Making websites more accessible

Usability Exchange testers will work from home but will need to provide their own computers and internet connection. Payment is via PayPal and Usability Exchange provides some information about dealing with any impact on benefits, a concern raised by charity, the RNIB.

A representative for the Inland Revenue confirmed that any money received as payment must be declared for tax and National Insurance purposes.

The Inland Revenue said as these payments could also affect benefit entitlement if those benefits are means tested, potential testers should check with it before signing up for work.

However, web managers of companies that sign up with the service will be able to create a variety of user tests and submit them to a range of users with different disabilities. They can also use remote viewing software to watch how easily the surfers are able to move through a site as it is tested.

A number of companies have already submitted their sites to the Exchange for testing including Orange, the Scottish Parliament and the Royal Mail.

The DRC, which exists to help people who want to take legal action against discrimination, also plans to start evaluating the Usability Exchange service from April 2006.

Alison Rose from the DRC said that it had negotiated a reduction in the price of the BSI document to £30 making it affordable for even the smallest company, but that she appealed for feedback from anyone using the document. The DRC can be contacted on their helpline number 08457 622 633.