We look forward to seeing more UK airports using web accessibility software such as Recite Me to ensure they are supporting all passengers with their travel arrangements.”
